STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — As Christmas Eve approaches, one Staten Island home on Elmbank Ave. in Eltingville twinkles with holiday decorations worth a look.
In an era when busy schedules can make even a single strand of lights feel like a chore, this beautifully decorated Staten Island home, owned by Anthony Manz and Rose Demaio, continues to showcase classic holiday charm through stunning vintage pieces.
Passersby delight in the Christmas display, which has glowed each holiday season for decades, with more than 100 vintage blow molds and thousands of twinkling lights, drawing visitors from across the borough and beyond.
The elaborate display traces its roots to a moment more than five decades ago that shaped Manz’s lifelong devotion to Christmas traditions.
“This all started back in Christmas of 1968,” he said. “At the time, it was our tradition to decorate the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. Being a good husband, I went out to find a tree in Brooklyn, where we lived at the time.
“But there wasn’t a single branch to be found — no stores, no vendors, not even the Canarsie Market had any trees left. From that moment on, I vowed to always celebrate Christmas in the biggest way possible.”
A Staten Island home, located on 92 Elmbank Avenue, near Arden Avenue and Hylan Boulevard, twinkles with holiday decorations worth a look. (Advance/SILive.com | Syndney Maldonado)Advance/SILive.com | Syndney Maldonado
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
What began as a personal promise has grown steadily into a neighborhood landmark.
“Over the years, our display has grown step by step, each year adding a little more,” Manz said. “Sometimes, children even drop letters to Santa in our mailbox. When they leave a phone number, we call the parents or grandparents to share their wishes.
“Other times, it’s just about bringing a smile to their faces. Many people stop by during the setup to say how much this display brings the Christmas spirit to them — and that is the most rewarding part of all.”
Every section of the display is carefully designed to delight visitors of all ages. For example, the front of the display is designed for the little ones.
There are characters from beloved children’s cartoons leading into Santa’s World, featuring different versions of Santa Claus. There is also a Frosty the Snowman Land and a giant Santa, a crowd favorite.
Toward the corner of Arden Avenue, there are the March of the Wooden Soldiers, a choir of angels, Candy Cane Land, a life-size nativity scene, snowmen and Santas.
“Anthony and Rose have been creating this magical experience for decades,” said neighbor Alina Manakova. “Their passion for spreading holiday cheer is truly inspiring.”
A Staten Island home, located on 92 Elmbank Avenue, near Arden Avenue and Hylan Boulevard, twinkles with holiday decorations worth a look. (Advance/SILive.com | Syndney Maldonado)Advance/SILive.com | Syndney Maldonado
A Staten Island home, located on 92 Elmbank Avenue, near Arden Avenue and Hylan Boulevard, twinkles with holiday decorations worth a look. (Advance/SILive.com | Syndney Maldonado)Advance/SILive.com | Syndney Maldonado
A Staten Island home, located on 92 Elmbank Avenue, near Arden Avenue and Hylan Boulevard, twinkles with holiday decorations worth a look. (Advance/SILive.com | Syndney Maldonado)Advance/SILive.com | Syndney Maldonado
A Staten Island home, located on 92 Elmbank Avenue, near Arden Avenue and Hylan Boulevard, twinkles with holiday decorations worth a look. (Advance/SILive.com | Syndney Maldonado)Advance/SILive.com | Syndney Maldonado
A Staten Island home, located on 92 Elmbank Avenue, near Arden Avenue and Hylan Boulevard, twinkles with holiday decorations worth a look. (Advance/SILive.com | Syndney Maldonado)Advance/SILive.com | Syndney Maldonado
A Staten Island home, located on 92 Elmbank Avenue, near Arden Avenue and Hylan Boulevard, twinkles with holiday decorations worth a look. (Advance/SILive.com | Syndney Maldonado)Advance/SILive.com | Syndney Maldonado
A Staten Island home, located on 92 Elmbank Avenue, near Arden Avenue and Hylan Boulevard, twinkles with holiday decorations worth a look. (Advance/SILive.com | Syndney Maldonado)Advance/SILive.com | Syndney Maldonado
A Staten Island home, located on 92 Elmbank Avenue, near Arden Avenue and Hylan Boulevard, twinkles with holiday decorations worth a look. (Advance/SILive.com | Syndney Maldonado)Advance/SILive.com | Syndney Maldonado
A Staten Island home, located on 92 Elmbank Avenue, near Arden Avenue and Hylan Boulevard, twinkles with holiday decorations worth a look. (Advance/SILive.com | Syndney Maldonado)Advance/SILive.com | Syndney Maldonado
A Staten Island home, located on 92 Elmbank Avenue, near Arden Avenue and Hylan Boulevard, twinkles with holiday decorations worth a look. (Advance/SILive.com | Syndney Maldonado)Advance/SILive.com | Syndney Maldonado
A Staten Island home, located on 92 Elmbank Avenue, near Arden Avenue and Hylan Boulevard, twinkles with holiday decorations worth a look. (Advance/SILive.com | Syndney Maldonado)Advance/SILive.com | Syndney Maldonado
A Staten Island home, located on 92 Elmbank Avenue, near Arden Avenue and Hylan Boulevard, twinkles with holiday decorations worth a look. (Advance/SILive.com | Syndney Maldonado)Advance/SILive.com | Syndney Maldonado
A Staten Island home, located on 92 Elmbank Avenue, near Arden Avenue and Hylan Boulevard, twinkles with holiday decorations worth a look. (Advance/SILive.com | Syndney Maldonado)Advance/SILive.com | Syndney Maldonado