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If you are like me, you find Christmas a dear time of the year. It is so great to sit around the tree visiting with family and friends, drinking eggnog and eating sausage balls. Despite the cold weather, Christmas cannot feel warm and cozy inside without decorations. Every year my grandfather sets up a small village around the presents with a train that circles the tree. It is a time consuming project, but with great planning can come to life just as you wish.

First you will have to buy the citizens of your small village. This is best done the year before your Christmas village debut. I would recommend first shopping days after your current Christmas, and then check out stores such as Dillards, Macy's, Garden Ridge and even Walgreens in the summer months. These stores usually sell their figurines and trains for 50% -75% off so that you can save the rest of your money for the presents under the tree!

This next step is usually done the day after Thanksgiving of your village debut. If you are wanting to design your village around your tree, decide whether you want it to be elevated or on the ground level. I find that it works best if you elevate the village, and then have the presents on the floor level below the village. If the village is at ground level, usually small pieces get accidentally kicked around. This elevation can be created by using large wooden crates covered up by green felt, (which will later be sprayed with canned snow). You can go to your local grocery store to take these crates off their hands, or just use boxes weighed down by bricks. Once you have your foundation, cover with as much green felt as needed. Make sure that the boxes/crates cannot be seen. Most people spray the canned snow now, but it is best to save this for last.

Now that you have your foundation, the fun part is next. Connect the tracks like puzzle pieces, keeping in mind that the tree will be in the middle. Once you have your train connected, bring out your box of miniature street lights and people and use your creativity to set up your tiny life-like village. After you have your people where you want them, spray the canned snow all over, making sure that there is not much green showing. This may require several cans of canned snow, use at your discretion. Plug in your train and watch it circle the town.

Making a Christmas village is fun and can be a project that you feel much accomplishment from. Your family will be looking forward to the village at every visit. Remember to pack those little figurines away with bubble wrap, to use them years to come!

Learn more about this author, Laura Snyder.
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