Front Doors

Enter the Holidays

through the Front Door

Text by Nancy S. Moseley Photos by Tom and Christy Wallace

YYou know what they say, "when one door closes ... go ahead and decorate it!" (They do say that, right?) At the pinnacle of symbolism, a door is a passageway, a transition threshold, where visitors leave one place, both emotional and physical, for another place. A door's purpose is a balance of both welcoming friends and deterring foes and is decidedly the first impression of any brick-and-mortar establishment. An entranceway gives a glimpse into the personality and style of the dweller within. Perhaps, if you haven't already, it's time to pay a little more attention to the style and design of the gateway to your soul. It's quite the responsibility. A red front door, for example, symbolizes passion and strength and historically means the home is a safe respite for travelers. Directly opposite on the color wheel, a green front door symbolizes peace, nature and growth (and perhaps even a smidgen of wealth and prosperity). Giving your doorstep a little extra bling around the holidays is the perfect excuse to put your passions, and decorator prowess, on display. Undoubtedly, a wreath is a front door staple during the festive season. It carries early associations with the pagan holiday of Yule that marks the winter solstice. Traditionally made of popular evergreens like pine, fir, holly and boxwood, with added details like red berries, poinsettia flowers, pinecones or ribbons, circular wreaths symbolize eternal life, the unending love of God and the promise of a spring to come. Special lighting, baskets filled with seasonal accents, wrapped packages, evergreen garlands, colorful doormats, and even doorknob sleighbells are all ways to round out your entryway décor. Really, anything goes as long it brings you joy and accurately conveys the chosen message you are aiming to deliver to friends or foes alike.

For Natalie Gibbs, the one item that makes an appearance every year are the nutcracker flags that flank the front door. Her daughter takes ballet, and the classic production has become a significant part of their holiday traditions. With two kids and a feisty, curious dog, keeping things simple is of equal importance. They focus a little on adding something new year over year, like greenery or lights, but tend to stick to the staples for sentimental value alone. "I think it all sets the mood for entering the home and can tell you a little about the people who live there. I hope our door conveys a sense of fun and energy with the bright yellow paint," Gibbs states.

711 Jefferson Street, Blacksburg

The Gresham family chooses to vary the themes of their holiday decor every year, but always with a wreath as the home's centerpiece and always, Hunter Gresham insists, with multicolored lights. The year her daughter played Clara in "The Nutcracker," the entryway was likewise themed. Another year there was a "gnome explosion," and this year will be a "Candyland Christmas." "I want my house to be a place of hospitality, happiness and memory making. What better way than using the front door to welcome guests in, to bring a smile, and to begin the 'experience' of whatever fun, activity, tradition or event is about to occur inside. A decorated front door is like a house's facial expression," she declares.

Maria Hudson in Blacksburg decorates her front door for the holidays with items that complement her year-round accoutrement like plants and greenery. She stays simple, letting her current crafting focus steer the direction of her décor. Guests will almost always be welcomed yearround with a seasonally-designed, homemade wreath. "It creates a sense of warmth and welcomeness and calm. You want to draw people's eye to the front door as your focal point," she offers.

3086 Mud Pike Road, Christiansburg

"My favorite part of decorating the front door is seeing how my kids love it so much. It brings them just as much joy as it does me," Stephanie Crotty states. After all, the holiday season is best experienced through the eyes of a child. For the young, old and youngat-heart, the Christmas spirit seems to smooth out the dishevelment of life, if only for a month or so. Something as simple as turning on the Christmas lights every evening is a welcome reminder. The Crotty family lives in an old farmhouse and decorates it the same year after year, in a way that best complements the style of their home. Focusing on the front door is a family tradition and the go-to item is garland wrapped with white lights. The simple look of white lights at night is a treasured aesthetic.

Nancy S. Moseley is Blacksburg-based freelance writer. She currently lives in the house she grew up in, vividly recalling decorating it as a child, something she now relishes with her two boys. She does not, however, climb on a ladder outside, muttering not-kid-friendly things, to hang lights along the roofline that her mom insisted on.