Everywhere one looks in her New Glasgow home – from the staircase elaborately bedecked with pine garland, lights, berries and poinsettias to a miniature village in the china cabinet and Christmas curtains in the kitchen – the spirit of the season shines through.
Everywhere one looks in her New Glasgow home – from the staircase elaborately bedecked with pine garland, lights, berries and poinsettias to a miniature village in the china cabinet and Christmas curtains in the kitchen – the spirit of the season shines through.
Small details such as real pine boughs over the kitchen cabinets, snowflakes hanging from the ceiling near a Santa sleigh and reindeer decoration, and small fir trees outside, add to the festive atmosphere.
Decorated in what Wilson describes as a traditional theme, her home features several Christmas trees – real and artificial – as well as a collection of seasonal salt and pepper shakers, and rug-hooked and painted ceramic items she made herself. She even replaces framed pictures on the walls with Christmas artwork.
Wilson said she’s collected the items over 40 years. “This is all my stuff,” she said. “I have more than most people that I know of.”
Her love of the season comes from her mother. “Christmas was always a big deal to her, and my grandmother too. It’s always such a happy time.”
Wilson’s home is one of three featured in a Christmas House Tour fundraiser for Earth ARC Animal Respite Centre, taking place on Sunday. Susan and Jody Lindblad’s home in Plymouth and Ashdenne MacLeod’s home in Lyons Brook are the others.
It takes Wilson about three weeks to decorate the house from top to bottom, and she’s happy to share her “labour of love” with others for a good cause.
“It’s nice we can showcase it for this event. The other two houses are lovely too,” she said. “Whatever we make – I hope it’s lots – goes to Earth ARC. It’s an expensive endeavour to feed those animals.”
Since 2000, Earth ARC has cared for and provided shelter to animals – primarily horses – that no one else wants. Located in Four Mile Brook, the non-profit organization currently looks after 25 horses, who were rescued from abuse, are old or have special health needs. Earth ARC also offers clinics to teach the basics of horse handling and care, along with programs for people with special needs.
Funds raised from the Christmas House Tour will go directly to the costs of operating Earth ARC, which include veterinary care, electricity and food. The price of hay alone is in excess of $20,000 per year.
SIDEBAR:
3rd annual Earth ARC Christmas House Tour
Sunday, Dec. 4
1-7 p.m.
Homes:
Brenda Wilson – 112 Hospital Ave., New Glasgow
Susan and Jody Lindblad – 35 MacBeth Road, Plymouth
Ashdenne MacLeod – 1707 Highway 376, Lyons Brook
Tickets: $12
Tickets available from:
the three homeowners
Big Al’s, New Glasgow
Gig’s Pizza, Alma
Needs Convenience, Pictou
Coffee, tea and sweets at Smith Rock Chalets
