December 02, 2010

My Holiday Home.

Traditionally, I decorate my home for the Christmas Holidays around the 1st Advent, which usually takes place on a Sunday shortly after Thanksgiving.
I relish in that weekend, when everything begins for me. When the atmosphere of my home changes as if by magic and becomes saturated by colours and illumination. The sentiment of that weekend is always the same and has a transcending effect on my mood and my state of mind.

While I try to bring that spellbound feel of Christmas into my house,  I am always taken back in time, recalling the holiday home of my childhood, when my mother would deck the halls in red, green and golden. My love for aesthetics and the sense of creating a safe haven was instigated during those years, as I watched her transforming our home into a fairytale of light and colours.
It was without a doubt then that my love for this beautiful time in the year was born.

37 comments:

Kath said...

How delightful! I just realised we are in exactly the same position this year as last- builders renovating our kitchen and our home filled with dust. No inside decorations for us, but I will make a garland for the door :D

Joseph Pulikotil said...

Hello Zuzana,

I am sure your house will truly look colorful,enchanting and magical bringing in Christmas with all its beauty and splendor.

Lovely photos.

Best wishes,
Joseph

Elizabeth said...

Enjoy your haven of love and beauty. You made a truly warm home to celebrate the holidays that lay ahead.

See you soon sweety.

xoxo e.

Dan said...

You have lots of pretty decorations Zuzana! I love the candleholder with the snowflake on. I'm hoping to get my decorations up today.
Dan
-x-

A Bit of the Blarney said...

So very lovely! Your reds are sooo vivid! I particularly like your candles! Have a grand day! Cathy

Mimi said...

Your photos are beautiful, Zuzana.
Wishing you fun while you decorate your home.

Julie Hibbard said...

Absolutely beautiful!! The snow covered-trees outside the window are the perfect touch too!! Wishing you a peaceful Holiday season, my friend.

Anonymous said...

My most festive memories of Christmas are from my childhood. The decorating of the tree, taking each decoration out of the box from the attic and being very careful not to break any of them. I rarely put up a tree these days, probably should but I find it to be too much work. I'll just sit here, blog and look at everyone else's.

DI

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Christmas is my favorite time of year!!! And I have similar happy memories...we are so alike! I love it!! Fabulous photos!! You've really set the mood and tone...I begin my decorating this weekend!! Just wanted to give you a "hello!" here! And to send you my love!!! ~Janine XO

Betsy Brock said...

It really is fun to get out the decorations, isn't it? Lots of them have memories attached. I especially like the lights on the tree.

Brian Miller said...

it is a beautiful time of yea filled with hope and expectation and i think the magic was born for me long ago as well...but fairy tales...i still believe them...smiles.

steviewren said...

We had the best Christmases when I was young. I remember them as being filled with anticipation and magic. I had lots of cousins and there was always lots of visiting and fun.

Unknown said...

I love decorating with REDS and the traditional greens of nature, candles and sparkling lights inside and out. I love how you put together your photo collages... so beautiful...I hope to instill a sense of magic and celebration during the holidays in our children that they'll take with them where ever they go in life.

Lovely posting today!
Deb

Claus said...

It is a magical season, isn't it?! And probably the one time of the year that every house feels cozy and warm with so many decorations around :o)
Beautiful collage! and gorgeous decorations Zuzana! Your home looks cozy and festive.
have a great day!!

Bossy Betty said...

Love the way you describe your home! I need to cozy mine up and bring out some Christmas decorations. You've inspired me!

Myrna R. said...

Beautiful. I think the magic of Christmas is implanted in us in childhood. It's so special and your home reflects that so nicely.

Anonymous said...

Everything looks warm & festive, Zuzana! I am working on a few decorations today - adding little touches here and there.
Have a lovely day, dear friend!
~ Zuzu

Anonymous said...

What wonderful memories your mother created and which you then carry onto the future as you decorate your own house.

Lovely shots! We celebrate the first Advent by lighting the first candle and eating lussebullar.

Donna said...

Your holiday home is beautiful, Zuzana!

Hugs,
Donna

Hilary said...

You always decorate so beautifully, Z. No matter the season.

Kata Wagner Berg said...

O,when I read those lines I realize how much I miss my home...
lovely,warm pictures Zuzana

Sumandebray said...

festivals are all about togetherness which becomes frozen memories! No wonder we become nostalgic during these times....

Anonymous said...

Your pictures never cease to amaze me. The bright and vivid colors just draw you in... I LOVE the way you decorate your house - you have wonderful taste ... and the colors certainly help when everything is "dead" outside... or even when it's covered in white - there still needs to be a "pop" of color!

I need to figure out a way to do so during the rest of the winter time... hmmmmm

((Hugs))
Christine

sprinkles said...

Your home looks so festive and cozy! I only put up a wreath and mini Christmas tree this year.

Unknown said...

you are so crafty. my home could use your touch. Happy Holidays!!

A Plain Observer said...

I have tried to start early. At least I have some lights on already and hopefully a tree this weekend. Your pictures...so much talent.
My house can never look like that. But I wish it did

Rajesh said...

Very beautiful decorations for celebrations. Looking forward to this year celebration pictures.

NENSA MOON said...

Hi Zuzana,
happy decorating home!! and hope you're enjoying the holiday...

hugs,
nensa

budh.aaah said...

Beautiful snaps and I can identify it all because I believe in the magic of Christmas. All magic and all things magical for that matter.

Back at JBT's ur comment touched me because that is what I am going through in life right now and the pain will always linger for me.

Christmas-etc... said...

Dear Zuzana,
I come to you from Cathy's blog and I am so happy to have found you! You have a lovely, heartwarming site here! This collage of your holiday home - your white house on a hill - is just lovely! I am your newest follower! Please join me at my history blog - I'd love to have you!
Many blessings for this wonderful season of Advent,
Ann

Anonymous said...

Your table decorations look beautiful, especially with the snow outside the window. Memories of Christmas deorating traditions are so nice to carry on and do give us a feeling of warmth and security.
Have a wonderful weekend!

Anonymous said...

Zuzana,
My! What beautiful festive colors you have adorned your home with. I love it!.. LadyCat and I will be over. Just a quick visit before traveling to Scotland for Mr. Toast's 2nd Annual Christmas Tea at Torosay Castle. Please come to Scotland with us. It will be such a festive time.
xoxo
Lord Thomas of Wellington
:)The Bach

Laura said...

Zuzana, your collage of images, makes me feel warm and welcome...beautiful...no wonder your heart feels so happy in you home!

Paul C said...

Most beautiful decorations. Amazing how memories and traditions play a big part in our enjoyment.

bright star said...

Zuzana your post is lovely to look at and so interesting to read.I watched the dvd of The Snow Queen today as I wrapped presents by the fire,We have snow and ice at the moment too! Angela X

SandyCarlson said...

Delightful, delicious decorating!

Zuzana said...

Radka, Kath, Josep (welcome), Elizabeth, Dan, Cathy, Mimi, Julie, Di, Janine, Betsy, Brian, Stevie, Deborah, Claudia, Betty, Myrna, Zuzu, ladyfi, Donna, Hilary, Kata, Sumandebray, Christine, sprinkles, Doreen, Myriam, Rajesh, Nensa, budh.aaah, Ann (welcome), LadyCat, The Bach, Laura, Paul, Angela and Sandy – I am so happy I could share with you the small details of my cosy Holiday home.

I love this season and Christmas will ALWAYS be celebrated in my house; even if it would ever mean that only Batcat and myself are sitting around the dinner table on Christmas Eve.;)

Your kind words and compliments are much appreciated and your visits warm my heart in this cold season.

Xoxo
Zuzana