Sun City woman displays handmade Christmas village

Sun City resident Joanne Garcia is continuing a family tradition with handmade dolls that decorate a Christmas village in her home.

Garcia’s grandmother began the tradition in her native Portugal, using volcanic rock and moss to create a winter scene to feature dolls made out of clay. Garcia’s mother continued the tradition and Joanne has carried it on, with a modern twist.

She makes new villagers using dish soap bottles, mops and other materials. Using doll parts from hobby stores, she adds the face, hands and other features. She also paints birdhouses to use as buildings in the village. Her display this year features these new villagers and fills her entire living room.

Garcia said that next year she hopes to expand the display to her garage, adding some of the creations handed down to her from her grandmother and mother.

“Every year we change it up,” said Garcia, who changes the handmade clothes she makes for the dolls. “It’s sad, because a lot of traditions are dying out. Once a person is gone, if someone doesn’t keep it going, a tradition dies out.”