Setting Up Our Christmas Village on the Fireplace Mantel - 🎄🏡⛪️🏨🎄

[@janeta2559]

I love your Christmas village story. What a beautiful memory. I also set up a holiday village all made with Lego sets and some of my own designs. We started buying our youngest son legos when he was 7. Now married with 2 kids we are still building and buying legos. And I totally understand the nostalgia feeling of setting up your village. Each year I add a couple of things to the village. This year I added a bakery, a music shop, toy shop and I designed a dog park. And I used the micro mini lights that you can get with batteries to light throughout the village. The grand kids love it and I also have one of my grandsons MOC (my own creation) of a car repair shop next to the gas station. I put a Santa on a sleigh in the bay as he is having some issues with his sleigh. And of course a train station that goes way back. Just so much fun.

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Oooh, that sounds so fun! Lego!!!! Woohoo!

[@georgeprice8026]

Charming Village! You are a sweet lady to share your treasured and personal Christmas story.

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Thank you!

[@soledadvega3563]

Awww, ❤ very beautiful story, I found this video very helpful. My village is not as special as yours but I will try to make it as special

[@chrisrfan]

So sweet! We set up a village every year, along with a train track and the polar express train going around the village. The people/characters in the village represent our kids and grandkids and even their pets! Most of the display has come from Michael’s (Lemax brand), but we have added pieces to it over the years that aren’t that brand, but they go. It takes me a good week to set it all up in our finished basement. Two folding six foot tables with sheets of plywood (painted white) over the top with holes cut in the plywood for the power cords to go through. It’s then covered with white felt, and then the train track goes on. Then the houses/buildings, and then the people.

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Oh that sounds wonderful!!!!! I can only imagine all the memories associated with it!

[@peggy-ann1961]

My village is set on a sideboard near the dining table. My hubby fashioned an extension for me as my village grew! I use books and containers for different levels as well. The village is the first place the grandkids go to see what figure has been added this year. This year’s is a stump with three squirrels around it! Love your village and the little story that went with it!👏🎄🇨🇦

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

That sounds wonderful!

[@Gigi-fv9ky]

This is so special. I love the handmade aspect and the memories. I am very envious of your 18” mantel! Mine are only 8” but if I ever get to build, a wide mantel is definitely on my wish list. I have a few North Pole pieces but I stopped collecting them years ago and haven’t displayed them in years. Maybe next year . This year has just been eaten up with hundreds of hours of overtime and I am too tired to do anything else. I am at the age I would like to retire but being single and not being smart enough when I was young to plan for retirement, who knows if that will happen. 😃😂

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

I do love our deep mantel. Very grateful for it. Wishing you a lovely (and restful!) holiday season!

[@maggiew5192]

Love the story of your village! My village is a town of paper putz houses that my mother displayed when I was a child in the 50s. We had no fireplace, so they got pride of place on the dining room buffet or under the tree. Under my care they've been on the mantle, the buffet, and a pine cupboard. The last few years they have gathered on a large tiered tray from Hobby Lobby. It's white with 3 tiers and I use white or glass candlesticks as risers with the church at the very top, of course. My accessories are 2 snowmen and a skinny tree? bush? that Mom had with the set; I have added bottle brush trees, tiny pinecones and faux pine sprigs. There's also a candle shaped like a lamp post that I bought at Woolworth's when I was little. Lots of memories, as you can see..

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Oh that sounds wonderful. Putz pieces are so sweet! And amazing they've been in your family for all these years!

[@annemariedelaney5295]

Maggie, that is such a nice story, thanks for sharing Merry Christmas 🤶 🎄 🧑‍🎄☃️⛸☃️🌲

[@linakhoury6623]

Hi Jenny 🌺beautiful village I love it .I decorate the grotto and the tree for christmas .Have anice day. 🎄

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Sounds lovely!!!

[@colsen4616]

My mom gave me a ceramic village set about 25 years ago, then over the years I added Dept. 56 Snow Village pieces - mostly thrifted. I’ve included some of our life events in the accessories, such as a family moving and a car my husband restored. It’s been set it up in a bay window, a vignette on a table top, and on the mantle. My mantle is shallow, so vhs tapes for the hills!

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Oh that sounds lovely!

[@peggy72]

I like the story Jenny. I'll show it to my grandkids. Thank you

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Thank you!

[@rosiesingleton6480]

Wow Jenny - not only are you a talented gardener🌿💐🌸🌼🌻🌱…….but also an amazing decorator 🎄🎁❄️🎅🏻💒🏡🕍🏫🍾

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Aw, thanks!

[@sandraguarino3762]

So beautiful! Thanks for sharing your DIY story. Love it!!

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Thank you!

[@dianezehr]

Love the story of how the village was created. An heirloom I am sure.

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

We'll see what the kids do with it once we're gone, but in the meantime, Dave and I enjoy it. :-)

[@jasminelouisefarrall]

Oh it looks beautiful Jenny 🥰

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Thank you!

[@annemariedelaney5295]

Jenny, amazing and lovely story of your Christmas Village, thank you for sharing 🌲❤💒 you could write a small Story book using the stories as you mentioned in this sweet video. Loved each thing you said about each piece 🏠🏡🏘🏫 Merry joyous Christmas 🎄

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Aw, that would be sweet. Such a thing never occurred to me!

[@debitytler2776]

This is just an amazing village that you and your husband have made. Such beautiful memories to pass on to your children assuming you have some. It looks amazing. We have one where we have collected pieces over the years. Every year it seems to be put in a new location. Think next year I will put it on my buffet as I dont have a mantle. You have given me some new inspiration. Thank you for sharing. I am now subscribed to your channel. Thank you. Debi from Ontario, Canada

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Thank you for watching and subscribing! I love that you have a village that moves around each year. I like to put mine in different places too, including bookshelves, radiator covers, TV media units, even IN a Christmas tree one year! It's so fun!

[@jenniferhooks2454]

What wonderful memories you and your husband made painting those village buildings! I love the story you told about the people in the village. I would treasure it also.

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Thank you, yes, I love it!!!!

[@lindakay8171]

Thanks for the storyline of the village, so cute! Love the way the snow is falling over the mantel. Merry Christmas!

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Thank you, Merry Christmas to you too!

[@GardeningSpirit]

The story of these pieces is just so heartwarming! I can totally understand your complete affection for this and your family must love seeing it on your mantel! So sweet. 🎄🎄🎄

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Thanks, yes, it's a family favorite.

[@tinamcnamara5167]

It's a beautiful village! I can't believe you and your husband painted each piece! That was a labor of love. I have a village that I also put on my mantle. I like the idea of putting a white towel to cover the boxes. I loved the story behind all the people that live in the village.

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Thank you so much 😊

[@imahick5723]

Beautiful and festive

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Thank you!

[@eileenbartnick7202]

It's absolutely precious, Jenny! And wonderful memories from painting them through the years! I remember painting wooden ornaments for my first Christmas tree so I would have any ornaments! Then every year I would make more ornaments of some kind, to add to the tree. That was 45 years ago, and they still hang on the tree every year!! Memories ☺️ !! Thanks for sharing your special memories! Happy holidays!!

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Yes, those ornaments collected over the years are the BEST!!!!!

[@69juamex]

I been gathering a few houses as well but have not put it up, but this video gives me ideals. Beautiful display and the story.

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Good luck with your display, I hope you enjoy your houses this year!

[@MaryBornforHealth]

I was thinking how sweet this is and it became even sweeter knowing you and your husband actually painted each piece. Thank you for sharing your lovely village with us and your narration was fabulous!

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Thank you!

[@MindysPlace]

Love your village, and the story behind it. Memories are what Christmas is all about. ♥

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Thank you, yes, I agree!

[@azalea5560]

Yours is the first Ben Franklin Crafts Village I have seen… besides mine. I have several pieces complete. And a few that still need painting. ( I use the poster putty to hold the steeple in place ) $15? Wow. I only paid 6-8$ per house. Don’t remember how much the figures were. ( I’m missing several figures ) Thanks for sharing.

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Is that what brand it is? I wasn't sure. We bought them at Frank's Nursery and Crafts which is now closed, but used to be in Laurel, MD. I'm glad to hear you have some too! How do you display them?

[@melindafuller802]

Yes I to have a village I have it displayed on an old 5 ft wooden step ladder that me and my son made into shelves with boards though the rounds and steps I painted it red to match all my other Christmas decor

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Ooh, that sounds like a great display!

[@karenwestby-gibson758]

My husband and I years ago did a Bethlehem village with water well and animals. It’s a special pieces to us both. I know it has to be close to 30 years old.

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

That sounds wonderful!!!!

[@mariajohnston352]

Aww it's just beautiful xxxx love the way you brought it to life merry Christmas to you and your family x

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Thank you! Merry Christmas to you and yours too!

[@Julie_M_]

Love the diversity in your village, you are my people! ! I just adore you and thank you for the holiday videos. I travel for the season but love holiday decor so this has all been so heart filling to me!

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Aw, thanks!

[@kathleendolinar4749]

Your village is beautiful. Can't believe it wasn't Dept 56

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Oh, no, it's very "rustic" painting, but we love it. :-)

[@cantor7723]

Looks wonderful! Heartwarming on this cold Sunday in the south.

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Thank you!

[@pamelacallaway3922]

Your village is wonderful! I only put up a few things, the manger, the parents and a few friends and some greenery. I enjoyed your story also.

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Thank you. Sometimes simple is best!

[@denisecoviello5619]

Love this village and its history and story. I do fairy gardening in the spring and summer and I similarly set up a hillside fairy village with books and batting and netting on a table in the screened porch. It gives me a chance to use some of my fairies and fairy houses.

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Oh that sounds wonderful!!!!!

[@judymckerrow6720]

I have a very nice one but don’t put it out anymore. Between cats and young grandchildren something always seems to get broke. 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄💚🙃

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Aw, darn! Maybe one day you can set it behind glass door cabinets or something? Thanks for watching.

[@mayarada2059]

Absolutely very beautiful , you had such a wonderful idea how to decorate beautiful fully, your Christmas decorations is absolutely fantastic , your very generous sharing all this and thank you very much and truly enjoy warching all the way .

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Thank you so much!

[@bobr9895]

I have a shelf cutout in the wall with a train set and station that stays year round. I have a shelf below that I have a village of sorts with a church and house with various children and adults playing and going home from shopping that I put out at Christmas time. It's always fun to put out.

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Oh that sounds really fun!!!!

[@annamorreale9458]

Good morning. I really like how you have the “snow” draping over the mantle. It looks very life-like. All the fine details really make it look perfect for the season. Merry Christmas to you and all your loved ones.

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Thank you, you too!

[@ekmshaka]

Beautiful! I’m just starting out and wondering where you may have purchased the home models? Thank you!

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

I purchased them over 30 years ago, and unfortunately they are no longer sold. So sorry.

[@ldolan1802]

It’s beautiful! It truly is special that you and your family hand painted everything! You can’t put a value on that. ❤ I’ve bought several pieces in an “after Christmas sale”, last year. It’s not as big as your village, but it’s a start! Happy Holidays!

[@HarmonyHillsHomeandGarden]

Hey size doesn't matter!!!!! :-) sounds like you're off to a wonderful tradition start!