A long-running holiday project received attention in Antwerp, Belgium, where collector Christel Dauwe continued expanding a large Christmas ornament collection in 2025. The Christel Dauwe Collection includes more than 64,000 ornaments in a private archive and about 18,000 pieces displayed in a small specialty shop. The collection began during Dauwe’s teenage years and grew after the shop shifted from antiques to ornaments 35 years ago. A key moment occurred during a trip to Poland, where a factory offered custom designs but required orders of 200 pieces per shape. This condition influenced the early business model and showed the magnitude of interest in detailed handmade work. The purpose of the shop remained centered on preserving the cultural meaning of ornaments and supporting year-round holiday traditions.

The store developed further through cooperation with the original Polish factory and 32 additional European producers, which expanded the artistic range and strengthened commercial stability. Dauwe explained that ornaments often served as personal symbols, since customers searched for items that represented pets, cars, or important events. This personalized approach supported the longevity of the business and created a distinctive shopping experience. The collection also included high-value items, such as an ornament of Alexander the Great priced at more than 500 euros, which illustrated the prestige of expert craftsmanship. Seasonal upkeep required each ornament to be dusted twice a year, showing a meticulous commitment to preservation. Dauwe stated that Christmas traditions offered both nostalgia and hope, and this belief reinforced the resilience of the shop’s mission to highlight meaningful holiday expressions throughout all seasons.