A Christmas Special: Decorating for the Holidays Make It Christmas!

Each time the thought of Christmas comes to mind, warm memories are remembered, most especially by me. Christmas is after all one of my favorite times of the year.

As a child, Christmas eve was usually spent with the entire Gandionco family at my aunt’s house.  Every year, the grandchildren were asked to prepare dance and song presentations and a re-enactment of the Nativity story for the finale, before the stroke of midnight.  But the one thing I quite fondly looked forward to every year was my aunt’s household interiors. She loved to do different themes for her holiday decorating almost every year. And of course, I delighted on the very idea of it, where one steps into a different atmosphere every time. Even the programs correspond to her themes at some instances.

In the Philippines, September marks the beginning of Christmas decorating for most Filipino homes, unlike other cultures which usually start right after Halloween.

It is my belief that decorating is an expression of one’s self, just as fashion is. I always tell my clients that a great interior will be better appreciated if it reflects the owner’s personality. And a very good decorator is one who is able to interpret his client’s style best. If you are contemplating on hiring a decorator, I would suggest you start with those whose works you actually find appealing. This is already an indicator that his style may be that which would suit your taste. And most home décor stores have in-house decorators whose services you can avail of especially for the holidays. 

On the other hand, decorating on your own can be a fun activity to do, especially with the kids. Here are some things for you to consider:

1. Color. Color is synonymous with theme. Your color of choice may influence your theme and vice versa. 

Traditional holiday colors are red and green, which we can find in most households. A going trend this year for holiday decorations is the rich use of plum-fuchsia as theme colors, depicting fantasy and creativity. 

2. Ornaments. Instead of using just the typical ball ornaments, give your Christmas tree an updated look of alternating layers of different floral ornaments like carnations, poinsettias, hydrangeas, berries of different shapes & sizes, sprays, and others. This way, your Christmas tree becomes a fresh spring-like escape from the cold, damp outdoors that the –ber months bring. And for someone who is as feminine as me, shades of pink is the best way to go to soften out the green prickly leaves of the pine Christmas tree.

Aside from floral ornaments, other options in adorning you tree would be stuffed teddy bears, angels, or even a combination of oversized ribbons with tassles and trimmings, simple enough for you to make with your kids at home. For the fashionistas who wish to express their kikay side through their decorations, ceramic ornaments shaped like fashion bags, fitting forms, and shoes. 

If you don’t have the time to make your own ornaments, such may be found in home décor stores like Country Classics and Casa Mella, to mention a few.

One of my favorite shopping stops is Country Classics. Owned by Cassandra Chua, her shop has remarkably amiable staff who share her love for decorating even before she started the business. Conveniently located along Banilad Road and very close to my lola’s house, it is evident that their items were carefully picked and reflect that of the owner’s delicate taste when it comes to decorating.

3. Belen. Take the challenge of creating not just your ordinary belen. A very good friend of mine sells miniature ceramic buildings and use all of them along with his choo-choo train set and make a modern version of Jerusalem, setting the Nativity scene at the center.

4. Be Safe and Enjoy!! Falling off a ladder from the second or third floor will certainly put a damper on your and your family’s Christmas celebrations.

Finally, one tip I can give you that’s definitely a must is recalling the very significance as to why we prepare for Christmas. It’s the time we spend with our families. Gather together, celebrate and remember the most important memory of all, God sending us His Son, Jesus.

Good luck and God bless!!

Credits: Ms. Cassandra Chua of Country Classics, telefax: 233-3933; Mr. Dustin Mella of Casa Mella, contact no. 0916 7077 520