Vandalism at ‘Christmas House' in New Britain

Despite vandals striking a home long known as the "Christmas House" in New Britain, no one is stealing Christmas from the traditional holiday attraction.

Homeowner Rita Giancola, who is in her 90s, has been doing her Christmas display inside and outside of her house since 1978. The home is decorated from top to bottom with Christmas lights and illuminated figures from snowmen to Santas spanning the entire front lawn.

But at about 1 a.m., the day after Thanksgiving, Giancola got a knock on her door that woke her up. It was the police checking her. That day and again a few days ago, she said some of the figures in her yard were knocked over and a few were destroyed.

It's unknown who may be behind it, but some people familiar with the house have expressed outrage on social media.

It's unknown whether there is a police investigation.

But for now, order has been restored to the display.

Giancola will welcome the public Dec. 18-22 for an open house between 6 and 8 p.m. The inside is adorned with Christmas decorations, as well.

 "If they're mad before they come in," she previously said, "they'll leave with laughter and joyfulness - very amazing."

"Oh my God there's so much bad stuff in the world today that when you see all the goodness and joy and all the children, it's just happiness over here. A lotta love goes into this," she said.

The price of admission is non-perishable food or household items, all for area charities.

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