Commentary by Nicole Adams
Christmas has always been a special time for me ever since I can remember. Not only was it special because it represents the birth of our Savior, it was also special because my mother had a tradition of decorating our house for the holidays. When I say she decorated, I mean she went all out – even the bathrooms twinkled with lights. Thus began my passion for creating my own winter wonderland during the Christmas season.
Once we moved into our own house, I was so excited to make it glimmer from the inside out. That first Christmas, we won the neighborhood award for the best decorated house!
While my husband’s job has always been to decorate the outside, I’ve focused on transforming the indoors into Santa’s workshop. Initially, my purpose was for our kids to have the same magical memories that I did; waking up and feeling like they were in Santa’s home at the North Pole. Then, I realized how much it meant to friends and family who came over to visit. So it became about bringing joy to all who came to visit our home.
It’s taken time to accumulate my treasure chest of decorations. Here are some of the tips I use when adding to my collection: first, take any hand me downs that are offered. You’d be surprised how many times I took something I didn’t think I had a place for, but actually did!
Second, Goodwill is your best friend. When shopping, do a quick look over, and then go shelf-by-shelf moving things to see what’s there, and by all means-don’t forget those bottom shelves.
Surprisingly, my favorite place to shop is Facebook! I’ve found so many amazing finds dirt-cheap from the Facebook groups that sell used items.
My last tip relates to storing your goodies. Get large totes for each room, pack away that room’s decorations along with a picture of what it looked like decorated. Follow these tips and you, too, will have a winter wonderland before you know it.
Nicole Adams resides in Zionsville with her husband of 18 years and their two children.
