WINTER WONDERLAND

It’s a fun internal debate every year: Do you decorate the house for Christmas before or after Thanksgiving? 

Except for Connie Gibbs. 

“I started decorating in October,” she said. 

For Connie, who lives in Girard, starting early is as much about necessity as it is excitement. It takes her anywhere from three to four weeks to get her house ready for the holidays. And if you’ve ever been in her house, you understand why. 

If Christmas had an official residence, it might be her place.

“I love walking into my winter wonderland home,” she said. “It's so cozy and inviting, and I love having friends and family over this time of year. It just creates a beautiful backdrop and gets everyone in the holiday spirit.”

She decorates every room, even the bathrooms. Even the laundry room. You will go nowhere in the house and not be in a Hallmark movie. There are more than 20 Christmas trees of all sizes. Santa makes an appearance nearly 40 times. 

Each bedroom has its own theme. The Grinch. Candyland. It changes year by year.

“I have always loved Christmas and wanted to create magical Christmas moments for my children,” she said. “My adult children love to come home for Christmas, and that means the world to me and my family.”

One of the main highlights is her creative studio, where she hosts a variety of arts and crafts workshops throughout the year. 

“I have hosted sign painting parties in my home since 2019,” Connie said. “I let people come into my home and create home decor (wooden signs) to take home. Each paint class I host takes about 3-4 hours. I provide snacks and drinks, but people are free to bring things as well.”

It’s all so fun and festive and uplifting, Connie said. And at the core of it all is the true meaning of the season.

“To me Christmas not only is the birth of our savior, Jesus, but also a sense of togetherness,” she said. “If everyone was as kind as they are on Christmas Day, the world would be a better place. Christmas is about family, giving, and togetherness. It's the simple things of spending time together and creating lasting memories.”