Ned and Sara Whalen, educators at Wyoming Valley West, were surprised Tuesday night with an early Christmas present: a water heater covered in lights and ornaments.

It’s more than just an unconventional gift or decoration. Rather, the Kingston Water Heater is a community heirloom that’s been passed around for about 40 years as part of an annual holiday tradition.

“As you can see, it’s a lovely nighttime ornament,” said Ned Delaney, the 1995 recipient. “But during the day, it’s a water heater.”

This year’s water heater is a new (used) one, as the previous one rusted through.

Duke Grimes, one of the tradition’s founders, was in attendance.

He said the tradition started in 1984, when plumber John McGlynn replaced a water heater for the late Tom Lahart, Grimes’ friend and neighbor. Lahart

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