’Twas the Season to Sparkle

Season to Sparkle — A Holiday Doll Diorama Story

Hey Sparkle Besties! ✨

The season of sparkle has officially arrived, and I am beyond excited. If you know anything about The Sparkle Company Chicago, you already know—we sparkle all year long around here!

This year, Integrity Toys hosted 12 Days of Doll Magic, and Day 11 (12/23) was titled Season to Sparkle. One of my Sparkle Besties sent me all the details, and once I read it, I knew I had to participate. I graciously accepted the challenge…

Sadly I didn't win but honestly, I was just thrilled to create a Christmas diorama for the dollies again.

Now here’s the real twist—I only had a couple of hours to put everything together. No pressure, right? 😂 I grabbed some cardboard, my fold-up doll box, and got straight to work.

Last year, I went all out with cute-ugly Christmas sweaters and had the girls slaying in Santa’s sleigh—and it turned out epic.

Last year's (2024) Dollmas Diorama

If you haven’t seen that blog yet, definitely check it out next. Here's the link: https://www.thesparklecompanychicago.com/post/poppy-parker-s-adorable-ugly-christmas-sweater-shoot

Before

I had already added sparkle to a few props back then, including the red sleigh and some miniature Christmas presents, so thankfully those were ready to go. I also decorated the Christmas tree the year before. That meant I only had a few new pieces to add my signature shimmer to this year.

The Dolls Who Joined the Party

I chose five dolls from my Pink Estate, mainly because they were easy to move without disrupting my very real and very large 11-room diorama already in progress over there. (Yes—there will be a blog post coming soon on that project 👀✨)

Here’s who starred in this year’s Christmas scene:

• Lemon Lullaby Poppy Parker Rerooted by me with long individual braids. She’s wearing a handmade dress paired with the fur stole from Poppy Parker Mystery Date Formal Dance.

• Seven Sins: Turning Green Poppy Parker Wearing most of her original outfit (minus the overcoat) and styled with handmade jewelry.

• Island Time Poppy Parker (2023 Basic Collection) Dressed in a red sweater and knee socks from a handmade doll shop.

• Poolside Paramour Sergio Silva (Palm Springs) Sporting a custom, handmade three-piece action-figure suit.

• Power Workout Tenzin Dockling Also dressed in a handmade, custom three-piece suit.

The Heart Behind the Sparkle

I absolutely love creating for the dolls. It gives me the freedom to dream and imagine a world filled with luxury, beauty, and endless sparkle. Season to Sparkle matters to me because sparkle isn’t just about aesthetics—it brings joy.

After all, we’re called to be light… so why not be a light with a little razzle dazzle? ✨

Creating these tiny dream worlds helps me slow my thoughts and focus on something that brings calm to my soul. Being the only piece of feminine energy in my household, this is what I lovingly call my girl time.

I don’t always know how the scene will come together at first, and I’ll admit—I get a little nervous in the beginning. But I’ve learned that starting with one piece at a time, shifting things around until it feels just right, always leads to something beautiful. Finding a focal point helps. This year, it was the sleigh I picked up from a craft store long ago and covered in my crystal signature—it became the centerpiece that everything else grew around.

When the Story Takes Over

Once the dolls are set, the story starts flooding my mind—and at that point, it’s sealed. Posing the dolls is usually the trickiest part. They don’t stand on their own, and sometimes once I finally get them positioned, one decides to topple over… which can set off a tiny domino effect where everything comes crashing down. 😅

When that happens, I remind myself: don’t rush, stay calm, and keep going.

And then, just like that, the story comes alive…

✨ ’Twas the Night Before Sparkle ✨

’Twas the night before Sparkle, all through the house,

Every creature was stirring—especially the dolls.

The ladies and gents were sipping with cheer,

Cocktails and cigars, the holidays here.

Then out on the balcony—what landed with flair?

Santa’s sleigh touched down (a bit rough, but who’d care?).

Presents went tumbling out of his sack,

Even old Saint Nick had a laugh at that.

The Poppy's gasped, their excitement clear—

Luxury sparkled, the moment was here.

Cashmere sweaters, dazzling heels that shine,

Cozy socks made for this season divine.

What more could a girl want, honestly true,

Than comfort, couture, and a little bling too?

The fellas dove in, no time to delay,

Knowing Saint Nick never comes to play.

’Tis the season to shimmer, to sparkle, to shine—

And Santa delivered, always right on time. ✨

Gratitude & Light

I’m deeply grateful for my God-given creativity and the ability to share my gifts. I truly believe it’s important to bring joy into the world in any way we can.

This holiday season, there isn’t a single gift I’m wishing for—I already have everything I need. I’m grateful to be alive, surrounded by love (even if they get on my nerves sometimes 😂), and able to do what I was put on this planet to do: sparkle.

If this story brought you joy, I’d love for you to share it. Leave a comment and tell me what detail sparkled for you—or what you’re grateful for this season. And be sure to follow along for more handmade magic and miniature storytelling at @thesparklecompanychicago.

May your holiday season be filled with laughter, joy, and a little extra shine. Wishing you all a beautiful holiday and a Happy New Year ✨

Much love,

Shakila B.