I remember the days like this picture.  Not a lot of Christmas décor, just the bare essentials. That’s me in the photo of when I was about 4 or 5.  Who would have ever thought that I would have my own little shop where I provided home decor to homes?  No one could have ever told me and had me believe that I would be providing Santa’s and all the Christmas decor to make this holiday really “big.”Memories of Home, Rose Hill

Every year our family had the tradition of piling into the car and going to look at Christmas Lights.  As we drove through very wealthy areas of town, I would gaze at the holiday parties going on in the homes we were viewing and see the holiday decor so professionally done.  I was so taken by the thought of decorating that I would go home and try to recreate what I had seen in my own home.  Only, my girls and I would make our own holiday décor, usually with items we had on hand.  It was such a fun time for all of us.  We would make it really “big” in our own way.  Nothing expensive, but the memories were priceless!

Sometimes, I have to be truthful–I ask myself, is big really necessary?  There was something about this year that I didn’t really want a lot of bright colors.  Just something soft and clean.  That’s how the flocked Christmas tree spoke to me.  I wanted something with meaning– that would direct my thoughts to the real meaning of the holiday.  No, I am not saying that the frivolity is not needed.  Oh yes!  I think it’s quite therapeutic.  I just didn’t need a lot of it this year.  So, as I share the pictures of my tree this year, keep this in mind.  Next year-I’ll probably blow you all away with outlandish color.  I promise the white and silver color won’t be a continual thing for me.  It’s just what I wanted this year. photo 4

I made small banners using the names of Christ.  I must admit, it was not something I had thought through.  If I had planned ahead, I would have made them much more professional.  They will do until I find something to fit the bill next year.

photo 3

Decorating my tree takes a long time.  I know you are not going to believe this, but it is 3-4 hours at a minimum.  Does it really matter that I have the perfect tree.  No.  But I really do want it to be special.  If I had to do without all other Christmas Decor, I could.  But not the tree.

It’s always fun for me to do the chandelier.  It takes about 30 minutes at the max.  Yet, it provides such elegance with very little effort.  photo 1 (2)

One of my clients has a chandelier similar to mine.  She suggested taking the shades off of the lights as she does hers.

photo 2

I really did like it, but it doesn’t channel the light down to the table. I guess I really loved it both ways.  Which do you like better?

Are your homes all decorated?  Mine is now.  And so I ask myself, “Is big really necessary?”  For now, to me it is.  I can’t wait to see the “big” eyes of my grandchildren as they look all around.  I can’t wait for the adults to come to my home and share the good memories of the good times. I can’t wait to hear the laughter of my precious grandchildren and my children as they love one another really “big”.  I can’t wait as our family hears the story of the nativity before we open gifts.  I can’t wait to smell the food coming from the kitchen and all the laughter as we prepare it.  I can’t wait to create the memories we’ll share for years to come.

I can’t wait to say “Happy Birthday, Jesus.  We love you!”

Now that’s really big! And I love really “big” things!

Merry Christmas to you all!  You are all the greatest!

-Debbie