Well-known Alpena resident Carol Shafto agreed to share a photo of her Christmas tree decked out in ornaments that she’s collected over many years. What makes the tree so special to her is that an abundance of the decorations were acquired on her travels across the country and around the world.

“I began collecting ornaments many years ago,” Shafto said. “My first travel ornament was a wooden angel I got in Germany in 1973.”

This avid traveler has been to every country in Western Europe as well as Greece, Turkey and Morocco – and her tree reflects that. Her collection includes little wooden shoes from Holland, a coo-coo clock from Germany, a flamenco dancer from Spain and a camel from Morocco. She collected Nessie the Lock Ness Monster from Scotland, Pinocchio from Italy and Palace Guards from London.

Her travels also have taken her to Western Caribbean, Hawaii and Mexico. On her most recent trip to Ireland and Scotland, she unearthed a cut glass bauble from the Waterford Factory in County Waterford, Ireland; a porcelain ornament from the Balleek pottery factory in County Fermangh, Ireland; and a bagpiper, Highland cow and thistle (national symbol) from Scotland.

“I love to travel and wanted regional souvenirs that were easy to fit in a suitcase, and ornaments became the choice remembrance,” Shafto said. “I have ornaments, sometimes many, from each spot. I can’t begin to say which is my favorite.”

While her nine-foot tree holds only decorations that have personal meaning for her, they are not just about her travels. Equally important are the ones given to her by family and friends. Her treasures also contain every mother ornament she’s acquired since her first son was born. Additionally, she collects the glass Alpena bulbs offered each Christmas through The Alpena News.

For logistical reasons, this will be the first year Shafto isn’t decorating for Christmas. She is currently refurbishing a house she recently purchased and moved into, which means many of her decorations are stowed away in boxes deeply buried among her other possessions during the refurbishment process.

“This is the first year I’m not decorating in 50 years. Even college,” Shafto lamented.

Even so, she holds out hope that she will be able to dig out some of her tubs of ornaments and put up a small tree at the last minute.

Editor’s Note: This is the third part of a month-long holiday series highlighting photos and stories on special Christmas decorations. Our readers are invited to send in a photo and story as well. The story behind the decorations can be brief or include some length – whatever suits. Email submissions to: lifestyles@thealpenanews.com. Photos and information also can be texted to: 989-255-3620.