MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Donna Chadick and Her Christmas City
Posted on November 27th, 2024
Donna Chadick of Humnoke, a retired educator and a First Electric member for over 60 years, finds joy in her very own “Winter Wonderland.”
After a house fire in 1985 left her family with nothing but memories, Chadick sought happiness in a new way. She received a ceramic holiday church resembling the local Methodist Church from her mother-in-law, with whom she was very close. This church marked the beginning of what has now become the most unique and intricate Christmas display in Jefferson County.
With over a thousand pieces to be displayed, Chadick begins her set-up the week before Labor Day and spends multiple weeks perfecting its appearance. While walking through her winter wonderland, you will find Santa’s Village, a farming community, Times Square, the local school and so much more! It is a Christmas city built on the memories acquired year after year.
When we asked Chadick what inspired her to build her collection, her answer was quite simple, “I LOVE Christmas!” She truly brings the magic of Christmas to life through each one of her unique and special pieces, aligned to create what once was a small village and now an entire city.
Although her collection might seem complete, Chadick can still find the perfect spot for new pieces given to her by friends and family. Each additional piece brings a little joy with more memories to add each coming year. To build on the memories, she will add the date and name of the individual who gifted the piece to the bottom. After the Christmas season has passed and a new year has begun, Chadick carefully stores each precious piece until it is time to build her Christmas city once again.