Just as clothes say a lot about the person wearing them, Christmas ornaments can tell much about their owners. Some people prefer to stick with tradition and pull out the same ornaments year after year. Others rush out every Christmas in search of the latest colours and designs in ornaments. While another group carefully choose a new ornament every year to add to their sentimental collection. But no matter what category you may fall into, there appears to be ornaments available on the Island for all types. All of the major department stores have a wide collection of Christmas tree ornaments.

And Ms Janice Bell of A.S. Cooper's noted that the store carried traditional and unique ornaments. She said while most people seemed to be sticking to the basic colours of gold and white, there were an assortment of other options.

"We have moded glass balls made in Germany and Czechoslovakia,'' she noted.

"We also have an African theme tree with little drums and carved zebras all made in Kenya.'' Both Trimingham's and A.S. Cooper's have trees with an African theme. However, Ms Bell said many customers still preferred the Ornaments are of sentimental value these,'' Ms Bell explained. "The bulk of our business is an add on thing. You can make a tree look so new if you keep the old and add some new.'' Ms Bell also noted that ornaments are and should be of sentimental value. And ornament designer Ms Doreen James agreed. Ms James, who has been making gombey Christmas tree ornaments for the past two years with materials purchased locally, said she believed they were in demand because they were unique.

Unique gombey ornaments can be used all year "Everybody likes the gombeys. And it's something you can't buy anywhere else.'' It takes no more than an hour to make each ornament, Ms James added.

She said her friends helped her do the beading on the little gombeys arms and legs. "I do it in bulk production,'' she explained. "I worked out a system where I'm able to do a large quantity at a time.'' Ms James, who makes the dolls according to demand, said this year sales have been "very good''. "I have a deal,'' she added. "If you buy ten, you get five free, or two for $15.

One sells for $10.'' Ms James also pointed out that the ornaments can be used all year round. "They can be used as refrigerator magnets, broach pins, key chains or car ornaments,'' she suggested. "Tourists also love to buy them as souvenirs.'' To order the ornaments Ms James can be reached at 297-1306. PHOTO MINATURE GOMBEYS -- These three gombey Christmas tree ornaments are just a sample of what designer Ms Doreen James has created this year. UNIQUE ORNAMENTS -- These specially carved Kenya ornaments can be purchased at A.S.

Cooper's. SAFARI ORNAMENTS -- This tree at A.S. Cooper's is dressed up with an African theme in mind. More and more Hamilton stores have been setting up such trees.