FORT WALTON BEACH — Step into Dale Simmons’ home around Christmastime and you'll instantly be filled with the holiday spirit.
A life-size Santa Claus greets guests when they walk through the door, along with the start of her extensive collection of figurines.
“This is my baby,” Simmons said recently with her arm around Santa.
See photos of her decorations. >>
Twenty-two Christmas trees sit inside and outside her home. Each has its own theme, from owls to seashells.
“This is my favorite time of year,” said Simmons, who is 78.
She has been collecting Christmas decor for 60 years.
“I have a fortune here,” she joked.
Every room in her home has a touch of Christmas, from festive hand towels and a snowman carrying a plunger in her bathroom to apink Christmas tree in the breast cancer survivor’s bedroom.
There’s a lot of history in her home. Each item has its own story, which makes it difficult for Simmons to part with much of her collection.
As decorations leave her home, more always seem to find their way in.
“I slap my hand when go to the store,” Simmons said.
Many of Simmons’ friends and family also are on the lookout for items.
Her 14 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren love to visit. The music-making items are some of their favorites, she said.
She puts everything up herself — she’s particular about where they go. Some items even stay up all year.
“I can’t get rid of them,” Simmons said.
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Lauren Delgado at 850-315-4445 or ldelgado@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @LaurenDnwfdn.