SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — There are dozens of Christmas decorations inside the Watering Can Cafe in Revillo, South Dakota, not far from Watertown.
So many that it takes owner Shelly Schafer 10 or 11 days to complete the decorating.
“I have to take a week off…,” Schafer said with a laugh.
She has to balance her love of decorating with the 12-hour days at the cafe.
“I enjoy it,” Schafer said.
So do the customers. Local patrons like the decorations, but the out-of-towners make special trips.
“The out-of-town people really appreciate it,” Schafer said.
Often, it’s a group of women making a special trip from towns such as Milbank or Castlewood. Revillo is about 15 miles south of Milbank.
Many visitors will use the decorations as backdrops for photos or they will take photos of the decorations. Schafer said she will get questions about how long it takes to decorate; she’s gotten asked if she just keeps the decorations on the tree and wraps them up for storing.
The answer is always no.
“I try to change it around,” Schafer said. “That’s the fun part for me. Trying something different every year.”
“I’ve always loved decorating,” Schafer said. “I really go out all for Christmas.”
Starting with a new plan each year isn’t work for her, but hauling the totes full of decorations does take some work, she said. This year’s decorations feature a snowman by an evergreen tree and a shelf with snowflakes in blues and whites and silvers. Reindeer and other festive animals are sprinkled throughout the decorations.
“I’m not really into trendy…I do my own stuff,” Schafer said.
She especially likes reindeer and birds.
“I have quite a few cardinals,” Schafer said.
The Christmas decorations draw customers, but they also appreciate her mashed potatoes and hot beef commercials/specials.
“My meatloaf,” Schafer said. “A lot of guys are crazy about the meatloaf.”
The Watering Can is closed for Christmas Day and all of January. Schafer will take a break but she will be busy; she and her husband Eugene bought the bar, the Tumbleweed, across the street. They are working to complete the kitchen there.
But Schafer said she plans to keep the Christmas decorations up in the cafe after it re-opens. And there will be other chances to see her decorating skills.
“I decorate for all seasons,” she said.
