There are as many ways to celebrate Christmas as there are families who celebrate it.
That’s part of the beauty of the holiday.
And let’s not forget Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa and the other glorious fall and winter holidays celebrated around our nation and the world.
One of the things I love most about holidays is that every person brings their own style, ideals and family traditions to the experience.
I love every house I am invited to decorate, and it means the world to me that my clients are allowing me to play such a pivotal role in their holiday traditions.
They welcome me into their homes and allow me to set the scene for their Christmas moments and memories. I am truly blessed for that opportunity.
It seems only fitting then that I should give my clients and readers a glimpse into my own home at the holidays.
My family’s Christmas décor is eclectic, sentimental and traditional – a bit of a mix.
I decorate with the traditional red and green color palette – I love how it warms up the room.
Much of my décor consists of cherished heirlooms handed down to me from my grandparents and gifts from a beloved former neighbor. My husband and I also have collections we have built over the years that we enjoy displaying every year.
I framed a beautiful puzzle my grandmother put together. When it was passed down to me this year, I immediately displayed it on my mantle with lighted garland and poinsettias.
Years ago, I had a beloved neighbor who handmade Christmas figurines. I cherish the collection of Santas, reindeer, Mrs. Claus and angels she gave me and look forward to the new one she sends me each year. They are called my “Joni” collection. This year they found a home in my living room and fill three of my windows and part of the mantle.
In the dining room, we display a painted window pane of a cardinal that my best friend’s mother created. She was a talent’s artist and we are blessed to have one of her pieces. I added a little greenery to the pane to add a little Christmas spirit.
My hutch is filled with my husband’s Christmas collection of figurines. His mom has contributed to the collection over the years, adding pieces from Department 56 and one-of-a-kind pieces.
In the dining room we also feature as metal tree that displays all of our ornaments we collect from the places we visit while on vacation. I buy ornaments as a souvenir and then get the pleasure of reliving the trip every Christmas. The tree also shows off my Patience Brewster collection.
I love that our Christmas décor displays so many of our cherished collections and reminds us of so many treasured memories. It is a holiday décor that is uniquely us – which is the best thing about it.
I hope your home is beautiful, warm and full of memories for the holidays!
From my family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
– Jill Geoppo
