Christmas for you

COEUR d'ALENE - Just walk up the front steps at 1219 E. Lakeside Ave., go past the inflatable Santas and snowmen and candy canes, and knock.

That's all it takes.

Your reward will be a visit to a whimsical land of toy trains, falling snow, smiling skaters, growling grizzlies and yep, even the North Pole.

"It's just something we like to share," said Janet Buvel, who together with husband Bob decorates their home for the holidays inside and out.

The Buvels will have an open house from 2-6 p.m. this Saturday and next. Their home is easy to find. Just look for the blaze of Christmas lights out front.

The best, though, is in the garage.

It's there, with the flick of a switch, the scene out of a Norman Rockwell painting bursts to life and lights.

Santa and his reindeer glide in smooth circles, as does a gaggle of geese. Trains roll around tracks. Skiers shoot down hills. Kids toss snowballs. A choir sings.

Bob has spent hours since Halloween creating his biggest, best and most dazzling Christmas village that started in the bay window of the living room eight years ago, and gradually grew right out the door.

"The house can't handle it anymore," Janet said.

No surprise there.

After all, it's hard to fit a ski resort with a gondola, a ferris wheel, a playground, a pharmacy and a river in your home. It's not easy finding room for a police officer with a dog, running children, skiers, elves, nuns and priests.

But the Buvels give them all a home in the garage. Guests can check them out while listening to Christmas music, enjoy coffee, cocoa and cookies, warm up by a heater and relax on chairs or the couch.

They can even pet Sammy - a 14-year-old dog named after baseball player Sammy Sosa.

Bob, born and raised in this house, has thought, it seems, of everything. Detail matters. Careful consideration is given to the placement of each miniature figure and home. He even controls the weather.

"Yeah, it snows in here too," he said, pointing to a manmade cloud above the village that sends down wee white flakes.

It takes plenty of planning, a touch of frugality and a strong Christmas spirit to build such a vast village.

The Buvels have pieced theirs together by shopping at thrift stores and yard sales, and after-Christmas sales, too.

"Over the years, people give us stuff," Janet said.

Bob estimates they've spent perhaps $1,000 or so on their collection that takes even longer to put away when the holidays are over.

"Typically, we don't spend more than about $5 for major items," he said. "It's just what looks cool."

As majestic as it is, Bob isn't satisfied with his town of tiny tots.

Too crowded, he says, noting it's hard to see what's on the higher shelf in the back. Next year, he plans to add a level and extend it out farther, too.

Because there has to be room for more.

There's always something different, always something new, to add.

With seven grandchildren, they don't cringe when kids visit the village. Fact is, they welcome parents and children in the simple hope it will bring joy to these holidays tarnished by the lingering affects of the recession.

About 50 people stopped in last year, and they're hoping for more this year.

"We're kind of known for decorating for all of the holidays," Bob said. "The kids love to come over."

"For me, it's all about the kids," she said.