I’m coming to you today to share one of my all-time favorite Christmas traditions, our treasured Christmas Village!
One of my favorite blogging pals, Laura from Duke Manor Farm, invited a few of us to get together today to share something a little more personal: our favorite holiday traditions!
Our Christmas Village
The first thing that came to mind was our Christmas Village.
I don’t usually share mine, but it is very special to me, and I’ll tell you why.
It’s more than just a group of tiny houses covered in faux snow.
My Mom bought me a David Winters cottage when I was in my early twenties.
I have collected pieces for my village ever since.
From yard sales.
Thrift Stores.
Walmart.
Even eBay.
It has grown quite a bit over the years.
When my oldest son was eight, I let him stay up late to help me build the village.
There are a ton of tiny parts, so I appreciated the help.
We stayed up way past our bedtimes, determined to unwrap every piece that night.
And every year since we have stayed up late into the night and sometimes early morning to see it come to life.
Now we look forward to it every Christmas.
It’s always fun to unwrap old favorites…
This year I told Jack that I didn’t think I was going to set up the Christmas village.
With the move and all the updating we’ve been doing to the house, I didn’t even know where it would go.
But he insisted.
And I’m so glad he did.
He’s 15 and he still wanted to build the village with me.
That’s my heart right there.
This time we didn’t stay up late to do it.
But it was still just as fun to see it come to life.
Piece by piece.
It has become our Christmas tradition.
And one that I treasure dearly.
It just wouldn’t be Christmas without the Christmas Village.
I told him that someday he might be carrying on this tradition with his own children…
…with these very same pieces.
Even my youngest helped this year.
He is fascinated by it.
We think it’s pretty awesome too.
Especially at night.
Makes me want to look in all the tiny windows to see what’s going on inside.
Imagining what these townsfolk are saying to one another.
(Note to future self: Iron tablecloth before assembling Christmas Village!)
I don’t usually share our Christmas Village, but I hope you enjoyed it. It has become one of my very favorite holiday traditions!
Don’t forget my friends are also sharing their favorite holiday traditions today!
It All Started With Paint Our Southern Home Confessions of a Serial DIY’er
In My Own Style Kelly Elko Town and Country Living Artsy Chicks Rule
Duke Manor Farm Cassie Bustamante Savvy Southern Style
Do you have a Christmas Village? How about any favorite Holiday traditions? I’d love to hear about them!
Have a fantastic weekend and I’ll see y’all back here Tuesday with my Christmas living room!
UPDATE: See my living room all decked out for Christmas HERE now! 🙂
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
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Julia Harting says
Absolutely love your Christmas village tradition. Thank you for sharing a very personal part of your life!
Christy says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Julia! It was fun to share! XO
Christina in SW FL says
Christy thank you for sharing such a beautiful tradition! I love that your family does this together. And the Village IS beautiful. Personally I think the focus is on the village and not on the table cloth ????
Christy says
It was fun to share something so dear to my heart, and I’m glad you enjoyed it too! And thank you for that…I didn’t know I would be sharing my village in photos lol. 🙂
Janice says
What a sweet Christmas tradition. This is probably a stupid question but how do they light up? You are doing the right thing with your sons because one day they will leave home but who knows maybe they will still want to carry on this tradition with you and then when you have grandkids (and they get past toddler age) you can start this tradition with them. Love it.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! I do hope they will continue the tradition, and yes I never even thought about carrying it on with my grandbabies! As for the light, each one has a hold in the back where a bulb goes. I covered the cords with snow. 🙂
ColleenB.~ Tx. says
That was wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
Just wondering how long your table is for you display everything on it.
Christy says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Colleen! I use two four foot tables I found at Walmart. 🙂
Carla Erickson says
Thank you for sharing your Christmas village! It is lovely! You have inspired me to start collecting houses and pieces again! Yours is amazing! What a wonderful tradition to share with your children!
Christy says
It was my pleasure, Carla! I am so thrilled to hear you are feeling inspired to collect again! I have always loved building mine each year! XO
Marie Claude Piche says
Your beautiful Christmas village is such a wonderful Christmas tradition. I love that your son is so involved even as a teenager when we tend to lose them a bit. Have a wonderful happy Christmas and carry on this tradition for many years. You have inspired me!
Christy says
Thank you, Marie! We look forward to building our village every year. It surprised me a bit and warmed my heart that my son really wanted to build it again this year. He will start driving next year and I fear that is when I will lose him a bit…treasuring these moments while I still have them! XO
Norma Rolader says
WOW!!!! Thank you for sharing this lovely village you have so much love into this
Christy says
It was my pleasure, Norma! Just looking at it makes me happy! XO
Moriah says
It’s beautifull! My mom has the same Christmas village – but fewer people and homes. We help her get out her decorations and it’s been her youngest two grandchildren who help set up the village.
This year she asked my husband to bring a “dainty” extension cord ???????? as she doesn’t like the cords being seen. The tablecloth is a great idea. I’ll mention that to her for next year. Merry Christmas
Christy says
Thank you, Moriah! I bet she loves having the grandchildren helping her…maybe I will be doing this with my own some day? Yes the table cloth hides cords and all my amazon boxes lol! The kids have no idea. Merry Christmas! XO
Amanda says
This post was hard to read due to the moisture in my eyes. I work with kids and see daily how they react to their absent parents, so you doing this with your boys is extremely important. You are giving them a gift that money cant buy. You are raising amazing boys because you are an amazing mother. Merry Christmas!
Christy says
Aww I can only imagine how hard it must be to not have your parents present. I do try to savor these moments with my boys as I know they are only on loan to me for a short while. Thank you, Amanda! Merry Christmas! XO
Sandy Long says
Christy, your Christmas village is amazing and so beautiful ! I looked at each picture over and over. The detail is incredible. What a wonderful tradition for your family. Thank you so much for sharing with us !!
Christy says
Thank you, Sandy! I am so happy you enjoyed seeing our village! I am the same way…I just love every detail! XO
freidia says
We just love you, Ms. Christy! Your Village is Fabulous!
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
P.S. It was very nice to see you an extra day this week!
Christy says
Aww you’re the best, Freida, thank you!! It was fun to meet ya’ll here again today! Have a great weekend! XO
Heidy says
Such a wonderful Son and a wonderful tradition. I love the display and actually remember I think last year or maybe before that seeing a bit of it? I was inspired and started collecting pieces and had it displayed last year. Nothing near as elaborate as yours though. I always look forward to your posts every week! One of my favorites was your shadow box. I wish I would’ve known about your shop when I was in that area several years ago. My niece was living in Virginia Beach but has since moved to Arkansas.Thank you for sharing, Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Christy says
Thank you, Heidy! I did blog about it in 2013, and it could have popped up in another Christmas tour…it is hard to hide lol. I love that you were inspired to start your own collection! Such a fun addition to the holidays, right? And can I tell you how much I wish I had that shadow box for my new house?? That is one of my all-time favorite projects! I love that you loved it too. I will have to make another. Too bad you weren’t able to visit my booth. Have a blessed Christmas! XOXO
Jill Rasnick says
Thank you for sharing your family”s sweet and beautiful tradition.
Christy says
It was a pleasure to share, Jill! Merry Christmas! XO
Pat says
It’s beautiful! Thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Christy says
Thank you, Pat! Wishing you a blessed Christmas as well! XO
Denise says
HI, I so glad you shared your village as I do one myself. I do it alone and it’s becoming too big with 30 houses but I split them up in different areas as I don’t have the space to make one large town. I got a few ideas from you, just wondering if you put the snow on does it fly off as I have a dog with a big tail lol. BTW I love Tuesdays and Thursdays just to see what you have done.
Christy says
Wow, Denise, looks like I have some catching up to do lol! I bet your collection is beautiful! We don’t have any pets, but yes…just bump the table and flakes fall to the ground. I guess there is no way around that. Thank you for following along with me…I truly appreciate it!! Merry Christmas!
Paula says
Thank you Christy! My sons are all grown, one will be meeting his girl’s parents in Alaska for Christmas, and one is married with a baby on the way! Cherish every minute because the time will slip away. They will hold it in their hearts, and so will you!
Christy says
I am not looking forward to them being grown, but I know they will still love their Mama. I do try to savor every moment I can though. How exciting to have a grandbaby on the way!! XOXO
Sherry Stuifbergen says
How very special that Jack loves to help you with the village, and now your younger one. You are teaching them values. It seems you have very nice boys & husband. I, too, love your posts! Wish you were my neighbor.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Sherry! I am so blessed to have two very sweet boys! If you were my neighbor you wouldn’t mind me scouting out your trash, right? Ha ha! XOXO
Shelley says
I just love your Christmas village and your memories you are building with it. How special for you and your children!
I also love that you build on your village from many sources- from thrift stores on! Thats
one of the best things about collections- it gives you the thrill when you stumble onto something you can add! I have a couple of things collected that way, and love both the ones that are shiny and new, and the ones that show they were loved long before I got them.
Thank you for sharing your village and story!
Christy says
Thank you, Shelley! The tradition of building it has become even more special than the village itself. And yes, collecting it is way more fun when you look for it piece by piece! Merry Christmas! XO
Marty Oravetz says
Oh i love it, so pretty. What a fabulous village display.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Marty! XO
Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says
Christy, you should share your village more often! It’s just amazing. I could look at it for hours, enjoying all the details and the stories you can imagine that are going on in the village. It’s quite the collection! A dear friend of the family had a village and train set up around the base of their Christmas tree. My parents would take us to their house every year to see it. Your village reminds me of that dear, sweet couple. How nice that your teenager enjoys setting up the village with you!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Jennifer! I too love to just look at all the details. I love the idea to set it up at the base of a tree…I never thought of that! And yes, I love that my son still enjoys putting it together with me! Merry Christmas! XOXO
Becky says
These little villages are always so pretty, but the set-up becoming a tradition for you and your son (sonS now?!) is beautiful. Decorating with love shows. It’s prettier!
Christy says
That is so true, Becky…the building of the village has become even more special than the houses themselves! XOXO
Ange says
What a wonderful tradition and to have your sons enjoy making the village come to life with you is priceless. ❤️❤️❤️
Christy says
Thank you, Ange! We truly enjoy it so much! XOXO
Suzanne says
Wonderful! Time passes so quickly and before you know it putting the Christmas village up with your son will be a lovely memorie. Don’t let one year go by without your son helping you because you will never get that chance again. Blessings to you and your family and a Merry Christmas.
Christy says
I agree, Suzanne…time is just flying by. I am so happy he insisted we still put it up this year. It made me realize how special it was to him as well! Merry Christmas! XO
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
That Christmas village is so sweet and even prettier in person! 😉 And at night!! I just love it with the lights. xoxo
Christy says
Thank you, my friend! XOXOXO
Robyn Wright says
This is on my Christmas bucket list. Do you only collect a particular brand or anything that catches your eye? It’s beautiful!
Christy says
Thanks, Robyn! Nope…no particular brand, just whatever I find that I like. I started with the one David Winters cottage, and that year after Christmas, Walmart had pieces on clearance. I bought about five then, and they were just beautiful quality and painted with such precision. They are Holiday Time and you can come across those older pieces here and there on eBay. Unfortunately Walmart’s houses now are not nearly as nice or painted as well as they were back then. JoAnn Fabrics and Kohls used to sell nicely detailed houses too. Collecting them is fun…enjoy the hunt! XO
Linda Braden says
I love my Christmas village tradition as well! Though yours is much more extensive than mine!!! And I have yet to get mine up and running. Though I will share that we have renamed it a winter village and leave it up well into February! 🙂
Christy says
I love the idea of keeping it up until February! There’s no reason you can’t, right? I might just do that! XO
Kelly Elko says
Nobody puts Christy’s Christmas village in the corner! So glad you shared this with us – it’s so amazing! Love it all lit up at night and I love that your sons are so into it too! Merry Christmas.
Christy says
Ha ha you know that’s right! Thank you, Kelly! Merry Christmas! XO
Debbie in TX says
So so beautiful. I have tears running down my face as I read this. This is a beautiful tradition with your children, and I’m so glad you were able to do it again this year. Family means everything. Happy holidays to you and yours!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Debbie! I didn’t mean to make you cry, I promise! I do treasure my babies though! Have a blessed Christmas!! XOXO
Kim says
Christy, what a fabulous village and how wonderful that you have this tradition of creating this with your son and now the younger one joining in. This brings back memories of the display my dad built in his house later in life. We didn’t have it growing up. Merry Christmas!
Christy says
Thank you, Kim! I do treasure this tradition every Christmas season! I hope you have a blessed Christmas! XO
Jeanetta says
This made me cry.
You and your children remind me soooo much of me and my children… especially your relationship with your Jack.
My Ben is my oldest (just turned 17) and every time I read in your posts about you and Jack it’s like I’m reading about me and Ben… he’s a night owl like me, so we stay up late together watching t.v., working on a project, or just hanging out talking.. and laughing and laughing, and did I mention laughing? Lol (we have the same goofball sense of humor, and no one can make me laugh like he does 🙂 …just a very special mother/son bond.
He’s always willing to help me, rarely complains, and does everything with that sweet disposition that I see in your Jack. The smile and eyes say it all… just genuine, sweet boys, that love their moma.
Like y’all, we just moved into a new house that we are renovating (we moved about 2 weeks after y’all did 😉 lol, so it’s been a bit of a “challenging” holiday season this year, BUT.. I’m determined to get in all of our Christmas traditions with my babies, because these precious childhood years are fleeting and numbered and I’m not gonna lose one of ‘em… even if it does mean still decorating for Christmas the day AFTER Christmas!! Lol 😉
Oh, and did I mention that I love the fact that you didn’t have a place to put your village but you “created” a spot anyways… and that wrinkly tablecloth you noticed after the fact… yep, me & me! LOL
Just wanted you to know that this post touched my heart and inspired me… made me feel a little more normal in a slightly chaotic time.. and reminded me of the perfectness in imperfection. So thank you.❤️
Warm Christmas wishes,
Jeanetta
Christy says
I didn’t mean to make you cry, Jeanetta! I totally get it though! Sounds like we are blessed more than most with our precious boys! Your relationship with Ben does sound a lot like mine with Jack. I keep thinking he is going to start pulling away from me now that the teen years are here, but amazingly we are closer than ever. May we always be this lucky! Thank you for sharing your heart! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas! XOXO
cassie bustamante says
what a great tradition and i love how it started and that your kids are now involved in the building as well! my kids would absolutely love that for sure! what a great collection you have!
Christy says
Thank you, Cassie! This has become one of my favorite traditions, and my kids love it too! Merry Christmas! XO
MaryJean says
Christy, such a beautiful tradition! We would always go and cut down our tree for Christmas with the boys, now my boys are carrying on that tradition with their families to cut their Christmas tree.
Christy says
Thank you, MaryJean! I think it would be wonderful to actually go choose a tree to cut down! We do look for our tree together each year, but it’s not nearly as exciting! XOXO
ROSE LEFEBVRE says
Yours definitely is different from many I have seen. The little add-ons of people and stuff really makes it unique!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Rose! XO
Patti says
It’s so beautiful! I love that your children love it. So very special!! Merry Christmas!
Christy says
Thank you, Patti! Merry Christmas! XO
Cheryl says
A great holiday tradition indeed! Such a wonderful village you have collected over the years!
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! Collecting the pieces used to be the fun part…now I more enjoy the time spent setting it up with my boys.:)
Melinda says
You are truly an amazing person! Love your houses and the scenery is incredible! I go to a place in Michigan called Bronners; it is an annual pilgrimage for us,when we go and visit family. They have all kinds of buildings set up and it is a truly amazing place to visit. I try and get the kids (who are grown now) annual Christmas ornaments from there. We are now doing for the grandkids:) as well. I have started a trailer park with two of the Dept 56 pieces and a Melinda’s Poinsettia’s building from my brother..It is because of the name:) Thanks for sharing,so glad you did.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Melinda! Sounds like a lovely tradition for your family. We have a local place here that used to create a life-sized Christmas village that you could walk through, and we visited it every year, but sadly they not longer do it. There’s just something magical about a Christmas village! XO
Ellen Shook says
Lovely! Your son is so handsome, and obviously loves his Mama. I might be inspired to retrieve my (much smaller) village from the attic and set it up. I think I was feeling rather humbug-ish this year till I read this.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Ellen! I bet you will be so happy you got it out if you decide to do so, and I hope you do! 🙂 XO
Jen says
Merry Christmas from Australia where the sun is shining brightly and we are preparing for our summer Christmas. I love your snow covered village. Thank you for sharing. I love our tradition of putting up the tree. Unwrapping all the decorations that have been collected over many years. I still try to add a new one each Christmas. This year i found the perfect addition in the Old market streets in Cairo.
Christy says
Merry Christmas, Jen! I’ve enjoyed a few of those Aussie Christmasses myself as a child living on the NW Cape! My Dad was born and raised in Sydney. One of my favorite childhood Christmas photos is of me in my blue bikini sitting in front of the tree…a stark contrast to the freezing temps here! I love that you treasure revisiting all the decorations as you unwrap them. We do that as well with our big tree in the living room…such a great way to walk down memory lane! XOXO
Carrie says
Oh, how priceless to have your boys helping you! and how fabulous all of this is, this is so fun to imagine and look at! It really looks nice in front of that wall. Thanks for sharing this, I would love to do something like this
Christy says
It was truly a pleasure to share, Carrie! We really do enjoy it, thank you! It only takes one house to get you started! 🙂
Julie Briones says
Your village is just lovely! What a wonderful memory and tradition you have created with your boy(s)!
My mom has a village, as well. She hand painted all the items herself (she was a professional artist in her early years). When my children were young, she actually allowed them to ‘play’ with them during Christmas time! They loved pretending with them, and never damaged a piece during those many years! My adult children still talk about it to this day.
Christy says
Thank you, Julie! I think I cherish the actual building of the village even more than the village itself now. I love that your Mom made her own…what treasures! Enjoy your weekend! XOXO
Carole Larsen says
Your village is so beautiful. I am glad you took the time with your sweet son to build it so you can all enjoy it’s wonder. I have a collection of Carolers that I have had forever and love. It is still fun getting them out of their boxes and setting them up. It’s these memories that make the holidays so special.
Christy says
Thank you, Carole! I am so glad I did too…just one look at his face and I knew we needed to do it. I bet your collection of carolers is beautiful! XOXO
Vee Muller says
Lovely, just lovely. Traditions are meant to be shared with loved ones. Your sons are precious and thanks for sharing with us.
We have a special celebration with my siblings and families the Saturday after Christmas, called Thomas Christmas (my maiden name). It’s a great full day of presents, eating, games and enjoying each other. This year for the 2nd year we will be participating via Skype. We now lived in NM and the rest are in the Philadelphia area. Presents have been wrapped and sent and I think we’re ready! Merry Christmas!
Christy says
Thank you, Vee! I love your tradition and that you continue it although you are far away! Merry Christmas to you as well! XOXO
Marie says
Oh Christy, this post spoke to my heart so deeply! Many years ago my Mom divided her Christmas Village between my sister and I. I have kept the tradition going by putting mine up each year. When my son, Brandon was still living at home, right up until his early 20’s, he would help me put up the village. Your post today brought back those memories. It’s not the same putting it up by myself. Now my little 2-year old grandson is intrigued by “the people are having a party”. When he’s old enough, I hope to set up my village with him. I adore your collection of figurines – they each tell a story. Your village is gorgeous and I could probably stand there for hours, like your youngest, mesmerized by it. Props to you for sprinkling faux snow in yours, I can only imagine the clean up of that each year.
Christy says
Oh wow, I bet you treasure those houses even more now. I bet your grandson will love building it with you each year. I agree there is just something so intriguing about a Christmas village…I could just stare at it forever myself! As for the snow, I just carry the table cloth right to the garbage can outside and give it a good shake, but it does make its way to the floor all season lol. Have a great week! XOXO
Christy @ Our Southern Home says
Christy, Your village is truly amazing! What special memories with you boys. You have inspired me so much. I have a small Dickens Village that I started many years ago with just 3 buildings. Now, I want to try to grow it over the next year to start again with it next year. I always thought it all had to come from the same brand, but after seeing yours, I see that they can all work together. Just beautiful!!!
Christy says
Aww thanks, Christy! Yep mine are all from different makers…I just try to make sure they are about the same size. I’m almost sad that I have so many, which means I can’t really add anymore! The hunt is definitely fun, Merry Christmas! XOXO
Diane@InMyOwnStyle says
Hi Christy –
I love your village. My mom used to set up a much smaller village on our dining room buffet when I was growing up. I loved it just like your kids do especially at night. I don’t know what happened to all the pieces, but I somehow I have two skiers from the village. Whenever I see them, they make me smile. I am sure your village will live on for generations to come since your sons love it as much as you do.
Christy says
Thank you, Diane! I do hope one of my boys will continue the tradition with his own family! Merry Christmas! XO
Jolinda says
I can’t thank you enough for sharing your traditions with us. It means so much.
Christy says
It was such a treat to share and I am so happy you enjoyed it, Jolinda! Merry Christmas! XOXO
Anita Ellison says
Christy I imagine that the townsfolk in your village are saying to one another, “Did you hear who’s getting a room makeover this week?” and “can’t wait see what my neighbor repurposes next!” I have one Peppermint house that my grandchildren adore and I really want them to have it in their home but they haven’t got a spare flat surface for it! Thank you for sharing your style and your ideas, I feel like I get a gift whenever I read your posts. Merry Christmas!
Christy says
You are so sweet, Anita and I appreciate your thoughtful words more than you know! Funny about the townsfolk…or they might be wondering why I’m making them stand frozen in snow purely for my own enjoyment lol! Maybe having the Peppermint house in your home makes the grands enjoy it more since they can’t see it every day, and who knows…one of them may be displaying it on their own home some day! Merry Christmas! XOXO
Lynda says
Christy,
I too have a Christmas village although it is not as big as yours. It is also a tradition for my son and I to put it up each year. He loves it!
Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas!
Christy says
My pleasure, Lynda! Aren’t boys the sweetest? I know you treasure that time with yours just as I do mine! Merry Christmas! XO
Dee Bell says
Wiw that is some display! Ihave a collection of snow village which hasnt seen the light of day in at least eighth Christmases. Yours is fabulous! Maybe I will get inspired next year. Thank you for sharing that.
Christy says
Thank you, Dee! I just took it down today…it’s always sad to see it go! I hope you’ll think about displaying yours next year! XO