Ellsworth woman keeps the holidays year-round

By Elise Franco | March 17, 2012 at 12:09a.m.

Ellsworth

For nearly two decades, Joyce Vitikas has celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in a less-traditional way.

Vitikas, 76, of Salem-Warren Road in Ellsworth, said she loved decorating her Christmas tree so much that she decided to leave one up year-round and make it a “holiday tree.”

“I thought it would be nice to have a tree decorated for other holidays because I’ve found so many pretty decorations,” she said.

Vitikas’ St. Patrick’s Day-themed tree is set up in a small enclosed porch off the side of the house.

It’s wrapped in white and green shamrock garland, white lights, larger green shamrock lights and small green hats. She placed a larger version of the hat at the top of the tree, and around the base is a hand-sewn tree skirt.

“Everybody who comes to the house comes to this door,” Vitikas said. “Most people notice the tree. ... I want them to be able to enjoy it with me.”

Ed Vitikas said his wife’s hobby is something that makes her happy.

“It’s easy for her to connect with the different holidays when she decorates,” he said. “It’s a simple, old-fashioned idea.”

Besides St. Patrick’s Day and Christmas, Vitikas also decorates the tree for Valentine’s Day, Easter, spring/Memorial Day, Independence Day, Halloween and Thanksgiving.

“She enjoys using the decorations and colors to honor the different holidays and change of seasons,” Ed Vitikas said.

Joyce said she’s decorated the tree in that spot for nearly 20 years and is constantly thinking of ways to spruce up old decorations.

“I get a lot of different ideas” from an arts-and- crafts store, she said. “If I see something I like, it really gets me into the decorating mood.”