By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, especially in Merlin.
That’s thanks to Liz and Jonas Cook, who for the last seven years have put together a holiday-themed feast for the eyes.
Each year on the first weekend of December, the Cooks open their Aberdeen Street home to showcase “The Little Village in Merlin.”
There’s a large indoor winter village display Liz is in charge of, as well as an outdoor extravaganza Jonas takes the lead on, reminiscent of the Griswolds in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
Visitors gain entry to the festive display by donating a toy or canned good to supply the Merlin Community Assistance Program. Donations are used to assist the Merlin Christmas basket program and stock the local food bank.
The Cooks said it’s their way of giving back, as they had to make use of the program in earlier years.
“We had to utilize the Christmas basket program when we were younger and Jonas was laid off in the winter,” Liz said. “Doing the Christmas display brings us joy and allows us to give back.”
Liz estimates she’ll have 84 hours of time invested in building the three-tier display that includes an estimated 200 buildings, 1,000 people and 500 trees.
The couple started the display with only three building Jonas gifted her when their children were small. Now the pair is constantly on the lookout to add pieces, checking out online websites and estate sales.
Liz gives her husband kudos when it comes wiring and setting up the unique settings, many of which are electrically powered.
“It’s pretty complicated,” she said. “Jonas is Mr. Fix It and he’s the one who builds my structures.”
The couple also likes to change it up.
“We never do the same thing twice,” Liz said of the event. “We buy new pieces and retire pieces so we can give it a fresh take.”
“Christmas at the Seaside” is the theme of the display for 2024, with a splash of Santa’s carnival thrown in.
The outdoor display in the front yard is impressive in its own right and, according to Liz, it’s growing as well.
“As time goes on, we keep adding to it,” she said. “Whatever Jonas’ whim is, that’s how it goes. The work that he puts in is phenomenal.”
Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Cooks’ Christmas campaign is invited to contact merlin_2012@hotmail.com online or call 226-627-9925. Special tours may be arranged if time permits.
