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It takes a village to make Christmas complete for Valley family
By Elise Franco
Austintown
A longstanding Christmas tradition between a mother and son has become the talk of the town.
Ten years ago, Christa McNicholas, of Elmwood Avenue in Austintown, began painting small houses and buildings as a hobby.
“I was unemployed at the time and needed a project,” she said. “My mother had some, and it sounded like fun. From there, it kept growing and growing.
McNicholas, 62, started her Christmas village with five hand-painted buildings. She now has more than 50 houses and stores, as well as people and vehicles, and it’s still growing.
“It’s a challenge each year because I try to change the setup and make it a little different,” she said. “It’s grown to three tables with 10 sets of lights strung underneath.”
McNicholas’ son John McNicholas, 31, said he helps set up the village.
“This village has become as much of a tradition for us as having a Christmas tree,” he said.
Over the past couple of years, John McNicholas said family, friends and neighbors have become more excited about the village, each wanting to contribute in their own ways.
“My girlfriend actually just suggested adding a Grinch with a cave,” he said.
“It helps to have that creative input.”
The village features Santa Claus’ house, many houses, a park scene and stores such as a doughnut shop, a deli and a pizzeria, Christa McNicholas said.
She also added special touches like a newspaper box and a television truck.
“To me it’s the whole spirit of the Youngstown area,” she said. “Parts are represented throughout the village.”
Christa McNicholas said it takes about two weeks to get the display set up and ready to go.
“I do a little here and a little there,” she said. “The hardest part is the lights. They takes three or four hours alone.”
McNicholas said she loves that people are able to get enjoyment our of her creation.
“The neighbor kids will come over and look at it each year,” she said. “They’ll try to figure out what’s new and what’s changed. It makes it fun.”
John McNicholas said he thinks people are so drawn to the display because of its uniqueness.
“It’s special because it’s different,” he said. “It’s something that allows us to do something a little bit different to celebrate Christmas.”
Next up, McNicholas said she’ll work on adding a Walmart and a toy store.
“You can’t have a town without a Walmart,” she joked.