Most of us equate the holiday season with traditions. Traditions are an important part of the human experience and at no time are they more on display than during the holidays. And like most people, I do love traditions. But 'traditionalism', is the belief that traditions should be followed, while change should be limited. And that is where I tend to part ways with the 'concept' of 'traditions'. After all, change can be a wonderful way to keep things fresh and exciting. And everything in our lives and world is always in a constant state of flux. So for me, that means taking 'traditions' and molding them a bit. As an artist, I enjoy putting my own unique spin on everything around me. From my clothing to my photography to my living environment...I like to imbue my surroundings with things that make me happy, like COLOR and SCENT. And I infuse them into all areas of my life and home, especially during the holidays.
Being somewhat of a 'Bohemian-Lite' at heart, I decided that the 'traditions' of the holiday should be melded to fit my own eclectic sense of style. If pressed to specify my personal aesthetic, I guess one would describe it as 'Moroccan-Gypsy-Boheme! I like to mix the old with the new, and contrast textures and materials to create a style fusion. No rules, other than filling my space with things that delight my senses. So there is nothing 'traditional' about my sense of style, but I prefer it that way. Colorful Moroccan lanterns, gypsy scarves, celestial sun and moons, Buddhas, and exotic spices and incense, mingle peacefully with an old Hoosier cabinet, antiques, newer furnishings and hand crafted items. The result is an atmosphere as varied and eclectic as I am. And when it comes time to decorate for the Winter holidays, I seek to mold my family's traditions to fit our bohemian style.
My love affair with the colors, textures and scents of Asia, especially in India, as well as Morocco....has been the driving inspiration in my decorating. So instead of the traditional red, white and green, you will find a multitude of bright colors throughout our home and on our Christmas tree. A Buddha sits happily next to glittered reindeer and Indian jewelry boxes. Our tree has a 'Gypsy' theme with a variety of different ornaments. Suns and Moons, Owls, Jewels, Mandolins, Feathers and Moroccan Stars sit atop a fresh fragrant Spruce. The dining table is set with mix-matched Indian print plates and the chandelier is also 'Gypsified' with an assortment of baubles, beads and jewels in a rainbow of colors. Glass beaded garlands flank the mirrors and gypsy rings and incense gifts are used to accessorize instead of the classic Santas and Snowmen. It's certainly not a traditional Christmas theme...but when thrown together, it is colorful, festive and fun!
And the scents you ask? What scents accompany a 'Gypsy Yule'? Wafts of Incense coiling up through the air such as the traditional offerings of Frankincense and Myrrh, which are in tune with the story of Christmas, and well known as valuable gifts from the Middle East. But we also enjoy the traditional hippie favorites like Patchouli and Nag Champa as well. Which begs the question...is there really any such thing as a 'Traditional Hippie'? Rich spices abound in the Indian Spice Markets, and they accompany the resinous incense so very nicely. We enjoy how their enticing aromas make the holiday season more 'Scent-ual' and festive. Clove, Cardamon, Anise and Cinnamon brewing on the stove top in some Apple Cider is a welcoming scent to family and friends as they enter our home. We also enjoy the succulent sight, taste and smell of fruits such as Pomegranates, Figs and Oranges. And lastly, it's always a special seasonal delight to unwrap a bar of Madagascar Spiced soap, richly fragrant with the scent of clove! It's a splendid excuse to enjoy a warm Winter's bath with some almond or champa oil mixed in to help soften winter's drying effects on the skin. But more importantly, it's also the perfect time to relax and soak in the fragrant water, while taking stock of the various gifts that life has blessed us with throughout the past year....as we come full 'circle' to the holidays once again, and look forward to the promising new calendar year ahead. :o)
Happy Holidays & Namaste!
~ Wendy
Your Gypsy Yule is delightful and very refreshing! Thanks for sharing. Wishing you a very Merry Magical Yule! :)
Posted by: Becca | December 17, 2009 at 01:20 PM
This is fantastic! I created a slideshow of your photos on FLICKR and Twittered it for others to enjoy! Hope they take a peek. :)
Posted by: exoticat | December 17, 2009 at 05:01 PM
Namaste to you, Wendy !
It must be a great joy to be at your table, where all the senses are engaged...
Blessings to you and yours, you colorful lady ;-)
Posted by: chayaruchama | December 17, 2009 at 05:57 PM
Thank you all SO very much for stopping by my Artful Gypsy blog. I was worried that I wouldn't do Roxana's Advent Circle justice since I am not a 'perfumer' or 'scent expert'. So I just decided to share my own version of the holiday season in Gypsy style! I hoped the colorful photos would make up for my lack of scent expertise...ha! Namaste to each of you! :o)
Posted by: Wendy Amdahl | December 17, 2009 at 08:34 PM
Wendy, I LOVE your sense of style! You can come and decorate my house anytime, whether it's Christmas or not!
I agree about traditions, making new ones can be as meaningful as following the old ways. It would appear that you have found a wonderful way to combine both.
Posted by: Flora | December 18, 2009 at 02:36 PM
Well thank you Flora....nice to meet you! I know my style is not for everyone, but it makes me happy and I'm delighted that others like it too! Thank you for stopping by, and have a wonderful holiday season! :o) ~ Wendy
Posted by: Wendy Amdahl | December 19, 2009 at 04:02 PM
I love this and found it so helpful in expressing my vision to others for a holiday party i'm planning the decor for! Such an inspiration here, thanks for posting!
Posted by: sim sima | October 21, 2010 at 06:45 PM
Please see my blog for a link to this post....GYpsy Purple
Posted by: Gypsy Purple-Chamara | November 08, 2010 at 09:30 PM