Mechanical singing Santa irks neighbors

UNION BEACH, N.J., Dec. 21 (UPI) -- A 6-foot-tall mechanical Santa Claus singing Christmas carols is drawing complaints from neighbors of its New Jersey owner.

Union Beach residents said the musical decoration has been souring their holiday spirit with its non-stop singing, New York's 1010 WINS Radio reported Saturday.

"It's literally 12 to 13 hours a day," neighbor Mark Dittman said. "There's no consideration for the neighbors. We're very into the Christmas spirit, but this is ridiculous."

Jill Patella, the singing Santa's owner, said the ornament was the final gift she received from her husband, who died three years ago.

"This year was the time," she said. "He would have wanted me to live life again."