Two posts in one day? Yep, that’s because we’re also awarding Christmas Cottage and Santa’s Workshop today. Each entry was carefully scrutinised, especially for Christmas Cottage.
The idea of Santa’s Workshop came about because we both, Mark and I, remember the big Christmas displays in shops like Myer and David Jones in Brisbane. Back then, there was a sense of wonder as we watched the marionettes dancing, the trains and the twinkling lights. We both felt that simply because we live in a rural location, there is no reason the children should miss out on that wonder. The shops that participate, put a lot of thought into their entries, ensuring the children’s imaginations are engaged. It’s very rewarding to hear the children chat after seeing them, and there’s a second win, because if parents take the children, they look inside the shops. They see what is available and often you will find that they then frequent those shops. A win-win for everyone. Even better, the trophy (a mounted Santa) is awarded to the winners, the style changing annually. Some stores now have multiple Santa’s and it’s gratifying to see them in the windows, noting their success as winners each year. Of course, it’s never a foregone conclusion that if you won last year, you’ll win this year too.
To ensure even the smaller locales have an opportunity to win, we’ve grouped the townships and villages together, so everyone gets an opportunity to win.
Christmas Cottage is because there was community support for a single house, with lighting to entice and dazzle. We listened and this newer initiative was born in 2023. No financial gain is involved, but the perpetual trophy moves from town to town depending on the winner. It stays for the year before a new name is added.
At the end of the day, the Christmas Initiative is about hope, joy and cohesion. It’s about communities coming together to help and support each other, to give the children an opportunity to experience the innocent fun we enjoyed.
#spiritofchristmas #collaboration #meaningful #morethanjustlights #SocialCohesion #doingourbit
Business Development Executive at A2Z Millwork Design LLC-| AWI | AWMAC | NSF | LEED | Architectural Millwork | Submittal | Millwork Drafting Services | Tile/Stone Shop Drawing Services | Shop Tickets.
1w"What an inspiring partnership! ✨ It's heartwarming to see 319 Designs and their partners bring holiday cheer through these Gift Kitchens. Transforming homes and creating spaces for families to cherish is a truly meaningful impact. Kudos to everyone involved in this wonderful initiative! 💜🙌"