For many years as a magazine editor and author of lifestyle books, I loved creating Christmas stories. I sprinkled powdered soap on trees to look like snow and wrapped nieces and nephews in plaid wool scarves and hats in July. Whether it was A Pastel Christmas, A Homemade Christmas, or Christmas by the Sea, I put my hand up for it. Sometimes it was an assignment, sometimes an invitation to document my own family Christmas and style.

I’ve had food stylists roasting turkeys in a hot summer kitchen with fans blowing, borrowed horses from a neighboring farm to drape red blankets on, and wrapped empty boxes in shimmery papers and ribbons to put under the tree. I’ve had my lists published on how to organize holiday parties, the best new gifts for the gardener or cook in your life and countdowns to a stylish stress-free holiday.

I’ve made my own seasonal cards and invitations with photos, or etchings or sprigs, though now they are email images and messages. I’ve hosted a family buffet on Christmas Eve for as long as I can remember and try to have a gathering with friends with something sparkling and the fire crackling. I wrote a book called White Christmas and in my last book, called Life|Style: Elegant Simplicity at Home. I devoted the last chapter to the holidays.

So this year, as I looked through my archives for inspiration for this year’s cards and posts on social media, I decided to post some favorite images from Christmases past and wish you all a very Happy Holiday!

Tricia