In Antwerp, Belgium, Christel Dauwe's Christmas ornament shop is a year-round celebration of the holiday season. With over 64,000 ornaments in her personal collection and 18,000 on display, Dauwe's passion for Christmas is evident. Her collection includes a diverse array of items, from birds and fruit arrangements to cars, angels, snowmen, and even a laser-cut replica of the Cathedral of Antwerp. The shop's origins can be traced back to 35 years ago when it started as an antiques shop, gradually expanding into a dedicated Christmas ornament store. Dauwe's journey began with a Polish au pair's suggestion, leading her to a factory in Poland that could produce the unique ornaments she envisioned. Despite the initial challenge of ordering 200 pieces of each design, the shop now boasts a wide range of ornaments sourced from the original Polish factory and 32 other European companies. Dauwe's philosophy is simple: 'There is an ornament here for everyone.' She aims to bring joy and a smile to her customers, whether it's through personal ornaments or those designed for special occasions like weddings. Dauwe's dedication to Christmas is unparalleled, as she dusts each ornament twice a year and engages with customers from around the world, creating a unique and festive atmosphere in her shop.
