The Magic of the Season
By Candi Miller
Dear Franklies,
I can vividly remember my first Christmas season, listening to the Quite Frankly broadcast. I was nestled away in my gift wrapping zone and joyously listening to Frank and his guests. I think I was desperate to hear real conversation and not a mainstream narrative. At some point in time, the gift of storytelling went to the wayside by industry standards. As human beings, we are meant to experience connection with others, which is what Frank accomplishes with his viewers and guests.
I imagine all of us, as viewers and supporters, are a sentimental bunch. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be so attracted to what Frank’s nightly show brings us. We get the best of both worlds; old time radio conversation with modern day technology. A perfect marriage, that has us inviting him into our homes each night.
For myself personally, I adore anything that brings forth that nostalgic feeling of days gone by. From the art of storytelling in vocal form, to the story I weave throughout my home with vintage and antique treasures I lovingly hunt for to decorate with at Christmas. The Christmas season is such a visual experience and I love bringing that to life.
When my family comes home after a long work day, I want them to walk in and feel the embrace of warmth and comfort, letting the day’s challenges melt away.
Creating a cozy haven during the Christmas season is my favorite! When the nights become long and temperatures cool, our home becomes a wonderland of twinkling lights, candle glow, sparkling trees and garland, cozy blankets, the aroma of a home cooked meal and tasty treats, and the promise of good company, to envelop all who enter.
I love finding vintage seasonal artwork to display that tells a story, then I build my Christmas decor around that, making my own story to weave. No one else may know what that story is, but they will feel a sense of comfort, peace and a little something “extra” surrounding them, and that is all that matters.
It takes years to find happy little treasures that ultimately turn a house into a home. I don't mind the time it takes. It is an adventure. Half the fun is the hunt. Eventually, it all comes together and it continues to build each year. Every item holds a memory of where it came from and who I was with when I found it. Knowing that something I find and love was once loved by someone else also makes it special to me. Much of my home decor treasures would have big stories to tell, if they could talk. I love that aspect.
My favorite find to date is a vintage print I found while antiquing with my mom and daughter the day after Thanksgiving, a few years ago. (That in itself is special, as we live 300 miles from each other.) It is of three men enjoying drinks at a tavern, after running Christmas errands. They are jovial in each other’s company and the reunion brings much to share with one another, while they warm themselves by the hearth. The day’s efforts surround them, a recently shot bird for Christmas dinner, a dolly for the child, and freshly wrapped packages, to take home once their visit concludes. The connection and companionship between these three men are exactly what embodies the Christmas season.
We all come together to hear and share the greatest story ever told, our Savior’s birth, and with this time of celebration, we long and yearn for time spent with each other. Taking moments that turn into memories and passing along the magic of the season in all its forms, so that the next generation will desire to create that as well. I believe the greatest gift we can give is fond memories that live on forever.
My home reflects my love for my family. It all goes hand in hand for me. I put so much thought into decorating because I love it, but I also know that it fundamentally changes the aura in a room. I truly want my spaces to feel like a loving embrace. A well-loved, curated space feels very homey.
I feel like this rings true for all of us listeners. Frank has created a well-loved, curated space for all of us to gather each night. It’s homey. It’s nostalgic. It’s why we are drawn to him. It’s what makes him different from the rest. It has become a cozy tradition for me, wrapping gifts and listening to great conversation, and I look forward to it every year. We are a lucky bunch, indeed!
Wishing all of you, Franklies, a safe and joyous Christmas!
Love,
Candi
@itssocandi