the essential
Originally from Dunkirk and adopted from Montalban for 22 years, Caroline would like to bring the magic of Christmas to the North. It’s been 5 years since she relined her facade with giant stuffed animals. “You have to be an actor in your own happiness! “, she says.
In Montauban, No. 7 Grand-rue Villenouvelle has become a small attraction. As has been the case for 5 years in the run-up to the end-of-year holidays, Caroline has adorned the front of her house with giant soft toys in the middle of which sits a 2-metre-high inflatable Santa Claus. A few light garlands and that’s it. “In my family, we have always been immersed in the magic of Christmas. The shows, the decorations: it’s important. Besides, my mother is herself involved in an association which revamps her village at the end of each year,” says the woman from Dunkirk.
“In the North, almost everyone decorates their house with lots of different things, especially stuffed animals. We party, we dress up and we’re not afraid of ridicule! People are very enthusiastic but here, it’s different,” analyzes this adopted Montalbanian for 22 years.
When five years ago, her own children left the nest to study in Lille, Caroline made sure that this famous Christmas magic did not fade. “Basically, it was to hear the children laugh. And sometimes I listen to them from the apartment looking for Dora or counting the Cuties. The parents I meet ask me when I’m going to start, if I’m going to change the theme: I feel that there is a little waiting in the neighborhood. It’s free, it’s for everyone. Yes it makes me happy but it’s mainly for others. Perhaps that’s the meaning of sharing! »
Create emulation in the neighborhood
After having created grandiose installations with the help of old TV antennas or ladders – thanks to her “love” husband Fabien who “always” finds a solution for her – Caroline decided to go more “light” this year. The two floors of his house are still furnished with twelve XXL soft toys plus a bonus, a Mignon disguised in Dunkirk carnival fashion. You just need to have an eye to spot it.
“I have to admit that when I get started, between the end of November and the beginning of December, I often feel lazy. Then I get a taste for it and I like to find the little element that allows me to refine it. Besides, I spilled out a little onto the sidewalk,” smiles this generous resident who gets her supplies mainly from the online thrift store Vinted. But she buys a lot and sells very little. Annual investment: €100. “My closet is full of stuffed animals,” she laughs.
Caroline doesn’t hide it: beyond Jonathan Sanchez, her favorite butcher nearby, she would dream of seeing all of her neighbors winding a small garland on the railing of their balconies or on the railings of their windows. History of creating a certain emulation. “There is no need for a big budget. All you have to do is recycle or go to Emmaüs. And when we pass, it brings a smile. You have to be an actor in your own happiness! »
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