Last year, the community helped raise over $1,250 for The Little Miracles Trust, a charity supporting neonatal intensive care unit (Nicu) families.
Rochelle said she and Nathan wanted to show Jack that Christmas is not just about receiving, but also about giving.
“We’ve been shown so much kindness over the years, and this is our way of passing it on,” she said.
The Christmas display has evolved and this year includes two special features: a wooden sleigh, built by Jack’s grandfather, and a reindeer display.
The latter includes a 3m reindeer and three smaller ones, built by Nathan.
On social media, the family explained the large reindeer represents Rochelle, while the smaller ones represent Jack and two babies the couple lost during pregnancy.
“This part of our display is incredibly special to us,” the post reads.
“[Rochelle’s] a big part of why we even started this display — her magic, her love, and her strength are woven into every light you see."
Nathan created the display with support from Bunnings Te Rapa which donated plywood, lighting, and other materials.
Bunnings Te Rapa complex manager Nicole Gorringe said seeing the reindeer come together had been amazing.
“When we heard what the Wells family were creating, bringing joy while fundraising for charities, we knew this was something special to be a part of.”
It has now been more than two weeks since the Wells opened their display.
Each night, Nathan appears as Santa handing out candy canes, Rochelle hosts and captures family photos, and Jack proudly plays the Christmas Elf.
The festive spirit has since spread along the street too, with neighbours decorating their homes to create a Christmas walk.
The Details
What: Christmas at the Wells
When: Until December 31, from 8.30pm until 11pm. Santa visits every night until December 23.
Where: 11A Hamblyn Crescent, Hamilton
Entry: A cash donation to The Little Miracles Trust, or a new, unwrapped gift for Kids in Need Waikato.
