Retired Marine Decorates Whole Neighborhood For Wife With Alzheimer’s

A 74-year-old retired Marine in Iowa named John Reichart is in the news after decorating every house on his block with Christmas lights. 

He does it for his wife, who loves Christmas and was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. He says he'd do anything to make her happy. And with the help of neighbors, he's doing just that.

Instead of presents and a sleigh, Santa Claus is bringing joy and light to Indianola, Iowa. He, and some some pretty amazing elves, are decorating every house on the block, for his wife, with Alzheimer's.

John Reichart, 74 years old, loves Christmas. But there is something else he loves even more, and that is his wife. John and Joan have been married 53 years. Very sadly, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's four years ago. Since then, the Marine veteran has made it his mission to make his wife smile, and give her memories.

Reichart says If it wasn't for his wife, he doesn't know if he would have done it. I don't know if I would've done it. "But she wanted Christmas... I'd do anything to make her happy." 

Now there are a lot of extra hands on the decorating project. Setting up lights, decorations, and more. not to mention, it has become quite the display for those driving by.

One of John and Joan's neighbors said the whole neighborhood feels very blessed to have them in their neighborhood. Others have pointed out, that this is what Christmas is all about, after all.

Reichart says he's going to keep the tradition going. He can't see himself stopping it now. "As long as she's OK, and even if she would pass, I'm gonna do it in her memory as long as I can do it." 

Joan loves the holiday spirit her husband has brought to the neighborhood. She says, "I didn't know what to think," but I'm glad he did it. I love him." 

To thank Reichart and celebrate his wife Joan, the neighbors have set up a P.O. box for anyone to send Christmas cards. They will be given to Reichart, so he can read them to his wife. Here is the address, if you would like to send one:

John Reichart
C/O Frank Ewurs
P.O. Box 133
Indianola, Iowa, 50125  

Just makes us all want to be a little more grateful for what we have.

When it comes to St. Nick, I've been a fan ever since I was a kid. He's a holiday superhero! That's why I love watching a good Santa movie at Christmas time. Santa movies have given us everything from heartwarming tales and even raunchy comedies. Some of these movies hit just right and become holiday classics, while others, wouldn't even make it on the Hallmark channel. So let's stick to the good stuff here. The ones that make you laugh, and hit you right in the feels.

First up, there’s just something hilarious about watching a regular guy get roped into being Santa and having absolutely no idea what he’s doing. Add in some elves and reindeer who are way too serious about their jobs, and boom, instant holiday movie gold. If you’ve ever wanted to see your dad bumble around trying to do something he’s not prepared for, there’s a movie for that, and it’s The Santa Clause.

Then, you’ve got the Christmas magic of Buddy the Elf. He’s not Santa himself, but he’s basically the spirit of Christmas in oversized tights. You can't talk about Santa without mentioning how Buddy practically forces Christmas spirit onto everyone, even a grumpy Santa who acts more like he needs a nap than a sleigh ride. He kind of reminds me of my Buddy Booger. He drives you nuts, but you can't help but love the guy.

Okay so let’s not forget about the classics, though. If you’re tired of the latest CGI movies, an old-school black-and-white movie might just hit the spot. Miracle on 34th Street is it. I used to watch this every year with my mom. She loves it. It's that Christmas film that reminds you there’s still magic in the world, even if it’s hiding in a courtroom.

And I cant forget about Arthur Christmas! Oh the memories! I must of watched this movie EVERY day when my daughter was little. It's a movie where Santa’s youngest kid, who looks like he couldn’t organize a sock drawer, goes full hero to deliver a single gift. He brings the kind of dedication we should all bring to holiday shopping.

Of course, not every holiday movie plays by the rules. Sometimes you need a Saint Nick who’s more grumpy than jolly, someone who’s better at downing drinks than handing out gifts. A movie like Bad Santa is perfect for those days when you need a laugh after the kids goes to bed.

Tim Allen going from a regular dad to Kris Kringle? Pure gold. This flick has heart, laughs, and the right amount of Christmas magic. Watching Allen stumble through Santa training is like seeing your dad try to set up a trampoline without directions. It’s the perfect mix of slapstick and holiday spirit.

Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf isn’t technically Santa, but it’s got the jolly man as the backbone of the plot. Ed Asner plays a grumpy but lovable Santa who teams up with Buddy to save Christmas. It’s ridiculous, warm, and full of maple syrup-level sweetness.

This is the O.G. Santa movie. Kris Kringle gets caught up in a wild trial to prove he’s the real deal. It’s all black-and-white, but the charm is timeless, and you’ll find yourself believing in the magic by the end.

Santa’s son Arthur takes on a race against time to deliver a missed gift. The animation and humor make it fun, while the story brings heart. It’s a family favorite with a modern twist.

A conman plays Santa to pull off a heist but finds unexpected redemption. Dark, funny, and not your typical Santa story. Perfect for when you need some adult holiday humor.