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A dream since her childhood has come true in a big way for Maria Felix, who isn’t kidding when she says, “I love Christmas.”
Over the years the South Pasadena resident has collected dozens of figurines to create a nativity scene and an adjoining display depicting a White Christmas, both dominating the dining and living rooms of her home in the 500 block of El Centro Street.
“This is something I’ve always wanted from the time I was very young,” said a smiling Felix, always looking forward to this time of year.
It takes the better part of three weekends to set up the two scenes inside her home, much to the delight of family, friends and visitors intrigued by the holiday spectacle.
“I know, it’s a little crazy, huh?” said a smiling Felix. “It’s fun. I love it.”
The number knick-knacks to create the look are countless. “I don’t know,” said Felix, when asked for how many are displayed. “There are so many.”
Most of the collected pieces have come from K-Mart, Sears, Stats in Pasadena, Target, 99 Cents Only Stores, the old Mervyns’s department store and outside the country, including Costa Rica and Guadalajara.
“Mervyn’s always had the best specials,” said Felix, pointing out some of the items on display. “This one came from Stats, this one came from Sears. This is one of my favorite ones, from K-Mart. I have so many I don’t buy them anymore.”
Felix and her husband, Robert, have lived in the same home for 45 years and most of those Maria has been adding to the festive scene.
A nativity scene in the Christian tradition is a special exhibition, particularly during the holiday season featuring art objects representing the birth of Jesus.
“It just brings me happiness,” said Felix, who also decorates her home with a wide range of items during Halloween, from small Jack-o-lanterns, castles, caskets to graveyards, but it’s nothing close to what’s on display this time of year.
Valentines Day is just around the corner. Anything in store to celebrate the occasion?
“Just a little bit, not much,” said Felix, when asked if she’ll dress up her house for the day.
“It won’t be like this,” she said, pointing to her latest holiday creation. “The nativity and White Christmas scenes will always be my favorite.”
