Still – a little bit of Christmas?
My Christmas decorations are packed away except for this framed 12 Days of Christmas collection. I love it so much that I think I’ll let it linger a little longer. Is there a rule against that?
The cards depict the original wooden 2 by 4-foot “cards” that were designed and painted by local artist Mary Hunter. The giant Christmas Cards illustrate the 12 days of Christmas and were first displayed elevated on Fairhope light posts for 36 years. After they deteriorated, they were removed, refurbished and are now displayed every Christmas on stands at various businesses.
I bought the small package of greeting cards several years ago and thought they’d be nice to frame someday. Then, they sat in my office year after year, until finally . . . I remembered to take them to Lyons Share Gallery. Owners Kelley and Mike Lyons did a beautiful job and I love how it turned out. I topped it with a ribbon and greenery because that’s what we do at Christmastime — deck the halls.
I’m trying to find a space in a guest room to hang this year-round, not just at Christmas. Would that be weird?
A complete story about Mary Hunter and the giant cards, along with great photos, was written by Gina Lanaux for Scenic 98 Coastal. If you are local or love this area, make sure you click over and sign up for their weekly newsletter that features stories about the entire Gulf Coast area.
I left these framed cards out on purpose for now, but don’t you love finding one little tidbit of Christmas lurking somewhere that you forgot? It’s like a little surprise reminder of joy.
