Page 155 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2020

N In this season that is so heavily in uenced by time-honored traditions, I love hearing the
stories behind vintage pieces that friends have on display. Whether it’s an heirloom ornament from their childhood or a collection of nutcrackers passed down from grandma, the mix of old and new is beautiful.
In recent years, I’ve seen more and more families outsourcing their holiday decorating
to companies that specialize in matching
your home’s décor or even installing all new decorations in di erent color schemes each
year. While many of these homes are indeed magazine-worthy, I miss the personal touch that comes from acquiring a house full of decorations over the years. So, go dig through mom’s attic and see what treasures she might be willing to pass down.
If traditional red and green decorations are SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net
not your thing, there are many other options
that feel just as festive. Here on the coast, pastel decorations are beautiful and timeless. I love scouring antique stores for bottle brush trees and vintage holiday houses in pinks, mint green, and silver. Local craft stores have really picked up on this trend the last few years and o er a ordable dupes of these old classics. If you have more modern taste, try crisp red and white decorations throughout your home. If your taste falls somewhere in the middle, try an updated twist on the classic red and green with red and mint or teal. This color scheme feels at home in mid- century modern spaces, in particular.
Resist the urge to clear your mantle and put up only holiday items. Layers make everything more interesting. As an alternative to a front door wreath, create a festive vignette with fresh greenery.
No matter who you are, I know you’ve overcome a lot this year. You’ve been exible in a world lled with rigid new rules. You’ve mastered a “new normal.” You may have even held down a full-time job AND become a part-time teacher. You’ve probably either had too much family time, or perhaps fought extreme loneliness during the isolation. You’ve shown grace in the face
of raging cabin fever, and courage in spite of a world seemingly turned upside down.
We may not feel like there’s much to celebrate at the end of 2020, especially if social distancing continues to keep families apart, but I would argue the holidays will be even sweeter this year as we have been forced to slow down and re- connect with the true spirit of the season. We’ve been reminded that just having family and health are reason enough to celebrate and appreciate this time of year!
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“the holidays will be even sweeter this year as we have been forced to slow down and re- connect with the true spirit of the season.”
O