Turns out, Santa Claus is real.
An Iowa man filled with the spirit of Christmas has taken it upon himself to decorate every house on his block each festive season — an act of kindness a neighbor described as “moving.”
And there’s a beautiful reason why John Reichart, 74, takes on the herculean task again and again — it’s all for Joan, his holiday-loving wife of 53 years, who four years ago was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Since then, he’s become determined to make as many memories for her as possible — starting with the most wonderful time of the year.
“If it wasn’t for my wife, I don’t know if I would’ve done it,” Reichart, a Marine veteran, told CBS News. “But she wanted Christmas, so I’d give it to her. I’d do anything to make her happy.”
The good deed quickly caught the attention of the town of Indianola, where the Reicharts live — with many local elves volunteering to help out in what’s become something of a tradition in their corner of the Hawkeye State.
One Indianolan said the entire area feels “very blessed” to have the cheerful man as a neighbor.
“That’s what Christmas is all about,” another said.
Best of all, the transformation of the block still brings Joan a great deal of joy.
“I’m glad he did it,” she said. “I love him.”
The loyal husband has no plans to slow down in the coming years.
“As long as she’s OK,” he’ll do it, Reichart told the network.
“And even if she would pass, I’m gonna do it in her memory as long as I can do it,” he said.
Meanwhile, a grateful neighbor has opened up a P.O. box where well-wishers can send the couple Christmas cards.
Send your greetings to:
John Reichart
C/O Frank Ewurs
P.O. Box 133
Indianola, IA
50125
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