At this time of year, my Husband, Daughter and I have an on-going argument about WHEN to start Christmas decorating. Being Danish, My preference has been to wait until the day before the 24th, (OK, a week before would be tolerable). My Husband's family is Swedish, but as transplants to Minnesota, the Tree went up in early December. My 14 year old Daughter wants Christmas to start the day after Thanksgiving! What to do? Compromise... Last week I had the idea of agreeing on getting a tree on December 13th, which also happens to be St Lucia Day, a fitting start to our holiday season. Truth be told, I love having a tree and green garlands in the house - its the rest of 'Christmas decor' that sets my teeth on edge.
With the big date set, discussions have already begun on HOW we will decorate, and with WHAT. A few of you may remember THIS POST about Halloween Decorating with my daughter, well let me tell you, Christmas is no different! She, bless her, has a very definite idea of what Christmas should look like. Lately her favorite line is having a 'Catalog Christmas'. What is a 'Catalog Christmas' to a 14 year old? When all of the ornaments and decorations are color coordinated, and look like they came out of pretty gift boxes from a favorite shop in the Mall. At times like these I truly wonder "Is this MY daughter?" Five huge boxes sit in the rafters of our garage - all labeled Christmas. Each is filled with Nostalgic Scandinavian Jul Decor, Little Red Tomte's, Hand-woven wheat ornaments, Flying geese, crystal icicles and plenty of hand-made delights. No Catalog Christmas in sight.
Today, tired of being sick and a little bored, I decided to jump the gun on Christmas decorating. Ok, the reality is I am also claiming a little bit of 'Christmas Territory' in our tiny house, before the big guns come in on the 13th. I have fantasized about a WHITE CHRISTMAS for years, with lovely white furniture, simple crystal candleholders, and a breath of French elegance. I'm afraid my tastes are too 'Worldly' and 'Eclectic' for this fantasy. Digging out some splendid spangled trees gifted to me earlier this year by Nancy made me smile. Who could sit under these eye-popping trees placed to either side of my mirrored Arts and Crafts sideboard? A Lovely Antique Chinese Embroidery from the equally lovely Nicol sets the stage beautifully. Ten sweet little paper-mache dolls from China, two ducks and a big blue 'Star' crafted by the Castles own John McRae, have created a Ulla Inspired Creche Scene like no other... I love how everything looks together here, the spangled trees framing the hand-sewn treasures. Like an exotic Asian Fairy-tale come to life... I Wonder what my daughter will think???