In our house the first Christmas decoration to go up is our Dicken's Village. Usually we start setting it up on Thanksgiving Day but since I was hit with a terrible cold I didn't have the energy that the village required. We postponed it until today. Funny thing is, our house didn't "feel like Christmas" all weekend - not until the village was set up. For us, it takes a village - our Dicken's Village - to feel like Christmas around our house.
Between myself, Delaney and Dawn we set the village up in record time - six hours. That included putting away Fall decor, rearranging furniture, working with the planning engineer (Dawn) as well as strategizing how to build mountains and where to place all the pieces. The final step is the application of snow, Collin and Delaney share equally in this task.
Delaney was in charge of wax (keeps the roads down and the lights standing) and the people. She takes her job seriously and thinks about each person and where they best belong.
Bustling downtown Main Street.
Gentleman loaded with Christmas gifts he's bringing to his grand kid's house.
Delaney is clearing the snow from Ashely Pond so that the skaters can skate.
Ashley Pond bustling with skaters on a perfect winter day. That's Dickens' childhood home in the background (on the right).
This is the more formal skating rink in the center of the village. Delaney wanted the village to be named Skating Village this year since we have two skating rinks, two ponds and a river.
This is my newest piece - Regency Park (thanks Mom!). The outside is all decorated for Christmas. Notice the carriage that just pulled up? They are stopping in for tea.
These people are sitting outside of their cottage assembling the garlands that they're going to hang outside.
St. Martin in the Fields Church (the people are going in to Mass). The choir boys are out front singing, I'm not sure where the pastor is (I'll have to check with Delaney on that one).
And finally, Heathmoor Castle. This distinguished residence always sits high on a hill and in years past had few visitors. This year, thanks to Dawn's planning, there was plenty of room so Delaney added visitors and carolers, all coming for a party at the castle. It's so festive looking, I wish I was invited.
As you can see there is plenty to do in our little village. Stop on in for some warm chestnuts, sip some hot cocoa or have a whirl around the pond on some skates.
Everyone is always welcome.
Merry Christmas!
