APPLETON (WGBA) -- It was an emotional night for the Nieland family. Sargent Troy Nieland came to surprise his family as they were writing gifts to Santa Clause.
"This whole coming home thing didn't sink in till now," Nieland said.
Nieland spent 7 months abroad while serving for the Marines. He said the hardest part of serving his country is not being able to be there for his family.
"You just miss all the little things," Nieland said. "I almost shed a tear tonight I was super excited."
The light up festival in Appleton happens every year. it is designed to get people in Holiday spirit. For the Nieland family, the excitement fort the holiday's just got higher.
"It's great that we can spend these holiday moments as a family," Nieland said. "Christmas has always been my favorite holiday.
