PHOENIX — 70-year-old Jimella Jackson loves Christmas, but she keeps traditions hidden because of a lesson she learned as a little girl; the things you cherish might be taken from you.
Growing up poor in Phoenix
Jackson grew up in government-assisted housing in southwest Phoenix in the 1960s. She recalls fond memories of roller-skating with her friends to Woolworths Department Store and the train station.
During the holiday season, her mom never put lights outside the house, even though the family of 14 children celebrated Christmas.
“The belief in our neighborhood was the houses with lights used to have their homes broken into, in the projects,” Jackson said.
To this day, Jackson’s middle-class Valley home has no lights and not one decoration out front.
Other traditions cannot be seen
There are other traditions that reflect her roots.
“We always had empty boxes wrapped under the tree in case somebody breaks in. My mom brought out the real presents on Christmas Eve,” Jackson said.
Today, an immaculate silver tree in Jackson’s family room that rotates on an axle is adorned with more than a dozen tightly wrapped boxes at its base. The boxes are all empty, as tradition dictates.
“I’ll bring out the real presents on Christmas Eve, but just for the babies,” Jackson, a grandmother and great-aunt, quips. “The presents are only for those under 18 years old. After that age, no more presents.”
More than 100 Black Santa Clauses
What is most noticeable however about the retired City of Phoenix landscaper’s home is the sheer amount of decorations and Santa Claus figurines insider her house. There are more than 100 Santas, ten large trees and five smaller trees. Each tree is meticulously decorated and seems to fit just right in its place.
The scene is overwhelming to a vistor but somehow - despite so many items and decorations - it all fits together perfectly.
“It all has to go together,” Jackson said. She added that her grandchildren and great nieces and nephews must follow strict rules not to touch anything.
“They can go play outside,” she said, smiling.
The house is decorated as if it's poised for an open house. But that’s the thing. For Jackson, Christmas is a private celebration with just her loved ones. Sharing the opulence of her home with them is enough.
“It’s such a wonderful time of the year. I just love it,” she said.
The house has a gingerbread-themed shelf, a Grinch corner, a table filled with dozens of Santas, and ornaments that include the faces of Jackson’s many family members.
There is something else notable about the displays. Every Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, Angel, and nativity figure has the same characteristic: they are all Black.
“Growing up, I would go to the store and look for them (Black Santa Clauses) and can’t find them,” Jackson said.
Occasionally Jackson found figurines with “blackface” paint on them. It wasn’t until Jackson was a mother that she began noticing Santas and dolls that accurately represented African Americans. She buys most of her figurines and dolls from department stores and discount stores. She buys nothing online.
Her prized possession is a large Santa Claus that a Dillard’s employee saved for her after Christmas ended. The employee called Jackson to tell her he was giving it to her for a drastic discount on her birthday.
“Salvation Army Christmases”
Jackson begins decorating in September. She cherishes the holiday so much because it was a magical time for her while growing up, what she refers to as “Salvation Army Christmases.”
“The Salvation Army take care of us,” Jackson said. “They brought us toys and then they gave us food, turkey, the whole nine yards.”
Jackson’s mother received financial aid from the government and budgeted her money wisely, Jackson said. Christmas time was a celebration of gifts from the Salvation Army.
Now Jackson returns the favor. She donates toys to the annual Salvation Army Toy Drive and she always donates to the kettles during every trip to retail stores during the Christmas season.
“They take care of me. You need to give back to them,” she said.
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