Christmas collection entertains kids 3 - 100
By SHARON KERR Staff Writer

CHILDREN can't believe their eyes when they first see the magical animated Christmas display at Verna Eloise Hodges' home.

The reason the Energizer Bunny keeps going and going is probably because he is trying to keep up with Verna Eloise Hodges of Jasper.

Although she never had children of her own, Hodges knows the wonder of toys. Sister-in-law Tas McGraw says she has jillions of nephews and nieces. Her Christmas display keep all the kids "from ages three to 100" fascinated for hours.

Sure enough, the family room in the house on Woodland Park is crammed with stuffed Christmas critters that sing, dance or squawk Christmas tunes. The penguins, reindeer, Santas and bears are lined up sixfeet deep on one side and about four-feet deep on the other, with only a path winding between them.

That's just the beginning. The coffee table has a Christmas train. The hallway has a lighted nativity scene. The decorations are everywhere, beginning with a family of inflatable snowmen on the front lawn.

"I just love Christmas," Hodges says.

Newsboy photos/ Sharon Kerr

Even though she graduated from Jasper High School before World War II, she doesn't hesitate to get down on the floor and play when youngsters John, Henry and Charles McMillon stop by for a Christmas tour.

"This is so cool," the boys agree, activating one singing snowman after another. The dancing Christmas tree steals the show, until it begins to peter out.

"I'll get another battery," Hodges says, springing to her feet like the kid she still is.