By Bonny Burrows
For some it may just be $5, but for Pakenham’s Jill Monzina it meant a whole lot more.
Ms Monzina was overcome with emotion upon opening her mail on the morning of Monday 4 December.
Inside an unstamped envelope were a Christmas card and a $5 note.
Addressed simply from Cassie (8), Caity (6) and Mitch (5), the card read:
“To the home’s Christmas decorator, in the spirit of Christmas we have decided to gift our pocket money for December to the houses we think are best decorated. Thank-you for the effort you have put into your light display.”
The simple gesture brought Ms Mozina to tears.
“Those dear little souls. It was a beautiful thought and it’s lovely their parents have brought them up so well,” she said.
“I think children have to be recognised for the good they do.”
Ms Mozina, who has been decorated her family homes for the past 15 years, admits she goes “all out” for Christmas each year.
Her passion for decorating began when her and her husband lived in Ferntree Gully and one year came home one night” to a big group of people sitting on our front lawn” looking at the display.
“We couldn’t even get into the driveway. We thought ‘wow’ and just build on it,” Ms Mozina said.
Nowadays, her Christmas decorations are “always up by the first of December” and down by the New Year.
For Ms Mozina, the festive season is all about peace, joy and goodwill.
The decorations, she said, were “for the children”.
“It’s about keeping the spirit alive,” Ms Mozina said.
“I think it’s an experience to see.”
She said her decorations had attracted crowds in the past, but had never attracted such a thoughtful response.
“I’m overwhelmed. I just really wish we knew who the family was,” Ms Mozina said.
“We’d love to meet you, come back and we’ll show you our decorations inside.”
Ms Mozina plans to donate the children’s pocket money to the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Those wanting to view Ms Mozina’s Christmas display can do so at 3 Dudley Mews, Pakenham.
The lights are on each night until Christmas from about 8pm.
