Grandma's Workshop

Wanna visit THE North Pole? Well, too bad! I'm pretty sure that few will ever have the opportunity to visit the jolly one at his actual home, but I am privy to information that will delight those who are prone to visions of sugar plums dancing AND those who long to settle for a LONG winters nap!

I don't have a picture of the woman, few do as she avoids cameras like the plague, but I do have pictures of her workshop. My mother-in-law transforms her living room into a miniature North Pole every November and opens her workshop to the community through December every Christmas season.

How did this phenomenon start? Well, I am afraid I have to take a little credit, but only the smallest bit. I started her with her first few pieces of Department 56's North Pole Village when I worked at The Cinnamon Tree a few years (okay, TEN years!) back. I wanted something I knew I could buy her, a collection. Well, no one can buy her any of these now because she is OBSESSED! She has EVERY piece ~ minus one coveted first edition Santa's Workshop, which by the way is pretty impossible to afford, let alone find. She can't wait to receive them as gifts...she loves them way too much! When I bought that first set, I never imagined my mother-in-law would become one of the obsessed customers I loved...and feared!
It is a sight to behold. It takes over a week for her and her little helpers (her daughters, sons, some of their spouses, and her grandchildren) to construct The North Pole. I have yet to help with the transformation, so I can't take any credit at all, but give props to the rest of the fam! (I'm not mean, just a control freak who shouldn't place herself in such a situation.)She is a true collector, so all houses are stored in original, near-flawless boxes sealed in Rubbermaid bins to preserve their value ~ yes, the boxes AND the actual piece. Then, when they are taken from these special boxes for display, they are handled with the utmost care. When I say that the grandkids help, I mean that Grandma is sweet enough to invite them to observe. Knowing the cost and chances of scoring a retired piece keeps most of us from sending little helpers to actually join in the fun! But, after it is all done ~ they are lost in wonder. They play "I Spy" and look for various little accessories. Believe me, no small detail is spared!

See what I mean? It's really amazing!

When visitors come, they are asked to sign a special guestbook (handmade by my talented sis-in-law) and all kids are treated to a candy cane. This will be one of the highlights of your season! Go see it...you won't be disappointed!

(It is located in a place almost like taking a journey to the actual North Pole ~ but gas prices are back down, so make the trip!)