Cydney Hellier Gray, cydney hellier gray design –
As December rolls around, I am starting to think about this year’s holiday season. I like to reimagine tradition and put a fun spin on the season each year. I am gathering ideas for a Global Christmas theme this December. Having spent many holiday seasons away from home and out of the country, these times hold fond memories for me and my family.
When we decorate our homes, to truly create a warm and welcoming space I feel we need several layers to entice our senses and emotional engagement. The same holds true for an inspiring holiday home. Think of the lights; candles; the touches of nature; the music; all the smells; and of course, the rich and enticing food and drinks we tie into our celebrations.
Many decorations at Christmastime reflect religious cultural and social customs around the world. The spirit is captured through various symbols and traditions. In Mexico, we see paper lanterns, poinsettias and piñatas. Christmas crackers, holly and mistletoe are common in the U.K., and in Finland we find wreaths made of fir branches, as well as himmelis – a straw star, hung over dining room tables or on Christmas trees. Stars made of wood, bamboo sticks or paper are common in many countries. In the Philippines, there are star lanterns.
In Japan, ornaments include origami swans and cranes, made by hand and placed on a tree, said to symbolize honour, longevity and good fortune. In China, we see paper lanterns hung around the home and spilling outside. In Scotland, tartan fabric, ribbons and bows are used, often in red and green.
Lighting will set the tone for a festive season, inside and out. In many countries like Germany, Switzerland and Scandinavia, candles were lit on trees as a religious tradition as a representation of hope, warmth and lightness over darkness, especially with the short days. It was in 1882, after the invention of the light bulb two years prior, that an associate of Thomas Edison strung 80 red, white and blue light bulbs around his Christmas tree in New York City, thus creating the first electrically-illuminated tree. The smaller twinkling lights are like the fairy lights of Japan. I have always loved the simplicity of a menorah in the window or on a table threaded with greenery to celebrate Hanukkah. To complete the look, I will ask my son to bake a loaf challah and put out some halvah to go along with the Jewish theme.
Multiple fun and bright colours remind me of Mexico. I might do a red-and-white theme, reminding me of Sweden. Tropical flowers adorn homes at Christmastime in Costa Rica.
While not an indoor decoration, in Germany, Christmas markets are an integral part of the holiday celebration. We can carry that theme at home and have a German sausage roast on the barbecue and serve spiced mulled wine (Glüwhein) in the snow after a long winter walk!
I feel food becomes part of the décor when it is beautifully presented. Think of gingerbread houses (Germany), Australian pavlova, a tray of honey cookies (Greece), panettone (Brazil) and German marzipan.
I am inspired to have a Feast of Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve, as they do in Italy. We could have roast goose or duck for Christmas dinner like they do in Germany.
When entertaining, what is more enticing than spiced mulled wine simmering on the stove, permeating the room? Make an international Christmas playlist and enjoy!
