As the holiday season rapidly approaches, my mind goes off into imaginary places where I picture my home decorated for Christmas. Sometimes, I remember the way my mother decorated and I feel a warmth in my heart. There are other moments when I 'see' a beautifully decorated staircase- with small white lights and pine from top to bottom. Other times I picture a tree, looking like it was whisked out of a Victorian period home, and at other moments I envision a multicolored tree sparkling with thousands of lights and wooden, country-style ornaments.
The list goes on and one. The images change each year, because I do. Yes, there are some things that will always remain an important part of my Christmas decor, and those things, like my handmade quilted tree skirt, represent the constants of love and faith in my life. The wooden manger, with it's beautiful figurines depicting the birth of Christ, will always be a part of my Christmas decor. But, other than those and few other things that hold rich sentimental value, I let the 'me' each year reflect in how I decorate for Christmas.
Christmas is a celebration, and we can celebrate our individuality, too!
Am I in a 'white light' mood this year, or do I feel colorful? Do I want to mix and match to my heart's content, or do I want to stick to a theme this year? Will there be a star atop my tree, or perhaps an angel? Should my home be rich with the scent of a beautiful pine candle, or perhaps the aroma of a pie baking in the oven? Am I in one of my 'cute' decorating moods, where I'll set up an array of Christmas stuffed decorations upon my wicker chair, or will I leave those put away this year, and perhaps place a beautiful Christmas throw over it instead? And what of the lovely, embroidered pillows? The list goes on and on!
Part of the 'fun' in decorating for Christmas IS the thinking, imagining and planning. There are no set 'molds' or 'rules' that should confine you. If you LIKE things decorated a certain way each year, that's wonderful! If you want change, embrace that, too!
From the table linens you choose, to the tree decorations, mantle swags, lights, candles, ornaments, wreaths and more, Christmas is a time of year to let how you decorate your home reflect the joy of the season- any way YOU want it to.
When I walk into a home that's decorated for Christmas, I can actually FEEL the love that went into it. I can tell it was done with heart and soul; each little piece of decor placed just the way that person wanted it. I admire the love that went into their planning, and that love spreads itself to me, and anyone else who's in the house.
I want MY home to feel that way to others. Now, more than ever, we can truly appreciate that there "is no place like HOME for the holidays"- so let it happen. Make your home the one you've always wanted it to be this Christmas, and keep that joy and hope in your heart all year long.
Peace on Earth to you and yours, this Christmas and always. And for those who have family who are away this Christmas, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
