Decking the Halls

One of the best parts of the holiday season is seeing how people decorate their homes. While some people gravitate towards the traditional look, others choose a more modern feel or perhaps even a creative theme. At the Berg Larsen Group, various styles are represented - from Charlie Brown trees to ornaments from around the world.  

More Decor!

When it comes to holiday decor, everyone has their own little twist. For Deb Shafer, traditional decor is the way to go. 

“I have very sentimental ornaments and a nativity set from my mom and dad, who are no longer with me,” says Deb. “My niece started my collection of nutcrackers about 15 years ago, and it continues to grow each year.” 

Krista Eull, on the other hand, chooses a less traditional feel. Krista explains, “I’m not very traditional, I don’t think, in my tree decorations or choice of gift wrapping paper. I’ve gravitated toward silver, gold and copper the past few years, with a bit of blue mixed in.”

With Chad Larsen, the decorations are focused on a few key elements to set the mood. 

“Jingle bells on the front door, cut-out reindeer in the windows, and a scented candle for sure,” says Chad. 

The Age-old Question

For years, people have debated the pros and cons of having a real versus artificial tree. At the Berg Larsen Group, both kinds are thoroughly admired.  

Each year, Chad’s tree varies depending on the season and the activities surrounding Christmas. He recalls, “We have had full-fledged trees, Charlie Brown trees, and prelighted ‘stick figure’ trees – but never the full-fledged ‘fake’ Balsam Hill variety – not enough storage room in a condo!”

As for Barry, he argues that there’s no need to decide. Barry reveals, “We do both a smaller artificial tree in our library/media room and a tall live one in our great room.”

Deb, however, is a convert. 

“Three years ago, I bought an artificial tree (which I never thought I would) to put it up early,” says Deb. “There is also a smaller artificial tree in my family room with my husband’s Star Trek ornaments collection. My tree usually goes up the week before Thanksgiving, and I decorate the inside of my house, too. I travel to the East Coast every Thanksgiving to see family, and when I return, my house is all decorated for Christmas.”

While Krista’s decorations may not be traditional, her choice to opt for a real tree is. In addition to the lack of storage room for an artificial tree, Krista likes the smell and fresh vegetation that only real trees can offer. 

Our Favorite Ornaments 

Over the years, Barry has enjoyed collecting ornaments from his travels. 

“We typically decorate the artificial tree entirely with ceramic ornaments purchased in December 2007 (between Christmas and New Year’s) in a suburb of Hanoi, reputed for its production of ornaments,” says Barry. “Some of our other favorites – typically hanging on our live tree --  include magical figures found in Cusco, Peru, ceramic lemons from Sicily, ‘mermen’ from the US, and wooden animals from South Africa.”

For Chad, his favorite ornaments are those that his mother gifted. Chad remembers, “My mother would often gift an ornament if she found something that matched what we were doing at the time (Dump Truck when I worked for a construction company), or that aligned with things we liked to do together (bag of popcorn ornament – since she and I loved movies and watching them together when I was young).” 

Whatever your decoration style may be, the Berg Larsen Group wishes you a happy holiday with or without a tree!