After a three-year break, Ida Mcaulay’s Christmas Village has returned to Goderich.
Set up at the old tourism office on Hamilton Street, the Christmas Village had over 100 people visit and feel the magic at the grand opening last week.
In addition to residents, young and old, families and local dignitaries also popped in to the see the magical village created by Ida.
“I believe that my message of pausing and reflecting and appreciating what we all already have, rather than what we are getting for Christmas, is truly happening in people’s hearts just by what they say stopping and spending time looking at the village,” expressed Ida.
“Many say it brings them back to their childhood; some say it is just what they needed to get into the Christmas spirit, and many have said that it’s a gift to them.”
Ida has been putting the Christmas Village together for 26 years. Her daughter inspired her to create something that would make people pause and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.
Ida began this journey creating a Christmas Village 26 years ago in Cambridge, with only five houses and one train. When she moved to Southampton, Ida displayed the growing village in a sun porch, which eventually moved to a storefront.
Over time, others wanted to be involved so they began gifting Ida with items to add to her village.
When Ida moved to Goderich, previous mayor Kevin Morris asked if she could set up somewhere near the square.
Over the years Ida has set up the village at locations across Goderich including Pat and Kevin’s old restaurant where Steve and Mary’s on the Square is located, Dollar Haven, and the former West Street Bakery location.
Businesses around town either donated or lowered prices to help make Ida’s creative project a reality this year.
“I invite everyone of all ages to come experience love this Christmas,” Ida said.
“May you be touched with gratitude and appreciation for what you already have and may your heart feel joy and happiness this Christmas.”
Over the years Ida has been collecting items herself to add to her Christmas Village, and family friends have helped support the project by gifting Ida further items to supplement the village.
“What inspires me is the love I felt holding my daughter – Steph -26 years ago when I realized I had everything I ever wanted right in my arms,” admitted Ida.
“Nothing I would get or buy for Christmas would mean more to me than her. She continued to inspire me over the years with ideas to add to the village.”
According to Ida, some ideas from her daughter over the years include incorporating an animal shelter, Santa coming from the North Pole, and a Disney-themed section.
“What I didn’t realize was Steph and I were creating a tradition that was growing every year,” Ida added.
“When I got injured and couldn’t do the village Steph told me we needed to continue this tradition, and she inspired me once again.”
For the last three years Ida has not set up the village, yet she knew in her heart that something was missing and there was an interest from other residents in Goderich for Ida to bring it back.
This year Ida is grateful for the businesses and individuals in town that have gone beyond to support and help Ida make this village a reality again. This year Ida added a North Pole, a Santa workshop, and a fireplace for Santa and Mrs. Claus to come and feel at home.
“I’m so overwhelmed and grateful for the love that I’ve received that it fueled me to create, and the magic of Christmas has gone beyond my dreams,” Ida reflected.
“Everyone who comes tells me their childhood memories, and the gratitude in their eyes is inexplainable. Little do they know; they are a gift to me. It’s love working its magic, and now I have my grandchildren to allow me to experience it all over again.”
Ida’s wish is that those who visit the Christmas Village continue to feel happiness during the Christmas season, spreading it to everyone else.
Her goal is to see the joy it brings those who visit the village, and urge others to take a few moments to pause, reflect, and allow the lights and music to transport them back to their childhood at Christmas time.
For the little ones who visit the village, Ida finds inspiration in the magic that sparkles in their eyes as they put themselves into the village.
“If you ask me what the world needs more of, I say love, and I feel love not only remembering but also from the comments from everyone who comes in. Love of the community, love of my family, and watching everyone enjoy the village. The love just keeps growing,” Ida explained.
The Christmas Village is open every day (weather permitting) from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. at 91 Hamilton Street (the old tourism office).
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the village each Sunday until Christmas from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.
Entrance to the village is free.
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