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WILKES-BARRE — For most people, Christmastime means going out and getting yourself a tree to decorate your home or apartment.

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you might splurge on a tree for outside, as well.

David Rinker is not most people.

Alongside his best friend, Tim Eckhart, Rinker has decorated their Provincial Towers apartment with 31 Christmas trees, both inside and outside.

Walking into the apartment is like walking into a holiday paradise. Right from the front door, all the way throughout the apartment, there are trees left and right. They are all artificial, by the way, and they can be found from the entryway to the balcony to the bathroom.

Some are big, some are small, and each one has a special meaning, such as the one given to Rinker by his late brother, who passed away two years ago.

Then there are those that have come as gifts from other residents.

“All of the trees that have been given to us, we’ve grown close with the neighbors … some have passed away, but some we’ve grown close with,” Rinker said.

“We’ve been living here for six or seven years, and a lot of tenants have started giving us trees that they don’t want,” he added.

The apartment has become a popular destination for the residents of Provincial Towers to stop by and check out the display.

“The neighbors in the building love coming around and seeing it, it’s a big thing for them,” Rinker said.

Rinker, starts building his display on Nov. 1, after spending the preceding week taking down all of the non-Chrismas decorations around the apartment.

“I get the place empty and I start bringing everything up and getting everything situated,” Rinker said.

He plans to continue adding to his collection of trees on a yearly basis, making his apartment the ultimate Christmas tribute.

Why? Well, that’s simple.

“I’ve loved Christmas since I was a little kid,” Rinker said. “I mean, look at this place.”

David Rinker and Timothy Eckhart are seen in their Christmas tree-filled Provincial Towers apartment. ‘I’ve loved Christmas since I was a little kid,’ Rinker said. ‘I mean, look at this place.’
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/web1_TTL120919Trees4.jpg.optimal.jpgDavid Rinker and Timothy Eckhart are seen in their Christmas tree-filled Provincial Towers apartment. ‘I’ve loved Christmas since I was a little kid,’ Rinker said. ‘I mean, look at this place.’ Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

David Rinker and Timothy Eckhart have over 30 trees in their apartment in Wilkes-Barre.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/web1_TTL120919Trees2.jpg.optimal.jpgDavid Rinker and Timothy Eckhart have over 30 trees in their apartment in Wilkes-Barre. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

A Coca-Cola tree is seen in the kitchen.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/web1_TTL120919Trees3.jpg.optimal.jpgA Coca-Cola tree is seen in the kitchen. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

David Rinker and Timothy Eckhart have turned their apartment into a Christmas wonderland.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/web1_TTL120919Trees5.jpg.optimal.jpgDavid Rinker and Timothy Eckhart have turned their apartment into a Christmas wonderland. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

Yes, David Rinker and Timothy Eckhart even have Christmas trees in the bathroom.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/web1_TTL120919Trees6.jpg.optimal.jpgYes, David Rinker and Timothy Eckhart even have Christmas trees in the bathroom. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

A few more trees are seen, together with other festive decorations.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/web1_TTL120919Trees7.jpg.optimal.jpgA few more trees are seen, together with other festive decorations. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

Each of the trees is different, complemented by other holiday decorations.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/web1_TTL120919Trees9.jpg.optimal.jpgEach of the trees is different, complemented by other holiday decorations. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

Timothy Eckhart, left, and David Rinker are seen in their tree-filled Provincial Towers apartment. ‘The neighbors in the building love coming around and seeing it, it’s a big thing for them,’ Rinker said.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/web1_TTL120919Trees8.jpg.optimal.jpgTimothy Eckhart, left, and David Rinker are seen in their tree-filled Provincial Towers apartment. ‘The neighbors in the building love coming around and seeing it, it’s a big thing for them,’ Rinker said. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader
‘I’ve loved Christmas since I was a little kid,’ says WB resident with 31 trees in his apartment

By Kevin Carroll

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