Dorothy Westerman
Northern News Services

Inuvik (May 24/04) - Doris Tyler brings a smile to the faces of those around her with her funny headbands, silly socks and cheerful demeanour.

Maintaining a collection of holiday-themed paraphernalia, such as her bouncing heart headband, has been a long-standing tradition for the Inuvik woman.

"I've been collecting these items for years," the mother of three said.

"I started when my children were in Scouts and when I was training parents for scouting."

Her collection used to number in the hundreds. She has pared it down somewhat over the last few years, but Tyler is still prepared for every season.

She wears reindeer antlers or a mistletoe hat at Christmas, fuzzy bunny ears for Easter or a pumpkin hat during Halloween.

"I've got all the months covered," Tyler said.

"It motivates people and gives them a smile or a laugh."

So what does her family think of her passion for the plush and comical?

"My husband has given up on me," she said with a chuckle.

"But my family has come to expect it over the years."