The Citizen, 2003-12-24, Page 30Season ’s Greetings
From The Citizen
Serving the communities of Blyth and Brussels and northern Huron County
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2003
Woman picks up ‘’treasures’ through year
For some the idea of Christmas decorating is a lot more than
trimming the tree and decking a hall or two.
A few area people, whose homes truly reflect their joy in the holiday
season, graciously permitted The Citizen inside to let us share that
joy with our readers.
By Bonnie Gropp
Citizen editor
Growing up in a home where two
trees were decorated for Christmas
might have been the start for Laurie
Van Wyk.
"I do most of the house, even the
bathrooms if it's my turn for
Christmas or I’m doing some
entertaining."
Van Wyk picks up her treasures
throughout the year, particularly
after Christmas. “Every year I get a
new surprise for what I'm going to
do the next year. I just keep
adding."
Her rooms are themed by colour
or decoration. For example it’s a
snowman theme in the family room
and gold and off-white in the living
room.
Van Wyk said she has gotten
inspired by home tours, but many of
the ideas are her own. “I just take
notions. I pick what I like and put it
together. I love decorating and
flower arranging and I now actually
have people who ask me to help
them decorate."
For Van Wyk change is good too.
“It may be the same theme in a room
year after year, but the decorations
are never done the same."
To everything there is a season
For Laurie Van Wyk Christmas is just another excuse tc
change her home’s decor. The young mother of three sons
says she has 13 huge Rubbermaid tubs full of Christmas
decorations alone. Clockwise from top left: Van Wyk’s
family room is home to one of her house’s three trees; the
theme of snowmen welcomes you as you enter and
carries into the family; with just a little greenery and a few
lights the hearth gets a festive look. (Bonnie Gropp photos)