SAUCIER, MS (WLOX) -
No matter the time of year, in the home of Joyce and Jimmy Rogers, visitors can find Christmas. The couple has a Christmas diorama collection years in the making.
"We began about 25 years ago on a glass top table in my living room, just a few items and people," said Joyce.
Inspired by their daughter, the couple started collecting the little holiday moments frozen in miniature.
"It just got larger and larger and got too big for the house," said Joyce.
When the collection outgrew their coffee table, Jimmy built a special room to hold and display their enormous collection.
"I enjoy building, constructing and painting. Building is more fun to me than keeping it up," laughed Jimmy.
"When I came in, I said, ‘Gee, this is too big,' and now you see it what it is," said Joyce.
With so many details collaged into the room, their visitors can spend a good bit of time watching Christmas stories unfold. Puppies prance in a holiday pageant. A couple embraces while carolers sing. An old fisherman waits by the dock, oblivious to the big whale splashing behind him.
However, of all the stories the best belongs to the Rogers. Joyce and Jimmy have been married more than 60 years. They love to celebrate holidays, maybe now more than ever.
Their celebrations together were almost cut short when Jimmy suffered a medical emergency a few years back.
"About two years ago, he had a major stroke that almost killed him. He hadn't been interested [in the diorama] and this year he went back to it. It's been very good therapy for him," said Joyce.
Now, Jimmy uses the dioramas as rehab. He constructs the scenery himself using Styrofoam and sheet rock. A former painter, he does all the artwork as well.
"I climb the ladder, and that's good exercise. It just takes my mind off of the problems of today and yesterday. I just enjoy it," said Jimmy.
Jimmy said his favorite item is a train his wife gave him, and a horse carriage complete with the sound of clattering hooves. Joyce's favorite-an ice rink with moving ice skaters and cyclers.
"If you see those little wheels that go around, it's just amazing to me," said Joyce.
The couple said they often just watch the display, and find something new to love every time.
They keep their display open all year long, but mostly work and visit it during the holiday season.
Copyright 2011 WLOX. All rights reserved.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2012 WorldNow and WLOX, a Raycom Media Station. 