Haddonfield family says 'Christmas violation' delivered to home for 'lazy' decorations

Carly Q. Romalino | Cherry Hill Courier-Post

HADDONFIELD - An anonymous Christmas Eve note reportedly informed a Haddonfield family their front-yard light display received a neighborhood distinction: Worst on the block.

The note calling the Beattys' decorations "lazy" also reportedly included a "complimentary" box of 100 white string lights to "jump start your 2020 planning."

"It was the rudest and most ignorant award from my neighbors," said Angela Beatty, who said she received the note on her front door step on Christmas Eve.

"I’ve had an awful year, so getting this letter hit a nerve," she told the Courier-Post.

The family, she said, has lost a beloved pet, is nursing an ill relative back to health and was just involved in a car accident.

The blue string lights swirled around a topiary bush at the Beatty home honor her father-in-law's service in the New York City Police Department, she said.

Beatty said this year she was too depressed to decorate.

The "Christmas violation," as the note called itself, and the timing of its delivery is "the most horrible thing," Beatty said.

The note-writers, indicating they've moved but are still judging the neighborhood, allegedly issued the violation for "lack of neat, organized and/or classy lighting," the note read.

It accused her family of using "fake and lazy" Christmas decorations, including projectors.

Calling itself the "S & V Awards" decided by the S & V Panel, the note indicated the "dubious" award was given "based on certain Christmas flaws that we need improved."

"Reflect on your flaws this offseason and correct them for next year," the note demanded

"COME BACK STRONG NEXT YEAR!!!"

The letter's author and the people behind the alleged panel remain unknown, Beatty said.

Carly Q. Romalino is a Gloucester County native who's covered South Jersey since 2008. She's a Rowan University graduate and a six-time New Jersey Press Association award winner.

She is the Courier Post's "watch dog," taking deep dives into matters throughout the region.