Christmas magic: Elaborate Christmas displays are beloved traditions for local families

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Vern Cooley estimates he burned through about 400 batteries last Christmas — all to power dozens of singing snowmen, jazz-playing Santas, trains, spinning trees and more at his Lodi home.

The vast collection of Christmas decorations take up a place of honor each year as Cooley turns his garage into a winter wonderland, from the Nativity scene at the center of it all to the homemade ornaments and decorations that hold places of honor along the walls.


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