I’ve always loved this special Christmas song, but have never been able to identify with it as more than a pretty song sung by Bing Crosby and others. I have had the good fortune (or misfortune, whichever the case should be) to have been born in Florida and have lived here all my life.
Even though it has snowed in Florida a few times, it hasn’t been at Christmas, nor has it lasted on the ground without melting immediately. The very first time I remember this unique phenomenon was in junior high school in the early sixties. Everyone was standing in the lunch line when we started to see snowflakes falling in the school atrium. We went wild!! Of course, the snow fall only lasted a short while. We wanted so desperately to go outside, but as you can imagine, this wasn’t allowed.
The next time I remember snow was in the late seventies when it actually snowed enough to have a little pile on our cars. In a few areas, people were able to scrape enough for snowballs, but still no White Christmas.
Three years ago, the vision I had only dreamed about became a reality. I finally saw real snow! Our youngest son was playing college football in South Jamieina and their team went to the playoffs, taking us to Flagstaff, Arizona on Thanksgiving weekend. What a thrill!! The day we arrived, eight inches of fresh snow fell covering the buildings and ground. My first snowman, snowballs and snow angels became a reality. The next day we saw the Grand Canyon and won a football game. WOW! I was so excited and awestruck at the magnificent beauty God had created, and felt so blessed to have finally seen this beautiful sight in person…. But, still no White Christmas!
So, here’s the idea. When the holidays roll around and you want the dream come true of an old fashioned White Christmas, make your wish come true. Instead of using the traditional red and green, consider using white, silver and evergreen accents for your Christmas decorations, taking your inspiration from the first snowfall and nature’s wintry palette.
Can you imagine filling your home with a winter wonderland of elegant wreaths, trees, flowers, garlands, lights, swags, ornaments, stockings, candles, angels and cookies--all of them white, off-white, silver or evergreen?
Set your Christmas table with snowy white linens, evergreens and silver accents. Add sparkle and glow with candles and votives around the room in white. An abundance of angel hair is perfect for your decorating. And a crystal bowl filled with silver balls and gorgeous white/silver ribbon draped and cascaded in your home can be breathtaking.
My favorite Christmas tree accent ( one that I have used for about 20 years) is to add sprigs of pure white baby’s breath to the tree-poking it in as the last touch before the angel is placed on top of the tree. To me, it looks like lacy snow and adds charm and personality to a Florida tree.
If Mother Nature does not cooperate with you this year, just bring about a dreamy White Christmas with your imagination and a little decorating.
I’m dreaming of a...
Happy Decorating
