A darling and charismatic daughter of a lovely friend of mine  has the most unique hobby of being focused on all things Christmas. She is known as the “Christmas Girl” because of her passion for Christmas and her Deck the Halls Instagram account.  If the eyes are the window to the soul….her twinkling eyes reflect the sparkle of the Christmas spirit. In getting to know her, I was intrigued by her Christmas passion and decorating hobby so I asked if I could interview her for my blog. At such a young age, I was impressed to find her so detailed about her Christmas logistics and planning methods!

How did all this get started?

Ever since I was little, I liked it because my family came to town and we all got to be together. I started to like the decor of it and the different outfits and the lights outside.  Then, I learned to love different aspects of it.

How old were you when you started to focus on it?

Around ten years old,….but I started to understand it around eight years old. It was about family.

What was your first project with Christmas planning?

When I was eight years old, I went upstairs and started labeling boxes and organizing everything and then I liked it and thought this would be fun to do all the time! I watched Christmas videos and DIY’s (do it yourselfs)  through the year and I have alot of things I made before. Those were the projects I started with….

Does this delve into Christmas baking, too?

Yes. My dad taught me a recipe with corn flakes where you melt marshmallows and add green food coloring. We put cloves and red hots on it.

Do you entertain at your home for Christmas or go to  relatives’ houses?

We switch off sometimes. Mostly, it’s at my grandparents house. (Her mother and her showed me their Christmas Keepsake book full of recipes, photos of grandmothers, etc…and other Christmas details.)

You kind of come by this genetically! 

(Her mother responded here) : The reason for the season. She loves God and Christ.

What ‘s in the file folder?

Each year is a different theme. I plan what’s it is going to be and I take photos of a sketch of where I want everything to be in the whole house. I know exactly what everything is and I label it with a number.  The frosted Christmas tree there, garland on the mantle, etc, numbered and labeled  —all done by summer.

Do you see yourself having a future career as a holiday planner?

I’d do it on the side. I want to be either in medicine, law or a politician but I  also really like design.

You said the kids come up to you and call you the Christmas girl. Is that because you have an Instagram account?

When I started at my new school, everyone came up to me and knew I was obsessed with Christmas. I talk about it all the time. Upper classmen asked me, “Are you the Christmas girl?”

What’s the name of your Instagram?

deck_the_halls_ _     ( 2 underscores at the end)

Will you make business cards to help people plan their holiday?

When I was little, I made a sign that I hung up in the neighborhood to help people start putting up decorations.

Like Christmas Consulting?

Yes, and helping them decorate if they don’t want to do it.

What is the meaning of Christmas to you?

Mostly just a time to spend with my family and experience all these traditions we have and the reason for the season for my religion.

What bugs you about how Christmas has become commercialized?

I’d be fine if there werent’t any presents! It doesn’t make up why I love the season. I love hot chocolate stands, lights and the fact that people are so much nicer during the holiday season.

People think more about philanthropic giving at that time. Do you have a favorite charity?

I have a hot chocolate stand and donate the proceeds go to a kids Cancer foundation or animal shelter.  I asked my whole class to make Christmas get well cards to the cancer foundation. They had cute notes in them.

When is your hot chocolate stand?

Sometime in December on a weekend; maybe the second weekend of December. This year it will be Dec. 17th. I usually have my hot chocolate stand  on the corner of 37th Wheeling.

5,800 people follow my Instagram. Companies send me notifications through direct messaging about sending me products, etc.  so that I’ll cover them on my account but so far I’ve declined.

What foolproof theme would you suggest to a novice Christmas decorator?

I make collages of photos from Pinterest and I put them together to gather my design ideas.

 

What would you instruct someone to do for their first attempt at this?

It depends on what theme you want— like Winter Wonderland, or Candy Cane theme…..I’d stick with the traditional red, green and gold colors  because that’s what you’ll see at most stores. You’ll have the most inspiration with those colors. Stick with garland, centerpieces and what your tree will look like. Stick with one theme; don’t overwhelm with lots of themes in different rooms.

What about the first Christmas feast to try?

A big ham. Ham, turkey, duck, —a traditional meat with different sides like mac and cheese, green beans, etc. and a homemade dessert, like a homemade pie.

What’s your favorite gift to give to people?

Something homemade. The “Open When” cards I showed you—, open when [you’re in a certain mood] and different baskets with stocking stuffers.

Do you have a favorite Christmas candle scent to burn?

I go to Bath and Body Works for all of my candles…Twisted Peppermint or Vanilla Bean Noel are my favorite scents.

Do you have a mulling spice recipe?

We have a pine tree and I’ll combine that with cinnamon. I’ll contrast the two together—the balsam pine scent with pine cones and cinnamon stuff. Put them with boiling water and it scents your whole house.

Do you have a favorite store for Christmas shopping?

For decor mostly, I’ll find little boutiques in places and we’re going to Montreal, Canada where I’m excited to do Christmas shopping. Hobby Lobby is good for Christmas stuff.

What is your favorite Christmas movie?

I enjoy watching Hallmark movies. I record several that I watch non-stop. I like Home Alone, too.

What’s your favorite Christmas carol or song?

I like Cold, December Night by Michael Buble.

What’s your favorite book?

The traditional story of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. The cartoon movie. The Grinch and Buddy the Elf.  My favorite story is probably the night that Jesus was born. It’s a traditional thing my family reads so that’s where I get the most traditions from.

What’s the best gift you’ve received?

When I was 3 years old I asked Santa for a guitar with pink poodles painted on it and I got it.

What’s the best place to see Santa Claus?

Utica Square Santa House.

What’s the main thing you want people to enjoy about Christmas?

Christmas is a time that warms your heart and you feel loved by everyone. Everyone is calm and hangs out with their families and watches Christmas movies. It’s a fun time of year. It’s the coziest and most fun time of year. I had a Christmas week with my dad who took me on a Christmas lights helicopter tour and the Polar Express train.

“Christmas is about doing things with family that celebrates the reason for the season—celebrating Jesus.”