Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Holiday Home Tour

Last weekend I went on a tour of holiday-decorated homes with some friends. It really should be called “Snoop Legally in Other People’s Homes!” or “Poke Around Someone’s House Without Getting Arrested!”
I figured the tour would be interesting, and best of all, the proceeds went for local scholarships.
By the way, I learned that it must be more appealing for women to tour through homes because Husband was confused by the concept.
“You mean you just walk around their houses?”
Yes, I replied.
“Why?”
Because it’s fun for nosy, I mean, curious people like me.
The homes were beautiful, and the decorations were exquisite. Almost every room looked like it was lifted from the pages of a magazine. The Christmas trees were styled perfectly with a theme and color-coordinated ornaments. Some homes had fresh greens and gorgeous wreaths. And, of course, each home was immaculately clean.
Towards the end of the tour, I thought of our own home and how our decorations look nothing like those in the homes I saw. Most of our Christmas decorations are hand-me-downs from family members or things that we bought at a discount store.
I almost laughed to myself when I imagined what people might say if they toured around our house (besides, “Why is this house on the tour? I want my money back!”).
“Wow! Look at those dollar-store ornaments! They’re simply divine!”
“My word, is that a genuine plastic wreath? How lovely!”
After the tour, I returned to our house, and I expected that I would feel that our decorations were lacking in comparison.
Instead, when I looked around, I realized how lucky we are.
I saw the snowman that my dad made for us. It’s a one-of-a-kind treasure (that only an avid golfer could create) that you can’t buy from a store.
I saw the stockings that Husband’s mom gave us one year for Christmas.

I saw the Nativity scene that I bought recently with my mom.

Each decoration carries its own special meaning and memories. None of them will qualify us to be in a holiday home tour. But who would want to do all that cleaning anyway?

8 comments:

Joanne said...

That snowman is way too cute! I agree, the charm of family ornaments can never be beat. They're filled with love and memories and nostalgia.

Lisa said...

I don't think I could take the stress of hosting a home tour, and my lookers would for sure want their money back!
Such a funny post... thanks for visiting my blog!

Britni said...

I LOVE that snowman! If only I were as creative as your dad.

GypsiAdventure said...

I love them...I think the special ornaments are the best, love makes everything better!
~K

Annie said...

I think you've hit the nail on the head. Besides, you want your home to be inviting and cozy. Who can comfortable in a house that looks like Martha Stewart might burst in at any second? Not me! Give me cocoa in an old coffee mug and good conversations with friends!

wendy said...

That is sweet. I love the snow man! We are decorating our tree today...with mostly kid-made ornaments. Not quite home-tour level, but lovely all the same!

The Mrs. said...

My aunt lives down in SC and was one of the homes in her local tour and man was she stressed about getting the place ready. I mean I think dictators are probably more relaxed then she was!

New Girl on Post said...

Sean didn't get the concept of the house tours either.

I've not been to the one on our-post, but I agree with you that sentimental ornaments trump martha stewart style homes anyday. :)