The tradition of using tiny structures as Christmas decor can be traced back to the 17th century. But it was in the 1970s that charming ceramic houses began.
Jackie Pokorny’s love for Christmas village scenes began as child.
Pokorny said, “I grew up with the tradition of having a Christmas village. I helped my mother assemble and set up the little plastic homes and stores under the Christmas tree and it always had a train circling the tree. A Christmas village was a must in our home. It’s struck me as being so beautiful.”
Those little buildings were made in the USA, by Plasticville, and were popular in the 1950s. Pokorny, along with other baby boomers, watched a toy train chug around under the Christmas tree. And in the middle of the track were plastic buildings that helped create the illusion of a little town.
Pokorny said, “When I look at the village, I sense the joy and Christmas spirit of the miniature figurines as they engage in the activities of Christmas. Now the homes are ceramic and the train is a must in my village display.”
When did she start your current collection?
Pokorny said, “From the time we were married over 25 years ago, my husband and I set up a village under our tree. Before we moved here, we would have neighbors over for the holiday season. Friends and their children would love to come by and look at our Village. Sometimes they would bring a figurine, a house to add to our collection. My husband is now deceased and I continue to follow the tradition. We encouraged this tradition by giving our adult children village homes and figurines as gifts so they could set up their village at Christmas. Now, our married grandchildren want to do the same.”
Does Pokorny set up all the houses?
“No,” she said. “We have too many to set them all up, so I rotate them. I have an inventory list of all of them and what bin that they are in. We always set up the train. The grandkids enjoy the train and cars around the tree. They are very careful when they play with them. The train has the original engine. My husband worked for Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad and the train cars bear that name. It’s a reminder of Grandpa for the kids.”
Do she have a favorite village house?
Pokorny said, “I would have to say it’s the village Home that has “Noel” on the roof.”
The display takes some time and dedication.
Pokorny said, “It would take a day and half to put it up. This year, my daughters and daughter-in-law came over and helped me put it up.”
And with one flick of the light switch the magic happens, the tree and entire village come to life.
