LINDON — Sue Speed's home is a magical wonderland of holiday decoration centered on family and personal heritage.
She has her great-grandmother's walnut secretary, her grandmother's beadwork and handmade soft-sculpted Nativity and her father's collection of marbles. She has a collection of Raggedy Ann dolls created from the fabric of clothes she sewed for her young daughter, and she has a gingerbread cooky ornament for each grandchild and trinkets on display from her childhood.
The Speed home is one of six that were open to the public Friday and Saturday as part of the annual Holiday Home Tour. All were beautifully decorated for the holidays and featured unique antiques.
Proceeds from the tour will go to the "Mothers Without Borders" organization, a group founded by American Fork resident Cathy Headlee, dedicated to providing shelter and assistance to those who care for orphans in Zambia, Africa.
"Practically everything I have has a story," Speed said. "I laugh and I cry when I decorate."
Speed said she started collecting her decorations when she was still a child and has just kept adding treasures.
"I'm surrounded by things I love," she said, waving at a detailed felt and bead wall hanging of the 12 Days of Christmas, at mantles covered in berries and fireplaces swathed in color and glass.
Speed's home is warm, cheery and full of visual treats. There are garlands and wreaths and snowflakes and teardrop crystals and cranberry strands. There are bells and candles and clear candy toys on cake stands.
"I just enjoy things," Speed said.
Other homes on the tour included that of Daniel Copper, owner of the Star Flour Mill at 147 E. 600 North, and Andy and Christine Shumway at 197 S. 100 West.
In Lindon, Pam and Jim Dain's home at 382 E. 400 North was featured along with Tonya and Lynn Lemone's home at 291 E. 140 North. The Speed home is at 139 S. 400 East.
In Orem, the Jeff and Holly Fowler home at 1109 E. 150 North was open.
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