Filipino Canadian transforms home into Christmas wonderland

Photo from CBC

The first “ber” month marked the start of early Christmas for Filipino Canadian Juliet Dayanghirang Francisco, who has transformed her north Winnipeg home into a Christmas wonderland.

Francisco has captured the holiday spirit with a bedazzling display of Christmas decorations in her front yard, including a glowing nativity scene, twinkling reindeer, inflatable Santa, Christmas trees, wreaths, ribbons and more. 

The Christmas magic continues inside her home with a grand Christmas tree adorned with more than 60 ornaments. 

Ceramic Christmas villages fill half of her living room, featuring carolers on miniature sidewalks, skaters gliding on a frozen pond and dazzling village homes decorated with evergreen bows.

Also on display are a collection of Santas in various sizes and styles, Christmas lights, glitters and holiday colors of red and gold.

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Christmas decorations that showcase Filipino tradition

Francisco’s love for Christmas decorations is deeply personal. “I feel very, very great, with joy in my heart,” she told CBC. For her, the decorations embody the true meaning of the season. 

“Christmas is love, because in love you can give everything. You can share your blessings, you will be reminded of the birth of Christ, and you will be good to people,” she added. 

Her dedication to this holiday tradition reflects her appreciation of Filipino culture.

“Elaborate and extensive Christmas decorating is part of our culture,” Francisco explained.

“We do a lot of big, big things, so I think it’s important for other cultures to see that and learn what we do, what we believe in, and our spirit for it.”

Francisco was determined to create a festive atmosphere that uplifts her neighborhood. 

“I need to finish this so that I can give good ambiance to my community and neighborhood,” added Francisco, who views her work of art as a reminder of love, joy and generosity that define the Christmas season.

“If my decorations bring smiles and a little joy to someone’s day, then all the effort is worth it,” she said.