SEVERANCE, Colo. (KDVR) — A community in Colorado rallied to save Santa after a woman faced backlash for putting up a giant inflatable holiday decoration in their backyard.
The inflatable is 28 feet tall and can be seen by drivers passing the home in the town of Severance, about 60 miles north of Denver.
“We love him, we absolutely love him,” said Dora Flores. “He brings a lot of happiness to our house and to the community as well.”
Her family was sent a letter from Fromm and Company that said in part, “…The Santa Claus located in your backyard is excessive in height and not permitted. Please remove immediately.”
“We received a letter saying that he had to be brought down because we were not compliant with the standards of the HOA,” Flores said.
The letter did not state specific height restrictions but was accompanied by a list of possible fines.
The family took the Santa down for a while, but then the community got involved. They created a social media campaign and reached out to community officials trying to save Santa.
“Seeing Santa every time we come in and out of the community is just so fun, and it brings so much joy, and all my kids always look for it,” said resident Kimberly Bigler.
Then Tuesday, Flores said she received news. “This morning I did receive a call from the upper management of our HOA apologizing and letting us know that we can keep Santa, and letting us know that it was a mistake on their behalf,” Flores said.
Some neighbors gathered with her to celebrate.
“I love the outcome. I love that we came together and that Santa is staying,” said Linda Hooper. “Maple syrup and cocoa for everybody.”