HOME & GARDEN
No Place Like Home
WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER Gretta Parnell
60
/ yadki nval l e ymagaz ine.com
Wow, it is hard to believe the holiday season is here. I don’t know about you, but I have never seen Christmas decorations in stores this early before. I saw fully decorated trees on September 1st. With the year we are all having, seems people are ready for normalcy and to many, the holidays bring that sense of comfort and home. With many families having to reevaluate their holiday plans this year, the entire season will likely have a different look and feel. With limitations on gathering sizes, many annual holiday events have been cancelled. From city parades and corporate parties to local church events, people all over the country are scrambling to figure out what this year’s holidays will look like. Staying home for the holidays has a nice ring to it. How many of us over schedule ourselves with Christmas parties, school events, church events, holiday shopping and before you know it Christmas has come and gone. This year we have a new opportunity, different kind of year. This year we can actually turn a difficult situation into a wonderful homecoming of sorts. This year we must all focus on the safety of our family and friends and do things differently. This is the year to direct the focus on our own home and the security that it brings. With less traveling and an empty calendar of events most of us will be spending extra time at home. What a wonderful opportunity to create new memories. Decorating your home for Christmas has a new purpose. This year we are relying on the holiday season’s sparkle and magic to bring us all together at home. There are so many themes available these days for Christmas decorating. Back on the farm theme easily transports you from the hustle and bustle of life in the city to a laid back, slower pace of farm living. Things like barns and silos, farm animals and lanterns all give a nod to a simpler way of living. Black and white buffalo check with pops of red complete the feel of being back on the farm. In your decorating, look for unique ornaments and ribbons that will add those touches to your décor. In touch with nature is a theme that can be simple to achieve. Get that natural, nature feel with greenery and flowers added to your décor. Not typical poinsettias, more natural like twigs and berries. Birds can always
