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Families have unique holiday traditions that make the season special. From matching pajamas to elaborate Elf on the Shelf setups, each household has its own way of celebrating. For some, Christmas isn’t complete without personalized stockings, while others insist on having eggnog at the ready. Even HGTV stars like Erin and Ben Napier from Home Town have their own holiday rituals.
The Napier family typically kicks off their Christmas preparations by selecting a tree the Saturday after Thanksgiving. However, this year, they started decorating early at the request of their daughters, Helen and Mae. Mae, in particular, had shown her love for Christmas by asking for a holiday-themed 3rd birthday party earlier in the year.
When it comes to decorating their tree, the Napiers prefer white lights and dried orange slice garlands. Their ornament collection is a mix of colorful and sentimental pieces, including souvenirs from their travels and mementos from their daughters’ first Christmases. Notably, Erin had custom ceramic baby shoes made on Etsy, featuring each daughter’s birth details—a touching addition to their tree.
One steadfast tradition in the Napier household is the removal of Christmas decorations on January 3, coinciding with Helen’s birthday. Erin shared that Helen gets to bid farewell to the tree before school in the morning, only to return to a Christmas-free home later in the day. This practice not only marks the transition from Christmas to Helen’s special day but also ensures that the house is cleared of holiday decor promptly.
As a mother of a child born in January, I appreciate the significance of this practice. It establishes a clear distinction between the holiday season and the child’s birthday, preventing the latter from being overshadowed by Christmas festivities. Moreover, it sets a definite deadline for removing decorations, a helpful nudge for those inclined to procrastinate.
For fans of Home Town, the new season will premiere on Sunday, December 29 on HGTV. Previous seasons can be streamed on Max and discovery+, with the new episodes available for streaming on December 30. Don’t miss out on the magic of Home Town this holiday season!
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