What inspired your Christmas tree theme?

Every year I always look forward to putting up my Christmas tree with the rest of my family at home. As early as September I get so excited just planning what ornaments and ribbons to put on our tree that will make my kids happy and my house feel the spirit of Christmas. To me, the Christmas tree is a sign that the Yuletide season has started and this makes me more excited to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Seeing the different Christmas trees all around us, how each household and business establishment decorates their tree never ceases to amaze me.

Here are some ladies who gladly share with us their Christmas tree for this year.

Helen Sotto, actress

I chose this theme because I find it very rich and elegant with the cascading golden ivory flowers, filigree and branches with gold and silver trimmings, and Christmas balls. I was inspired by Bellagio in Las Vegas. Besides, I really enjoy putting up the Christmas tree and decorating it.

Khristine Gabriel, spokesperson, Ever Bilena

I love to be surrounded by vibrant colors so I opted to decorate our tree in a Marrakesh palette. I am drawn to the colorful art of Morocco so that sometimes I feel I must have been from there in my past life. There is an abundance of color in Moroccan art. Bold blues, tropical greens and vibrant purples complete this elaborate inspiration. Putting together an abundant tree, however, took me to places like Divisoria, Parañaque and Landmark to make sure I have close to the real pieces. I got the oversized crystals in gold setting in a store called Khazanah in Kuala Lumpur, as well as the matching throw pillow covers. It looks grand up close, just the way I like it. We invite people to come to our house and I want them to have a feel of the holidays despite the strings of unfortunate events happening around us. Even as a child, I made an effort to decorate our tree. I tried to save money from my baon so I could buy new trimmings each year. I’ve been going to Escolta since I was 12 years old to look for decorations that would suit my budget. I do this because I want to make my family happy by personally decorating our tree. This year, just like in the past, our children will be anxious to get their presents under the tree but I always tell them that the best of all gifts is the presence of our loving family. I encourage them to share what they have with those they don’t know since we reach out to familiar people around us all the time. Let us remember that the heart of Christmas is one that gives — a heart that puts others first. We want our family to be a reflection of God’s goodness and allow others to see our life as a living testament of God’s faithfulness. God revealed his greatness to this child who was seated in front of a little Christmas tree, awed by its multi-colored lights, wishing and believing in happy ever after. True enough, nothing is impossible to those who believe.

Coney Reyes, actress

I love gazing at beautiful Christmas trees and tried to decorate our tree, time and again, the way I see them displayed in department stores. But what I’ve always wanted was a tree that’s filled with love and memories. A tree that would make me smile…except maybe for two to three new ornaments that I purchased this year, everything we have on our tree has been with our family for years. They remind us of past Christmases and dear, old friends. Practically each ornament hanging on our tree has a story. I remember who gave them, where we were when we bought them, special friends and special memories through the years. I delight in sitting by the tree with my two-year-old grandson Lorenzo when he comes over to visit. Just looking at the tree with the lights on telling him about Christ and the story of Christmas (if he’s paying attention), and answering his questions about the ornaments…I actually decorated our home this year with Lorenzo’s enjoyment in mind. The sparkle in his eyes when he says, “It’s Christmas in Lola’s house!” is more than enough to make me smile.

Hindy Weber Tantoco, fashion designer

My Christmas tree theme this year is about renewal and light. I used tiny LED rice lights, silk butterflies, real crystal balls, gold foil and glitter ornaments, bird’s nests, and sweet little angel ornaments carrying messages of hope, peace, love, and joy. I tried to keep things very simple as I wanted to bring a sense of serenity to our home during this very chaotic time of year.

Mila Drilon, housewife

I had my grandchildren in mind when I put together my Christmas tree this year. Twelve years ago, way before I had my own grandkids I bought small glass picture frames. My plan was to use them as ornaments and hang them in my tree. This year, I am blessed with five wonderful apos, and their pictures fill my Christmas tree.

Letty Ruiz, Christmas tree designer

Space is very essential in condominium living and an inverted Christmas tree is the perfect solution. I am able to decorate my home for the season without feeling restricted. I love it!

Imelda Aguilar, former Las Piñas mayor

I chose the color orange for my theme because I wanted to do away with the usual colors of red, silver and gold. This year, my Christmas tree is more meaningful because the ornaments I used are not merely for decorative purposes, but the proceeds from the sale of these decorations will benefit typhoon Ondoy victims.

Ayen Laurel, singer/actress

Christmas is our family’s favorite time of the year. Everybody is involved in making it a joyful one. My youngest daughter Angia loves to help out in decorating our Christmas Village display and hanging ornaments on the tree. The Christmas tree is fun but still very traditional, which is how we all like it. Thanks to Designer Blooms for making it extra special.

Lingling King, housewife

Since red is the color of love and passion, and white is purity, I thought it would be good to have them surrounding our home this season to remind us that Christmas and the coming year is about pure love to humankind and our motherland.