Nick Antidormi’s love for Christmas seems to have been destined from birth. With a festive beginning, he was dressed in a Santa outfit right in the hospital on his birthday—Christmas Day in 1998. Now, known as “Saint Nick,” his holiday-themed passion project, Saint Nick’s Display, is capturing attention beyond his local Wayne County community.
“I feel like this was in my birth certificate contract… that I have to decorate,” Antidormi shared on HGTV’s show, “Hoarding for the Holidays.” He added, “I feel like a young Santa Claus. Hopefully, I’m doing this until I actually grow a white beard.”
Hoarding for the Holidays
Nick’s appearance on HGTV’s “Hoarding for the Holidays” came as a surprise. Initially skeptical, he almost dismissed the call as spam. However, the opportunity led to a filming crew visiting his Waymart home in July and October. The series, which premiered on November 11, highlights collectors across the nation as they prepare for holiday festivities and manage storage challenges.
“I love the whole production crew and everyone, they were so awesome,” Antidormi said, expressing gratitude for the exposure despite living “on a dirt road in the middle of nowhere.”
Saint Nick’s Display
Antidormi’s home is a wonderland of holiday cheer, featuring around 400 Christmas trees and nearly 1,000 blow molds, some of which he has painted himself. Much of his collection, which includes items over 50 years old, is meticulously restored.
“You wouldn’t (be able to) tell it’s that old because a lot of it is restored,” he explained. “I try to preserve history.” Among the treasures is a collection of animatronics from department store windows dating back nearly a century. One notable piece, a life-size Santa with a globe, was once displayed at The Boston Store in Wilkes-Barre, estimated to be crafted in the 1950s.
A Real-Life Elf
Drawing comparisons to Buddy the Elf from the classic holiday film, Antidormi embodies the spirit of Christmas year-round. He is dedicated to creating joy, much like Santa’s elves, and has acquired skills in electrical work and art to enhance his displays.
“I actually switch it up every year,” he noted. “So every time you come it’s something different.” This commitment to variety ensures that each visit to Saint Nick’s Display offers a new experience.
Antidormi, who works in construction, finds fulfillment in sharing his family home with others. “It’s cool that my family home where I had really special memories is now being a part of everyone else’s special memories,” he said. “That makes my heart really full of joy.”
Having started his decorating journey as a teenager, Antidormi encourages others to pursue their passions. “I tell everybody to do what they love, even if someone puts you down. Just keep at it and eventually it will be something big,” he advised. “It might take ten years but you’ll get there.”
Saint Nick’s Display at 53 Cemetery Road in Waymart opens to the public most evenings at 6 p.m. To watch Nick’s HGTV appearance, click here.
