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Sadness, relief mark end of festive tradition
© St. Petersburg Times At the end of a long political season, here's one election story you probably haven't heard. The result of this vote killed a Christmas tradition that had attracted tens of thousands of people to a Pasco neighborhood over 19 years. Which was precisely the problem to some folks who disliked -- a few more intensely than others -- the extra traffic every December. The Christmas House of Hidden Lake Estates in New Port Richey inspired and entertained and raised potloads of money for the Salvation Army. But its success eventually became its demise. With sadness and, yes, some relief, Sharon and Lonnie Miller are pulling the network of extension plugs on their amazing display at 8836 Cessna Drive because they took a vote and the neighborhood majority said quit. The ballots, which the Millers sent to each household and allowed anonymous replies, coincided with the construction of a new electric security gate for the community known for its private airstrip. "We could have continued, even with the gate," said Miller, owner of Ja-Mar Travel Park Inc. who built the 7,300-square-foot house 20 years ago and raised nine children. "But we decided to abide by the majority's wishes. There is no bitterness. It does hurt some, yeah, but maybe they did us a favor." The family had endured complaints for several years as the line of vehicles often would stretch for 3 miles. Because folks would leave their cars to accept refreshments, enjoy carolers or get a closeup look at Mrs. Miller's collection of 300 Cabbage Patch dolls on display behind plexiglass, neighbors complained about gridlock and loss of privacy. Miller eventually bought the lot across the street for parking and hired off-duty police for traffic control, but the complaints kept coming. Still, as Miller points out proudly, "there was never a case of vandalism, never any littering, not even cigarette butts. People showed respect. And to us, it was like homecoming. We would see many of the same people every year. Mothers would tell us that their mothers brought them here when they were little and now they were bringing their own children. It just made us feel so good." On Dec. 21, 1999, the Pasco County Commission surprised the Millers with a resolution commending them for their holiday spirit and "sharing of their joy and good will." The lawmakers praised the Millers for conveying "the true meaning of the holiday spirit by opening their homes and their hearts to their fellowman," and then proceeded to name every member of the family, including the children who now range in age from 30 to 10: Lani, Jamar, Caleb, Hayley, Jordan, Whitney, Jesse, Chelsea and Clara. The Millers added mechanical trains, a Victorian village and even a Jack Frost robot that blew "snow" into the night air. They rented air-conditioned warehouse space to store all the equipment and every November started buying thousands of replacement lights. But never would you find Santa Claus. The Millers emphasized the birth of Jesus Christ. The family has been intensely involved in Gulfview Grace Brethren Church in Port Richey for almost 25 years, and Lonnie is on the board of directors at Word of Life in Hudson. Last week, as Miller spoke of the end of the Christmas House tradition, I asked what will become of all the decorations. He smiled. "We're working on something," he said, "but the deal isn't done so I can't say." Still, he couldn't contain his enthusiasm and let loose a few hints that seemed to indicate there will be a new location for the Cabbage Patch dolls and other attractions. Stay tuned.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
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