Jay Kinzler, a Glen Ellyn Republican running in the 46th House District, has found a way to keep the Christmas spirit alive in his neighborhood.
“Every year the Boy Scouts come and they want to sell a tree,” Kinzler told the DuPage Policy Journal. “I was a Boy Scout when I was younger and I always feel sorry when they have to sell stuff. So, I bought the tree from them but didn’t know what we were going to do with the tree.”
Kinzler said there was a small forest near his home in the subdivision, which gave him an idea.
Dr. Jay Kinzler
“So I said, ‘I am just going to put it out in the middle of the woods and not tell anyone where it came from and decorate it with lights.’ I got about five extension cords and ran it from the house to these woods,” he said.
That was 10 years ago, and families in the area have since created Christmas memories thanks to Kinzler’s secret surprise.
“There is a girl who sent a note this year and said when she was a little girl she would look out and see that,” he said, adding that the young girl was now in her teens. “She said that was like her Christmas treat to look out and see that light in the tree in the middle of the woods.”
As for his family's traditions, Kinzler said they usually spend the holidays in Arizona with his wife’s family but this year was going to be different. “This Christmas we are going to be home in Illinois because with the campaign there is just a lot of work going on,” he said.
But he will still make time for family, he said.
“We will be seeing all our family. On Christmas Eve we will be going to church at St. Petronille,” he said, adding they will also be spending time at his brothers’ homes to celebrate.
Kinzler is running for seat currently held by Rep. Deb Conroy (D-Villa Park) in District 46, which includes all or part of Glendale Heights, Carol Stream and Villa Park.
Alerts Sign-up