Masami Wake | Decorating for Christmas 2009 by Theme (Part 1)

NEW YORK STYLE HOLIDAY HOME DECORATION SERIES 2009

Christmas Decorations by Theme (Part 1)

In America, a signature sight at this time of year is the Christmas tree market that pops up on street corners everywhere. These trees are brought in from tree farms in distant places like Oregon. Watching children, their breath misting in the cold air, carefully examine the height and branches to choose their favorite tree is a scene that doubles the fun for them.

Text by Masami WakePhotos by Emiko Hara

The Flower Symbolizing a New York Christmas: Deep Red Amaryllis

While the height and branches may not quite match American standards, this year we're winning with quantity.

We decorated three trees, each with a different theme.

The first tree (top photo, right) features a unique Black Santa Claus and chic chocolate brown decorations that stand out against the khaki green branches. It's a decoration with a slightly bitter, mature atmosphere.

The second tree (top photo, second from left) is themed around peacocks and small birds, decorated in blue. The peacock, which has a deep connection to Christmas in Christianity, is an indispensable item for New York Christmas decorations.

At Bergdorf Goodman, the select department store on Fifth Avenue, a magnificent stuffed white peacock is displayed in the first-floor entrance each year during this season, perched in a tall cabinet as if to flaunt its long, beautiful tail, reigning like royalty. I was struck by its vivid impression the first time I saw it. Small birds are symbols that foreshadow the arrival of spring.

The third tree (top photo, left) is decorated with hot pink and lime green, accented with candy canes.

The Gloriosa lily, a favorite of FLORALUXE, with its frilly red petals edged in yellow, evokes flickering flames.

I had long thought it was a flower favored by New Yorkers and had been paying attention to it. Recently, due to advancements in distribution, it has begun to be imported with long stems from overseas and has gained popularity in New York. Until then, only the flower heads, about 20cm long, were quietly sold in a corner of the market.

My seven-year-old son, Ryoga, also posed prettily in a bow tie, holding a bouquet of amaryllis.

The flower that truly symbolizes a New York Christmas is this deep red amaryllis. With its commanding presence, this flower, in a form favored by New Yorkers, shines against the vibrant green, adorning the city with warmth and splendor.