Santa may have left town but the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is a perfect time to enjoy family and friends surrounded by the nostalgic and symbolic items that mean so much.

No one knows that better than Gene and Marianne Allen of Kempton, who have been collecting Christmas memorabilia for decades.

“I have a couple of things from my grandmother and a few things from my parents,” he said. “The rest I collected.

“I still have one more box to put up,” he laughed, vowing to get to it even though it was Dec. 23, 2017.

The Allens’ plan is to add to their collection.

“We always go to Adamstown after the holiday and get bargains at the antique coop,” he said.

His wife, Marianne, is a willing conspirator.

“It just wouldn’t feel like Christmas without this all,” Marianne Allen said.

After attending church, the couple spent Christmas Eve at home, sharing their treasures with children and grandchildren.