Claude Pierrot is passionate about end-of-year celebrations. So much so that for 20 years, he has stored and exhibited in his house an impressive collection of nearly 1,000 pieces with the sole theme: Christmas. Short guided tour.
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At the beginning of November, Claude is already setting out to prepare for Christmas. A tradition for around twenty years in his house located on the heights of the small village of Hottviller in Moselle. Decorative operation from floor to ceiling, in this ground floor which looks like a temporary exhibition gallery. Figurines, Santas, candles, trees… “I have thirty to forty boxes“admits the person concerned,”you have to unpack them, but I do it at my own pace. Then I have to install all my bits and pieces on the shelves and tables. It's meticulous work and my wife sometimes comes by to rectify the situation. I go back to childhood“.
Once the 900 pieces are installed, Claude can spend hours looking at them in peace. “It's the magic of Christmas and it's beautiful magic“, he explains on the microphone of France 3 Lorraine, “there are people from the village, friends or acquaintances who ask me if they can come with their children or grandchildren. I welcome around fifty people each year. Generally, I don't refuse anyone. All children have the right to the same visit“However, there are no open doors, he specifies.
When my little girl was born, I started decorating Christmas to please her. And over the years, the pieces have accumulated.
“I am a believer and therefore the most beautiful celebration in my opinion is Christmas” declares Claude, “When my little girl was born, I started making Christmas decorations to please her. And over the years, the pieces have accumulated. She has grown up but she is still amazed when she visits me. This is the greatest pleasure that visitors can give me… to be amazed. They leave here with a head full of memories. There are even people who came as children and now come with their grandchildren.“.
“Unfortunately I couldn't put everything in because I didn't have any more space.” admits the sixty-year-old, “my favorite piece is this Santa Claus, the oldest in my collection. He has a bag with lots of presents. It is not plastic like the current ones. And I forgot, there is also this train, it is important because otherwise, Santa Claus does not come“.
The exhibition is visible for about a month before dismantling planned for January.
