Decorate with Comfort & Joy

By Angela Kerklann & Jenifer McConnell

As difficult as it is to believe, the Christmas season is upon us again. Time to dig out the dusty boxes with a colourful mix of old decorations you have inherited, and all of the wonderful additions you have collected throughout the years. These are the ornaments that evoke cherished memories for both you and your children. We always looked forward to Grandma's collection of silk beaded balls that featured childhood pictures of our Mom and our aunts and uncles. Today they are a little worn and faded, but the memories they bring are bright and happy. The decorations you acquire today are your children's memories for tomorrow.

Make your home a place of warm traditions, comfort and cherished memories at Christmas and throughout the year. Decorate your home with the things you love. Buy new ornaments you will enjoy ten years from now; that perfect music box or Santa figurine that your family will look forward to seeing year after year. They will be passed on to your children and their families to enjoy for future holidays. Splashes of red and gold, waves of natural green garland, and glittering ornaments are timeless. Add seasonal touches inspired by nature, such as boxwood and fruit, lush cedar and paperwhites, and the memory-evoking scent of pine.

Children love to be involved with decorating. The look of a gingerbread man carefully molded by a child's hands, hanging from a simple piece of twine, is lovelier than any expensive department store ornament. For the look of an old-fashioned tree, string popcorn and cranberries and have the kids cut out paper snowflakes. Fill in the spaces with dried flowers from the garden and hydrangeas or roses bundled and tied with strands of raffia. The homemade tree is the easiest, most inexpensive, and by far the most fun to decorate.

Continue the theme of comfort decorating throughout the year. Don't stick to one style or set of rules. Mix a little bit of this with a little bit of that. Style is no substitute for comfort. Some new trends for 2003 include big chunky knit throws, colour mixes such as warm cream and rich chocolate brown, chairs in simple ginghams, and smart toiles. Everything old is new again. Add an antique or rustic piece of furniture to create instant charm.

Most importantly of all, have fun! Turn up the Christmas tunes and spice up the eggnog. Invite family and friends over to help decorate the tree, and surround yourself with the comfort and joy this magical time of year brings.