Fresh picked pine, handmade decorations and sweet family memories
A Midwest Christmas for me is influenced by nature and special family or cultural traditions. Christmas has always been my absolute favorite holiday. My mother owned a flower and gift store in northeastern Wisconsin called Schumacher’s Flowers and Gifts. She made Christmas beautiful for so many people in our small town. Whether it was her handmade painted ornaments or the gorgeous Christmas decorations people bought from her, everyone relied on her to make Christmas just right.
Handmade Christmas gifts are not unique. Nor are handmade Christmas decorations. My husband Shawn’s father, much like my mom, carved Christmas decorations for everyone in the family for many years. Both of these parents have now passed away. One of the reasons I love Christmas is because I get to see and be surrounded by their creative heirlooms this time of year.
A Midwest Christmas also calls for hygge with our freezing temperatures! I love spending time with the Christmas tree lights on and listening to my favorite Christmas songs. I still love Do They Know It’s Christmas by Band Aid, You’re All I Want For Christmas by Al Martino, Sleigh Ride by Ray Conniff Singers and Blue Xmas from Miles Davis.
When it comes to Christmas decorating, Shawn and I work with our cozy, Arts and Crafts style bungalow style. I love Country Living magazine, and enjoy upcycling things to give them a new life. Find old ice-skates, skis, fabrics, and other things and add a bow, or some greens. Here are a few pictures of my favorite Christmas decorations from this year.
A Midwest Christmas: Top left is a tree from my mom’s shop filled with German glass ornaments in my living room and Yankee Candle Cedar and Balsam candle, a wreath with my folk art stuffed animal ornaments, an outdoor arrangement made with pine, spruce and other conifers as well as curly vine from my bittersweet bush and finally an old pair of ladies skates that I filled with burning bush berries and pine boughs from my yard and my mother in law’s yard.
This year I will really miss being with my family for Christmas. With COVID, we have made the decision to see each other virtually. I wanted to share a few pictures of favorite holidays from the past.
A Midwest Christmas: Top left, Aunt Ebby, Grandma, Mom and I 45 years ago on Christmas at Grandma’s house, my niece and nephew Ike and Maren in downtown Chicago for the holidays and lunch at the Walnut Room, Dad and my brother Nick with a champion musky Nick had made for Dad (52 inches I think), and our annual friends Christmas dinner with my husband’s friends since childhood.
This year I wish everyone a very happy holiday season! Take time to appreciate those you love the most. Of course we all love a holiday gift surprise, but rather than buying something online, make something special and send it. This year I am making special care packages with delicious preserves, salsas, chili, sauces and other things I have made. My family and friends (sorry to spoil the surprise) will get homemade madelines I learned to make this holiday season. I asked one of my dearest friends who is an amazing maker to stitch upcycled cashmere beanies and berets. Support artisans and show you care this year. We all need to feel the love more than anything!
