427 NW 113th Terrace [photo courtesy of Janelle Salandy]

By: Jen Russon

Coral Springs resident Janelle Salandy has always loved Christmas, so when she moved from a villa to a ranch style house in Cypress Glen in 2016, her holiday decorating got a huge upgrade.

Neighbors have already complimented Janelle and husband, Landis, on their lights and manger, but it’s the Santa Claus mailbox that’s stealing the show.

The Salandys, whose family include 10-year-old Sydney and 20-year-old BJ, said they had been delighted to see youngsters dropping their letters into the bin all week. A few of the families have written to express their gratitude.

“Thank you for this kind gesture,” a parent wrote on Nextdoor. “Our four-year-old was so excited to drop off his letter tonight. You really made his night!! Your yard looks absolutely beautiful.”

Others chimed in, calling the Salandys a magical group of elves, helping to promote joy during a time when more of this is needed.

Janelle said the pandemic has little to do with her decision to have a Santa mailbox and pass out candy canes.

“I’ve always loved this holiday in the way some love Halloween. Only I don’t like being scared. I love the candy, but the Michael Meyers masks, not so much,” she joked.

Janelle added she has always wanted to pass out candy to holiday revelers — that this seems like a natural thing to do when families are walking up and down the street taking in the holiday lights.

As for the letters accruing in Santa’s mailbox, Janelle said she doesn’t read them. She leaves them folded in half and plans to drop them off at Macy’s in Coral Square Mall.

Janelle believes each letter is equivalent to $1, which Macy’s then donates to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

In the meantime, she says it’s fun to hand out the candy canes.

“Everyone loves candy for Christmas. So take a walk with the little ones to see the beautiful lights around our neighborhood, drop off your letters to Santa, and also pick up a candy cane,” said Janelle.

The next ‘Candy Cane Night’ at the Salandy residence is Friday, December 11, between 6 p.m and 8 p.m. Their home is located at 427 NW 113th Terrace.

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