She Magazine DECEMBER 2015 | Page 82

Deck the Halls Higher Grounds Photography S She has maintained several traditions from her childhood – remember- Each year, Casey’s trees change, whether drastically or minimally. All, however, carry ing the true reason for the season, shopping early on Black Friday, cir- a theme. “I have a rustic/nature-themed tree, a peacock tree, a red-and-white tree, an cling gifts in sales flyers and opening gifts on Christmas Eve. “For me, it is elf tree and more. I chose the peacock theme because I think a male peacock is one of mportant to keep these traditions alive.” She’s created ones of her own, God’s most beautiful creatures, and our home office is blue, so it was fitting. I am also a too. “Mr. and Mrs. Elfie watch over our family around the holidays. Boy, candy cane fanatic at Christmas, hence the red and white. And the elf tree… they are just can those elves get into some mischief!” Savannah, her oldest daughter, CUTE!” Savannah’s room has a theme as well, based on one of her favorite childhood helps Casey bake sugar cookies on Christmas Eve. “We make sure Santa board games, Candy Land. “When deciding how to decorate her room several years ago, has cookies and a nice cup of milk waiting for him. He even has a special rather going with the traditional Christmas colors, we decided to go with something dif- cup and plate!” ferent. We found large candy ornaments and started her decorations and colors based Christmas isn’t Christmas in the Pitts household, however, until it’s time around those ornaments. Her tree is special, too, because it is the only tree in the house to decorate. Casey often hears comments regarding Thanksgiving and with multi-colored lights. Savannah says she will be handing this theme down to Sadie, how she should wait to pull out the stockings and Santas. “What better so next year she is already talking about her new theme: Clemson or softball.” thing do we have to be thankful for than Christmas? I like to enjoy the For Casey, it’s more than just a hobby, it’s an obsession. “My husband simply deals holiday season for a long time, so I start early.” It normally takes a while with it. My sister is just like me when it comes to Christmas, so she gets it.  My close to get all of her Christmas decorations up, especially now that baby Sa- friends get it, as well.  But, there are a handful that always give me ‘the look’ and think die is crawling around.  “Savannah is always offering up advice on what it’s a bit ridiculous and overboard. Obviously, it d oesn’t bother me! After all the decorat- looks good or not and helping with her room. My husband helps get all ing is complete, the house seems warm, cozy, inviting, fun and almost magical. It keeps the stuff inside and typically just sits quietly and watches the house as it the spirit of Christmas alive throughout the entire holiday season, and then our home is transforms.” Once the decorations are brought out, so is Casey’s Christ- always ready for a Christmas gathering!” mas spirit. “It does something good for my soul.  I play Christmas music, Once the décor has settled in for Christmas, Casey can relax. “Christmas means the sing along, grab a cup of coffee and just have fun!” Several of her favor- celebration of our Savior’s birth. It also means the joy of family and the happiness of ite ornaments belonged to her mother, were given as gifts by family and giving.” While she will be thanking God for another holiday spent with her loved ones, friends, and others handmade by Savannah. A truly special one was given she will also be praying for our nation to return to one united through a common love to Casey the first Christmas after her father passed away. “A good friend of and trust for Him. She’s also excited to see the excitement of the lights and the magic of mine gave me a ‘Merry Christmas from Heaven’ ornament. It is so special Santa in her children’s eyes. “This Christmas will be the Sadie’s first. I am most looking that it has a place all by itself next to the picture of my sweet Daddy.” forward to watching her reaction to the awe of Christmas and then seeing Savannah’s reaction to Sadie!”     “ WHAT BETTER THING DO WE HAVE TO BE THANKFUL FOR THAN Christmas? 82 DECEMBER 2015 Casey Demery Pitts, wife of Richard O. Pitts, is a stay-at-home mom of two, Savannah Grace Sherman and Sadie Rae. She resides with her family in Latta, South Carolina. SHEMAGAZINE.COM