Welcome Home!

As I strung the lights on my Christmas tree and put candles on the mantle, I wondered about the other families that lived in the house before me.

It was built in 1946, just after World War II, and I like to imagine that it was built by a young GI to shelter his new bride and the family they would soon have. I know that in 1948 the attic was finished to hold two bedrooms, rooms that were decorated with children’s wallpaper. I can pinpoint the date because when we remodeled this summer we found scraps of newspaper glued to the wall as a base for the wallpaper.

I don’t know how long that family stayed in the house, but others came after them. And in the last 60 years many trees must have been decorated in front of the big window in the living room. And stockings have been hung on the mantle. And Christmas turkeys have been prepared in the kitchen.

I don’t expect to be visited by the ghost of Christmas past, like Ebenezer Scrooge, but I do think the spirit of past holidays clings to every home.

This is my second Christmas in the little house. But it’s just another in a long line of celebrations the cottage has hosted.

This week in Home

Campbell House, The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture’s largest exhibit, is a notable reminder of Spokane’s past. During the holiday season, the house is open to the public, and beautifully decorated. Our cover feature gives you a peek into the elegant home that was designed by noted architect, Kirtland Cutter.

Gifts with heart

If you’d like to find gifts that give more than just pleasure to the recipient, we’ve got a guide to treats made by nonprofits and local charities. And, if you need a little inspiration, we have the story of a woman who doesn’t just settle for decorating one tree. She decks out the house with nine beautiful trees and a whole lot more.

This week’s issue of Home is our gift to you.

Consider this your chance to put down the shopping list and forget about what needs to be done for just a few minutes. Have a cup of cider. Nibble a cookie. Catch your breath.

Enjoy!