THE 2014 CHRISTMAS VILLAGE

Each year one of the first signs that the holidays have arrived in my home is the appearance of my Christmas village.  It’s usually the first thing that goes up, and is the beginning of a very extensive decorating routine.

The holidays are my favorite time of year, and I love to decorate my apartment to reflect the season.  My village has ranged from a large, sophisticated Dicken’s London, to a small, quiet and quaint rural farming community, and of course, several variations in between.  For the last couple of years I’ve been designing it around a colonial theme, and the city reflects a Colonial Williamsburg feel with a few add-ins.  Next to the city is a school and university display.  The idea here, is that the school takes students from grammar school on through college, and the accessories help set that mood.  Finally there is a rural area, which of course is the backbone of many of these older towns.

One thing that’s important to me is that the village has lots of people and activities.  I love it to look like it’s alive and active – that vitality is so necessary.  My village on a certain level reflects my life. My group of friends are the center of my holidays, and they are the ones who make this season so special for me.  They bring excitement and fun to all of my holiday activities.  They are my village.

The old saying that “It takes a village” is apropos for me during this time of year.  My friends, my village, are the ones who bring life and vitality to my life, and make the holidays such a wonderful time of year.

*** Who are the people who make up your village?