Charlotte’s Holiday Tradition: A Snow Village with Heart
Gather around, Charlotte! A heartwarming tale of love, remembrance, and holiday cheer is emerging right from the Commonwealth neighborhood. It all started back in the 80s, when Moses Halterman and Rick Dyson found each other at the city’s oldest gay club, The Scorpio. Fast forward to 1985, this loving couple made a brave decision to move into the inviting neighborhood where they would meet a remarkable neighbor, Sarah Mulligan Rhodes. Little did they know, this connection would blossom into a beautiful holiday tradition that continues to touch the hearts of many.
A Community Leader with a Festive Spirit
Sarah, a passionate widow and community organizer, made quite an impression in the Commonwealth neighborhood. She rolled up her sleeves, making strides to enhance the nearby Veterans Park, while also rallying funds for the Commonwealth United Methodist Church. For a decade, she served as the president of the Neighborhood Association, but it was her dazzling holiday decorations at 2500 Commonwealth Ave that left a lasting legacy. Each year, Sarah transformed her home into a veritable winter wonderland, complete with a spectacular snow village that featured intricately crafted miniature homes and shops from Department 56.
Becoming Family
As time went on, Halterman and Dyson became an integral part of Sarah’s life, celebrating the joys of the season like family. They didn’t just admire from afar; they enthusiastically joined in the decorating and supported Sarah, especially as her health began to decline. “We had such fun doing it,” Halterman fondly recalls. “It’s always been about the enjoyment of the people,” echoing the spirit of Sarah’s original vision.
Keeping the Tradition Alive
When Sarah sadly passed away from lung cancer in 2016, she left a remarkable gift in her will—her home, now in the hands of Halterman and Dyson. They took this treasure and vowed to keep her holiday spirit alive. Now, they proudly decorate their new abode while honoring Rhodes’s memory. “We just felt it was our calling,” says Halterman. “We’ve been doing this tradition for so long it’s hard to imagine stopping!”
Creating Holiday Magic
In a charming living room filled with warm decorations, the beloved snow village remains a key feature. With over 100 miniature pieces, many from estate sales, their collection is a labor of love. “Three-quarters of it is stuff that we bought together,” Halterman shares, a twinkle in his eye as he assembles a merry-go-round outside. The excitement in his voice is palpable as he talks about their refrigerator plastered with bottle caps featuring photos of their dear ones, including the late Sarah.
Facing Challenges with Smiles
As much as they cherish this festive tradition, life has thrown some challenges their way recently, with both losing sisters and Dyson’s father passing. Despite this weight, they keep the holiday spirit alive for their neighbors, sometimes feeling the pressure of age. Halterman, now 67, and Dyson, 63, humorously muse about the effort that goes into the Halloween decorations. “It’s a lot of work,” he admits, “but how can we deny the neighborhood their favorite holiday display?”
Community Expectation and Joy
Every year, just after Thanksgiving, Halterman and Dyson’s home transforms into a beacon of holiday joy as they complete their Christmas decorations. The anticipation in the air is undeniable as their neighbors watch the transformation unfold. Visitors comment on the “magical” quality of the village and reminisce about how it seems to get better every year. “I don’t know how you all do it,” one neighbor remarked with awe. “It gets better each year.”
A Youtube Journey into the Past
For those who visit, Halterman treats them to a video that features Sarah herself, dressed as Mrs. Claus, as she spins the tale of how the snow village came to life—a story that began in 1976 with Department 56. With so much love wrapped around their holiday display, it’s clear that Halterman and Dyson are just as dedicated this year, their hearts full of holiday love. “We’ll keep doing it as long as we can,” Halterman says, embodying the spirit of community, love, and tradition that defines their festive legacy in Charlotte.
