SPOKANE, Wash. — The holidays can be the most wonderful time of the year for many, but for families who have recently lost a loved one, the season can bring overwhelming grief. One South Hill family is channeling their heartbreak into hope, creating a glowing tribute that honors their son while bringing joy to their community.
Margo Paul lost her son Wyatt last December when he was stillborn at 38 weeks due to pregnancy complications. The loss came just as the holiday season was beginning, making an already difficult time even more challenging.
“As a parent, you think about the milestones, the presents you would have gotten them, the cookies they would have liked you,” Paul said.
In the midst of her deepest grief, Paul’s father set up a giant 20-foot Santa inflatable in their yard. The simple gesture brought an unexpected moment of lightness during their darkest time.
“It was probably the hardest laugh we had since we lost Wyatt,” Paul said.
What started as one inflatable quickly grew. Two became three, and soon the family’s backyard transformed into its own little village now known as “Wyatt’s Wonderland.” The massive display on 25th Avenue near Brown Street has become impossible to miss, featuring towering holiday inflatables that light up the night.
The display serves a deeper purpose than holiday decoration. Paul hopes it helps other grieving families feel less alone during a season that can amplify loss.
“I really hope that this just makes people know that they’re not alone in this grief,” Paul said.
Bill Strunk, program director for spiritual care at MultiCare, has witnessed how difficult grief can be to navigate, especially during the holidays. As a hospital chaplain, he emphasizes the importance of acknowledging loss rather than avoiding it.
“I think sometimes, we can get frozen in those situations where we know that somebody is going through a tough season of loss and longing and grief, and we don’t know what to say. And so sometimes that’s the best thing to say is I don’t know what to say, but I’m here with you,” Strunk said.
Strunk says finding ways to keep the memory of lost loved ones alive is essential to the healing process. At Wyatt’s Wonderland, the massive inflatables serve as that living memorial, honoring not just Wyatt but other children who cannot celebrate the holidays with their families.
“I want to bring light to it because they were here and they were a life. They deserve to be always remembered,” Paul said.
The family has expanded their tribute beyond the visual display. On Christmas Eve, Paul and her family will offer free hot chocolate, treats and fun activities for visitors. This will also act as a fundraiser Paul has started in honor of her son, called Wyatt’s Why.
They have also placed a collection box next to the giant decorations where they are gathering toys for families impacted by recent floods.
The display is located near the intersection of 25th and Brown on the South Hill and will continue through the holiday season.
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