O’Hara Councilman creates custom Santa sleigh for all
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On Mike Hammill’s lawn, there rose quite a clatter.
“When he drew up the plans, I thought he was crazy. He was out there sawing. I was very surprised,” his wife Tina Hammill said. “He kept going to Lowe’s and coming back with more stuff.”
The stuff became a holiday-themed wooden sleigh now on display — with Santa, of course — alongside five reindeer outside the Hammills’ home on Patricia Road in O’Hara, near Grove Street.
Known for his skills building sandcastles on the beach, Mike Hammill decided to build a Christmas display last summer, inspired by his granddad status and the woods next to his home being cleared for the now-under-construction Hidden Grove development. He decided a colorful Christmas creation would be perfect for viewing from afar.
“It’s for my grand kids and the public,” said Hammill, who is O’Hara’s Ward 3 Councilman.
Hammill drew the plans himself and used some existing wood he had on hand.
“I used scrap wood and made it the cheapest way in cost,” Hammill said. “Santa sits on a nice, sturdy seat with enough room for kids to sit beside him.”
He estimated the entire display is valued at about $1,000. The entire project took about 25 hours. He said detailed painting was the hardest part.
“The white trim. I wanted it to be perfect,” said Hammill, 53. “My project brings me great joy to celebrate the holiday season.”
The couple have three grandchildren, and the sleigh has proved to be a hit and makes for festive photos.
This year Santa will hang out until around Jan. 19 before heading back to the North Pole and reappearing next holiday season.
“I’m gonna put this up every year,” he said.
The Hammills said their neighbors have taken notice of Santa, and strangers have, too.
“They love it. I looked out of my kitchen window one day, and there was this mother and two little kids standing, looking,” Tina Hammill said. “I told them to take some pics if they wanted.”
They encourage the public to visit and sit on the vacant seat next to Santa for photo opportunities.
Mike Hammill originally purchased a flat Santa for the sleigh, but found it too unrealistic. He bought a full-sized, more realistic Santa and made dozens of wrapped presents for the back of the sleigh.
Hammill, a registered Republican and Navy veteran, grew up in O’Hara, graduating from Fox Chapel Area High School.
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He lives in the same home he grew up in.
“I love this neighborhood. It’s a great place to grow up,” he said.
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