GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCSC) - Whether it be a mini museum in one's own home or creating art pieces to put in other's homes, some Lowcountry women have turned their year-long hobbies into Christmas traditions.
Summerville resident Kasi Lawrence has been collecting Christmas Village homes for the last seven years. She has everything from a mini porcelain Starbucks, to a casino, to Scrooge himself.
"So, I first started collecting the Christmas villages for my dad and my grandmother," Lawrence said. "...I have over 60, probably about 66 pieces out on the table right now. I have at least 20 or 30 more under the table in bins.
And in another Lowcountry home during the holidays, Goose Creek artist Fjorentina "Tina" Di Stefano has a collection of her own. That is -- her own art.
"And I love to paint everything about Christmas," Di Stefano said.
Di Stefano paints all year round but gives away a lot over the holidays.
"When people buy something that is what they love, it pushes you to give more and paint more of that subject," Di Stefano said. "So, this year for me was like a Grinch time. I was like, 'Thanks Grinch!'"
And although both have eye-catching displays, both women have their own personal favorites.
"I was a first-grade teacher, and I really liked teaching science," Lawrence said. "So, the science pieces are some of my favorites."
"I could paint ornaments all day long," Di Stefano said. "I can just go and circle around. And if you see, it has bubbles."
And they say Christmas time only makes their hobbies that much more special.
"Putting it all together with my kids," Lawrence said. "They put the people in different places. They're really excited to see it every year... So, that's what keeps me doing it. I collect these things all year long and I really enjoy it when it goes up."
"It's supposed to make you happy, and if not, it will turn like a job," Di Stefano said. "It's a hobby that makes me happy."
Both Lawrence and Di Stefano agree that the holidays add a whole new light to their passions.
"It's just really a time to come together and to spend time together," Lawrence said. "...I'm really excited for my nieces and nephews and cousins to come and experience the village this year because it's so much bigger than it normally is."
"It makes me joy -- joyful, happy," Di Stefano said. "That is simple."
In order to start a Christmas Village, Lawrence recommends checking out estate sales, Facebook Marketplace or even making them. She says she's probably spent $500-$600 on her collection, but it's valued at probably $10,000.
To learn more about Di Stefano's artwork, visit her Instagram page. She says she also teaches classes behind Goose Creek City Hall a few times a month.