While the Davidson family decorates extensively for the holidays, Christmas for them is all about family. The foyer of their home is dominated by a large, formal 12-foot tree decorated to complement the formal area of the home. Brandi decorates with Christmas vignettes throughout the home. A large nativity in the dining room calls attention to the central meaning of Christmas while collections of nutcrackers and Santas take over other surfaces. Personalized needlepoint stockings hang from Mark Roberts fairy holders. Even the kitchen reflects holiday cheer.
But Brandi's favorite Christmas traditions are those that involve her family and its history. Many years ago Richard's mother, Jeannie Davidson, who absolutely loves Christmas, came to help Brandi decorate. This became a family tradition; Jeannie arrives every year to participate, often contributing new ideas and the latest Christmas décor. Brandi's favorite tree is the "homemade" family tree at the top of the stairs. Each year the children make garlands from popcorn, cranberries, or paper chains for this tree. They add ornaments from their travels and ornaments the children have made. The whole family makes an annual expedition to Vetro Glass in Grapevine to produce hand-blown glass ornaments for this tree. The children, ages 10, 6, and 2, are each allowed to choose holiday decorations for their own rooms in colors that reflect their personalities.
The Davidson family's love of travel is most important in their holiday décor. They have collected ornaments from every trip they have taken and have added these to the upstairs tree. As each travel ornament is added to the tree, they can recall the good times these items evoke.
