One day when HM asked me if I would like to redecorate my home for Christmas with something new, I had no doubt I would say yes. I have always been a fan of their designers and their style, so there was no doubt that it would be beautiful. The first thing that came to my mind was something red, with a touch of gold and white, so it was quite the surprise when we opened the boxes and started to take everything out.

Every piece was like a light reflecting a bit of snow, sparkling gold and a touch of silver. It was like opening a treasure box. It was only October, but at that moment I could not wait for Christmas anymore (I usually start to really wish for Christmas around September).

I like change, but I believe that the traditional things are the best when it comes to celebrating, so for the last 10 years (since I have my own family), our festive season colors were always red with gold. I think it is because all my life we always had something different. When I was small during the Soviet period and the “hard to get anything” times, it was even forbidden to have a Christmas tree at home. When they finally allowed it, my mother wanted to make something different, so she took balls, painted them violet/pink and tied ribbons around them, and every year on the 23rd, we unpacked them to decorate the tree. It was the most sacred time of year. Later on in my life, it was blue with silver and other colors. And red.

This will be the first year with HM’s festive touches and Christmas so light and bright. It will start the first week of December - with letter writing to Santa Claus, Advent celebrations and get-togethers with family and friends. But while I am at home alone, the warmth of a pure wool rug will tickle my toes, and the cozy blanket will keep me warm while I sit in my sofa with a cup of hot cacao surrounded by fluffy pillows. Later, I will light the candles and fill the vase with an eucalyptus bouquet – just enough to let the light through and leave the golden rim of the vase visible.

Later, the family, coming home from a snowy walk in the city, will join me for oven-baked pumpkin salad, some gingerbread cookies, pumpkin cake and a hot apple drink.

Happy Festive Season.

Pictures of me: Kristine Dzalbe
Rest of the pictures, style and text: Signe Meirane
In collaboration with HM Home Christmas collection
Christmas tree: www.eglupiegade.lv
Christmas wreath: Magnolijas zieds