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Des Moines homeowner makes his own white Christmas

John Dana Custis told Local 5 he was just looking to bring some joy on Wednesday when he broke out his snowmaker.

DES MOINES, Iowa — It doesn't look like it now, but earlier Wednesday morning there was absolutely no snow on the ground. Except for John Dana Custis's yard in Des Moines. 

Using his "commercial snowmaking equipment," Custis made it his mission to create a winter wonderland for those who live near or drive by his house. 

"2021 has been a difficult year for a lot of people. And I'm just hoping to bring some joy," he said. "Iowa winters can be cold and gray. Somehow white brings joy to people. That's the whole purpose." 

Custis has to wait for the perfect conditions in order to start his snowmaking process. He really wanted a white Christmas this year, but couldn't do it since those conditions weren't right. 

While the snow is definitely here now, Custis stands by his decision to make it snow earlier. 

"It's never too soon to bring joy into people's lives," he said. 

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