For Gore resident and artist, Thomas Evans, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year—and he’s got the traditions to prove it.
For nearly two decades, Evans has dedicated the holiday season to a heartfelt tradition that honors his late mother’s memory while spreading joy to those closest to him. Every year, he handcrafts unique, one-of-a-kind Christmas ornaments— each a miniature masterpiece of art and love.
“My mom loved Christmas,” Evans says with a fond smile. “She used to make ornaments with us when we were kids. It was her way of reminding us to treasure family and the season’s magic. Plus, she wasn’t about to pay for store-bought ornaments when we had glitter and glue sticks.”
After his mother’s passing in 2007, Evans decided to carry on her tradition but with his own creative twist. He began designing ornaments inspired by her favorite things: snowflakes, cardinals and intricate woodland scenes.
“It started as a way to feel close to her,” he shares. “But over the years, it’s snowballed— pun intended—into something so much more.”
Each ornament he creates is crafted by hand with meticulous care. Using wood, glass or ceramic as his canvas, he paints and carves intricate designs, often adding the recipient’s initials or a meaningful symbol.
“Each piece tells a story,” he says. “I want the person receiving it to feel like it’s made just for them. Plus, no one can accuse me of re-gifting when it’s got their name on it.”
His workshop becomes a festive flurry of activity each December. Brushes, paints and glitter (lots of glitter) fill the space, while his loyal dog, Scout, supervises from a cozy spot nearby.
“Scout thinks he’s quality control,” Evans jokes. “He’s not great at spotting smudges, but he’ll let me know if I drop a cookie crumb.”
By Christmas Eve, Evans has a collection of about 30 ornaments ready to distribute—one for each family member, close friend, and even a few lucky neighbors. But there’s always one special ornament he sets aside for a different purpose. Each year, he creates an extra piece in honor of his mother and places it on her headstone.
“It’s my way of keeping her spirit alive,” he says softly. “She loved this season, and I know she’d want to be part of the celebrations. Plus, it’s nice to have one ornament I don’t have to wrap.”
For Evans, the tradition isn’t just about the ornaments themselves but the connections they foster.
“It’s not just a gift—it’s a way to let people know they matter,” he says.
His family and friends cherish the ornaments, often decorating their trees with the entire collection from years past.
“We look forward to Thomas’s ornaments every Christmas,” says his sister, Julie. “They remind us of Mom, of course, but also of the love and thought he puts into every one of them. And it saves us from buying decorations— win-win!”
As the holiday season approaches, Evans reflects on the joy his tradition has brought, both to others and to himself.
“Christmas is about more than gifts,” he says. “It’s about remembering where we come from, honoring those we love, and creating moments that last. And maybe it’s about finding glitter in your carpet until Easter.”
