By Laverne Stewart, Community Contributor, The Courier
The magic of Christmas is real for many and never more evident than when kids and kids at heart step into the home of Dave and Darlene Bell.
The splendor of twinkling lights, snow-covered evergreen boughs, and sparkling ornamentation are on display throughout their Harvey-area home.
On a frosty December evening, the Bells have opened their home to neighbours for an annual Christmas potluck. Those who’ve attended past parties wait in anticipation of what they will see.
One cannot help but gasp in awe at the home’s exterior which is awash in white lights, greenery with big red bows, and a garland of gold and red orbs surrounding the front door.
As you ascend the front steps, you’re greeted by a life-sized, hand-painted Christmas nutcracker, named William, which plays Tchaikovsky’s Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. A second, called Walter, is standing guard in the entryway.
Guests wander from room to room exclaiming their delight over what they see. Creating this home-for-the-holidays starts in October. It takes that long to deck the halls and every room in this warm and welcoming home.
It’s fun to see people’s reactions to her countless hours of planning and preparations, Bell explained. She said the goal is to share the wonder of the season and her love of Christmas with others.
“It might be over the top, I’m not sure, but I love to see people’s reactions when they come in. I made a sign that says, ‘Never be too old to look to the skies on Christmas eve.’ and that’s it. I’m the person that, even now, looks to the skies on Christmas Eve for Santa.”
Dave Bell assists with some heavy lifting and hard-to-reach areas. This, he says, is entirely this wife’s inspiration and creation.
“It really is magical. We’ve always loved it,” he said.
The largest tree is full of memories of Christmases past. When this couple was first married Dave was in university and Darlene was expecting their firstborn. With a lot of love and little else, they made hand-sewn tiny tree ornaments from felt. Decades later they are among other ornaments made by their children and grandkids and even a pair of Dave’s baby shoes.
A smaller sentimental tree, with ornaments bearing the names of everyone on both sides of the family, is on display in the guest bedroom.
The primary bedroom is home to a breathtakingly beautiful tree with flocked branches, as well as, white, silver, and gold glitter ornamentation including poinsettias, figure skates and more.
When the holidays are over she will carefully place everything in labelled-by-room containers along with corresponding photos to eliminate any confusion over where each item goes.
“It’s a labour of love. I will do this until I no longer can,” she explained.