Every year when Bergeron sets up this manger scene, he thinks of its donor, Father Maurice Plourde.

Magical moments become Christmas memories

By Jackie Rybeck

Freelance writer/photographer

Part of the marvel of Christmas comes with the sounds, scents and sights of the holiday. They bring an undeniable nostalgia, permitting us to relive our favorite memories.

Roland Bergeron relives those memories when he turns his Auburn home into a Christmas wonderland.

“Christmas is the most special time of year,” he said. “It’s based on the birth of Christ and that in itself is worth rejoicing.

“But for me, Christmas is also celebrating all my loved ones,” he added. “Much of my decor came from people who have played such an important part of my life, both past and present.”

The memories bring him back to his childhood.

“I grew up in this house and being religious, Christmas was always a special time together. Not quite as elaborate as it is today, but still very special.”

Knowing his love for the Christmas spirit, many relatives, friends and co-workers gifted him with even more precious mementos, be it bought or hand-made.

“So many close friends and family have passed,” he said solemnly. “Wonderful people who knew I loved Christmas. They wanted me to have such beautiful things.

“Every time I open a box of decorations, I reminisce and have beautiful thoughts of all the good times we had in the past.”

One wall of the dining room has a ceramic church made by his sister, Lorraine.

“My mom added greenery to it turning it into a scene with carolers,” he smiled. “And when she passed away, we adorned the bushes with strings of her beads. My uncle made all the fencing around each village and one of the creches from white birch. My niece and nephew each gave me a decoration and even now, at close to 40, they still scurry around the house finding what they made.

“Many of the items I got were at Gooseberry Barn,” he added. “How I miss that place, and even think of them as I pull out my Snow Babies.”

A beautiful manger scene rests beside one of the six villages.

“Father Maurice Plourde from Sacred Heart gave me that. It’s not so much what people give to me, it’s that they wanted me to have it. That is what is so special. And every year I take that out, I think of him.”

In fact, he has filled every room to the brim with Christmas nostalgia.

“Even the bathrooms and garage are decorated,” said Bergeron.

Floor to ceiling, each room contains dangling snowflakes and strings of lights. Collections such as Snow Babies, angels, and teddy bears live in every nook and cranny. Six villages are scattered throughout the house, complete with churches, homes and moving skaters. Bells chime and candles glow, bringing each of the senses into the spirit.

Stunning nativity scenes are the focal point in many of the rooms.

“The wonder of Christ is the main event,” Bergeron said. “I even have an altar for prayer.”

When does Bergeron start decorating?

“The last week of September,” he said. “With diabetes and myopathy in my legs it takes me some time to get up and down, so I have to start pretty early.”

And it all must be done before Thanksgiving.

“That’s when the season officially begins at my house! It’s been tradition since 1976 to gather for the Thanksgiving feast and then turn all the Christmas lights on, celebrating the upcoming birthday of Christ.”

Is there room for more?

“I have so much stuff I could open another wing!” he laughed. “But trust me, I could probably find room for anything especially if it was given to me by a loved one.”