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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Twenty-month-old Jack Penney's eyes lit up looking into the Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. Franklin Ave. window on Monday, while out for a stroll with his Nanna Penney.

Nanna Penney and her 20-month-old grandson Jack Penney enjoy the holiday display with through the window of Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. on Franklin Ave. last Monday. - Thandie Vela/NNSL photo

Not yet of age to work at a mine, what caught Jack's attention was an electric train on its route past Santa's village, and through railway loops, as tiny airplanes flew above.

"I think it's great that they put so much effort into such a display," Nanna Penney said, among the Yellowknifers who appreciate the effort many businesses have put into lighting up the season.

Diavik's tree and train display is among the more elaborate decorations across the city.

"We're fortunate enough to have a large storefront that's right on Franklin Avenue on the ground level," Diavik spokesman Doug Ashbury said. "So, we utilize that space for a fairly elaborate train display. It's a great way for us to use the space we have and celebrate the season. Kids love it, grown ups love it."

About 18 Diavik volunteers put the company's tree and train display together, which will remain assembled into January.

While not as elaborate as Diavik's holiday display, Ethanda Day Spa owner Meagan Desjardins has a small white Christmas tree in the window of her new Franklin Ave. spa.

"I want to make the place look cozy and festive for myself and guests at the spa," Desjardins said.

Quality Furniture went six times further, with half-a-dozen fully decorated Christmas trees lighting up the furniture store, including a 10-foot tree on the second floor.

"It gets the holiday spirit in us," said salesman Helen Bourque, who along with about ten other employees got together the day after Halloween to deck the sales floors with ornaments, floral arrangements, and Santa Claus dolls.

"We just enjoy doing it every year," Bourque said.

The festive decorations not only get the employees in the holiday spirit, but the customers, too, are often drawn in by the displays, Bourque said.

"Customers often comment on how beautiful the store looks, especially at Christmas time," she said.

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