Santa, you’ve got mail: Letters can be sent via special mailbox
Dec 9, 2021
Two reindeer stand watch at the letters to Santa mailbox. Photo by: Sandy Quadros Bowles
The mailbox takes on a special glow when the decorations are lit. Photo courtesy: Pete Lantz
Ray Guilbert and Tyler Lantz, 15, spent months working on the mailbox. Photo courtesy: Pete Lantz
The Lantz home shines during the holiday season. Photo courtesy: Pete Lantz
An elf reminds visitors of the direct address to Santa. Photo by: Sandy Quadros Bowles
In addition to enjoy the decorations, those checking out the mailbox and lights are also invited to make a donation to Toys for Tots. Photo by: Sandy Quadros Bowles
Young visitors to a Russells Mills Road yard can make a special delivery to that most magical of places: The North Pole.
The elaborate Christmas display at 142 Russells Mills Road includes a “Letters to Santa’’ mailbox, where missives can be sent directly to the man with the bag.
Pete Lantz decided to add the mailbox to his yard to bring a special dose of cheer to the decorations. His youngest child, Charlee, is 8, an age where she “really enjoys the magic of Christmas.’’
Like the true meaning of Christmas, this mailbox didn’t come from a store. Lantz, with assistance from his father-in-law, Raymond Guilbert, and his son Tyler, 15, spent about two months building the letter holder.
Working with Tyler provided father and son with “good quality time together,’’ Lantz said.
They used flexible PVC pipe, primed pieces of plywood, paint and another crucial holiday ingredient: Glitter.
He laughed as he recalled visiting a local hardware store and seeking out a clerk. “I never thought I’d ask you this in my life, but where’s your glitter section?’’ Lantz asked.
Jennifer Lantz, Peter’s wife, created the colorful enter and exit signs to keep the flow of visitors moving. She also designed the lettering on the mailbox.
In addition to dropping off letters in the mailbox, visitors can also bring toys to be donated to Toys for Tots.
As a fourth-generation Marine, Lantz said he has always supported Toys for Tots, which provides gifts for children in need.
Dropping off new, unwrapped toys is not mandatory but Lantz said the donation could provide a “good teaching moment’’ for children.
“Not everyone is as fortunate,’’ Lantz said. “Some kids only get gifts from Santa and not from their parents.’’
Visitors are welcome to stroll through the display from 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Anyone wanting more information about the letters to Santa can reach Lantz via direct message at www.facebook.com/plantz76.
