The Campbell City Council approved the acceptance of the large holiday donation from Aerts, a Campbell businessman.

Aerts, whose elaborate display outside his Monte Sereno home delighted onlookers but stirred controversy among his neighbors, can no longer decorate his property the way he would like because of an ordinance passed by the city of Monte Sereno that determined how long decorations can remain up.

He decided to give Campbell all his decorations, including two tall lighted marching soldiers; two 12-foot candy canes; a 25-foot-long train; a giant 12-foot wreath with bells; a giant book, A Christmas Carol; and three giant blocks.

There were numerous other items that Councilman Don Burr suggested be stored for later use.

"I am certainly in favor of the donation and would like to accept all the items, which if the economy changes can be used later," he said. "This is a great offer, one we could never replace."

The decorations will become part of Campbell's annual Carol of Lights Celebration and will also be used to decorate other areas in the city.