Randa Hayward is very humble about her immaculate display. (Submitted/ Brent Hayward)

By Nigel Maxwell

Festive Hobbies

Lloydminster woman builds Christmas spirit through festive hobby

Dec 29, 2022 | 2:00 PM

While Randa Hayward describes her Christmas village as her own little secret, the immaculate display that takes up half a room in her basement is truly anything but.

A project that started in 2004 with four pieces, has since grown to include 85 large pieces and is stretched out over a pool table, two eight-foot tables, and two rubber maid containers.

“I looked at my husband this year and said I need more real estate,” she laughed.

Hayward’s collection goes far beyond some simple houses and trees, as there’s also a carnival, roller rink, bowling alley, gas stations, town hall, a casino, and even a replica of the famous Griswold’s house, complete with Uncle Eddy and his motor home. Beginning the assembly process just after Halloween, Hayward estimated it takes her about three weeks to set it all up.

“The time it takes, is to set up all the details because I don’t just have some houses up with some trees, I have scenes,” she explained.

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Among the detailed scenes created are Santa’s Village, a town centre with carollers and shoppers, and there’s also a mountain area with people sledding and skiing.

While Hayward’s collection may have started modestly, she explained her real passion for it started in 2007, around the same time she was working in retail.

“Coming home and getting into my village and sitting down with each little piece and hiding the wires and setting up trees. After a couple hours, I didn’t think about work, my stress level was way down. All the negativity was out, I felt great,” she said.

When asked where she finds her pieces, Hayward explained over the years friends and family regularly make donations. And while online shopping helps uncover some treasures, there’s also lots to see at local antique shops.

“We have been to garage sales where I’ve said oh my goodness that’s the most oddest ball village piece. I have to buy it,” she said.

No Christmas display would be complete without the Griswold family. (Submitted/ Brent Hayward)

A view of the mountain scene. (Submitted/ Brent Hayward)

The carnival pieces were a recent gift of Randa’s husband. (Submitted/ Brent Hayward)

When asked about a favourite piece, Hayward said she could not name one, adding certain pieces are special to her in different ways. And of the four original pieces, only the pet store remains. Even the old train has been replaced with a bigger and flashier one.

“Each piece is its own,” she said.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell