The Nisja Bear House
2004

It has been an interesting year. Last year we had about two feet of rain in the month of December. That makes it two years running of above average rainfall and it has really taken a toll on our display. The maintenance has been incredible!

Dad retired and has had a little more time to rework some of the electrical magic that make our display come to life. The number one elf (my wife) decided to break her ankle. This created a little bit of a challenge. Thanks go to a grandma elf and some friends for helping get it together.

What’s new for our 24th year? Lots! I seem to have a problem when there is extra plywood around. I decided that the bear that blows bubbles was getting lost in the growing plants near the porch. So he needed an upgrade. We built him his own house complete with Christmas tree, interior and exterior lighting, and a new container that holds a ½ gallon of bubbles. I think that all of you will once again enjoy him. We have a wonderful new sign thanks to a friend who volunteered to help. We also have a new four-foot wreath on the garage. There are some other things. I can’t share everything with you or my son (the tour guide) will let me have it.

Speaking of our son, he is nine years old now; still loves his ice hockey. He really loves Christmas. He has an incredible imagination. He and I were driving down the road on a summer day. It was about 90 degrees out and he asked if the bubble bear’s house could have a working chimney! I had him call Grandpa to see if he would be able to work it out. It is a great idea but we didn’t have time to get that in this year. He has been the biggest help this year. He loves to show young and old our display. Do not ask him how something works! He won’t tell you. His answer is, “It’s Magic.” He’s right.

There are times during the year when you wonder if what we do is worth it. It is! Does this make a difference for anyone? Yes, it does. Through the years we have seen more and more adults come by. They often come to forget about the problems of the day. When they stop by they are able to do that. Do you ever wonder if you have made a difference in someone’s life? I do. I think that our display helps remind people of childhood memories and that we are making memories for your children.

This is a family project. How often do you call your dad in July then ask him about the latest Christmas project. There are three generations working on this project now. That’s the part of the reason I do this.

What will we be doing for the 25th year? I have an idea or two. What concerns me are the ideas that my son has! Whatever we do, it’s sure to be a family project. That’s enough of a reason for me!

Thank you for coming by to view our display. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

Donn Nisja