Faulkner Lifestyle December 2018 Issue

“
Christmas has always
been my most favorite
holiday! It embraces all
my favorite things … giving,
joy, love and grace.
”
— Lori Harwell
Among Lori’s favorite items is her
collection of Mark Roberts elves.
“There’s something about being a child
that makes it all magical! I’ve collected
Mark Roberts elves for a long time ...
I love their facial expressions!”
The trees for 2018 includes:
• The front porch. “I wanted it to be
warm and inviting like I felt as a child
when we would go cut down our
family tree. The buffalo plaid and
vintage ornaments make me think of
hot chocolate and loading the perfect
tree on top of the ole minivan.”
• The entry tree is red and turquoise.
“It’s fun and whimsical, kind of like
our family!”
• The living room nutcracker tree is
more traditional.
• The bedroom tree “is gold and
champagne and embraces my favorite
things of Christmas — joy and grace
— with the hymn ornaments.”
• The hunting/fishing tree “is what it
is! My son and husband love to hunt
and fish.”
• New this year is the dining room tree
“because I lost my mom in March,”
Lori said. “Snowflakes are my favorite.
I’ve worked on this tree for a few years
now. I’ve collected snowflakes in all
shapes and sizes so no two would be
the same. There is something about the
snow that reminds me of being a kid
…and my mom. I always loved cutting
snowflakes out of folded paper, making
snow angels and snow ice cream.”
With all her Christmas décor, Lori is
able to build memories for her children
that hopefully will match those she has
from her childhood. “I grew up with
very little. We made the most of what
we had. I have several fond memories
of a three-foot tabletop tree and
unwrapping bubble gum,” she said.
“I know it sounds silly and I don’t say
that for anyone to feel sorry for me. I
say it because sometimes we can get
caught up providing the biggest and
best toy/item for our kids (I have done
it!) and it can bring stress and anxiety.
And that isn’t what Christmas is about
... it’s about the memories and excitement
of being together, reminiscing on
the year and embracing traditions. Most
48 faulkner lifestyle | december 2O18