VIDALIA, La. &045; Dolly Smith’s Florida Street home is a treasure trove of Christmas joy.

But don’t take that to mean the house Smith shares with husband Jimmy and son Brian is bursting with holiday trinkets.

Rather, the house &045; inside and out &045; is tastefully decorated, from the wreaths that hang on each window to the Santa Claus figures that peer down from shelves and bookcases.

&uot;I absolutely love Christmas,&uot; said Smith, who begins decorating in mid-November. Every year the yard decorations change, she said.

&uot;We have very simple decorations. We’re not really the Griswolds.&uot;

Smith said she isn’t trying to show off for any of the neighbors. &uot;I do it for nothing but family and friends and grandkids.&uot;

This year the house will be full, with daughters Taylor and Meredith, their husbands and the Smiths’ two granddaughters joining the family for Christmas.

And tonight, Smith will welcome her regular pokino group with the holiday party she hosts every year. The 12 women gather every month for the game, something Smith likened to Bingo with cards.

For the past four years, Smith has hosted the group’s Christmas party &045; for the simple reason that it’s her favorite time of year.

The group always shares a meal while they play and chat, but at the Christmas party they also play &uot;Cajun Christmas,&uot; giving gifts each successive woman can exchange with another if she finds something she likes better.

Mostly the evenings are a chance for the women to catch up, Smith said.

&uot;It’s our chance to get together, keep up with what’s going on,&uot; she said. &uot;We usually spend the whole time talking.&uot;

On Sunday afternoon, Smith already had the house ready for the group’s arrival today.

Such preparation is not unusual for Smith, who already has all her holiday gifts bought &045; and wrapped.

&uot;I usually shop throughout the year,&uot; she said. &uot;Then it’s just a mater of spreading them all out on the floor and taking a couple of days to wrap them.&uot;

In addition to the presents under the tree that graces the entry way to the house, Smith has gifts tucked in just about every corner &045; in the living room, on the dining room table and trickling down the stairs.

Just what you would expect from a woman who loves Christmas &045; but loves her grandchildren even more. &uot;You cannot imagine the joy until you become a grandparent,&uot; she said. &uot;I’m a true granny.&uot;