DECK THE HALLS
T
Twenty years ago, as a representative for Christmas Around the World, selling merchandise
allowed Dian to receive free gifts from commission. She continued to collect even after she
ceased working for the company. Some of her most treasured Christmas items are her Thomas Kinkade porcelain houses. Holding fast to tradition with Dian goes as far as never altering
her decorating scheme. The same pieces go up in the same places every single time.
Story by Cassie Graham • Higher Grounds Photography
THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT
“Christmas
THAT MAKES PEOPLE
MORE
Each year, she gets a live tree to put in her family room where she hangs ornaments that
her grandchildren have made. In the foyer, Dian decorates a tree with clear lights and cut
The First Baptist Church in Lake View, where the Scott family attends, honors Christmas
glass ornaments. She even changes her bedding to Christmas comforters and pillow shams
traditions that the family holds dear. Church activities, Christmas pageants, and Christmas
to make bedtime merry for holiday guests. The outside of the Scott home is decorated just as
cantatas are just a few of the events that Dian and her family enjoy participating in during
majestically as the inside. Wreaths and garland embellish each of the windows, a lit Santa
the Christmas season. From Christmases past, one of her most treasured possessions is a
Claus welcomes guests on the front porch, and spotlights light up the front of the home,
book that her father wrote when she was a child. The book explains Christmas traditions like
bringing life to the manger scene adjacent to the front steps.
“Santa’s suit is red to remind us of the blood Christ shed.” Through the years, Dian has read the
Like her parents before her, Dian also enjoys entertaining at Christmas. She keeps a fresh
She already has a festive Christmas Day planned, with her children and their families a
to share with neighbors, guests and friends as they drop by. It is also important to stock
rriving hourly throughout the day. “I am usually worn out by the time it’s over, but having
chocolate pecan pies from Cracker Barrel and make sure she has someone bake a cake for her
everyone together is always worth it.” Traditionally, the eldest child of the Scott family has
to serve during the holidays.
been the first to enter the living room on Christmas morning after waking the parents to see
Dian’s home has been the venue for her Sunday School class’s annual Christmas party
what Santa brought. This way, Mom and Dad are able to take a picture of each child’s face, one
for the past twenty years. “They always want to have it here!” Year after year, the guests see
at a time, as they see the goodies Santa has left. Beginning with Dian’s parents, this tradition
something different. “Is that new?” they ask Dian. She replies with a smile, “No, I guess you
has been carried on through her children and grandchildren.
just can’t take it all in at once.” Perhaps a combination of their awe of the elaborate decora-
As each new Christmas season rolls around, Dian’s Christmas wish remains the same. She
tions and the Chinese Christmas game they play as tradition are reasons they keep coming
hopes that her family and friends are happy and healthy. The master decorator leaves readers
back. In addition to her Sunday School class, Dian typically hosts a luncheon for the retired
with this last tidbit of advice in preparing their homes for the Christmas season: “Use a lot of
educators who worked alongside her when she served as Principal of Lake View Elemen-
fresh greenery. And, do what makes you feel good. Make sure you enjoy doing it; because, if
tary. Keeping her home merry with Christmas spirit and guests, she frequently entertains
you don’t, the prep work isn’t worth it.”
“People seem to be more generous and possess a gift-giving spirit at Christmas as
opposed to other occasions during the year. There is something about Christmas that makes
people more merry.” Perhaps the church-centered activities yield a change in spirit for some.
90
book to her children and grandchildren.
stash of chocolate chip cookies, fudge, wedding cookies, and orange balls baked and ready
neighbors, friends, and other folks in the community.
merry . . .
DECEMBER 2015
Dian and Jack Scott reside in Lake View, South Carolina, where Dian retired as Principal of Lakeview
Elementary School. They have three children, Dwyer (who is married to Courtney), Derrek (who is
married to Amanda) and Tamara (whose husband is Dr. Matt Cullum). In addition, Dian and Jack
have five grandchildren – Avah, Jude, Nolan, Harper, Lorelei – with another on the way.
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