After-the-holiday glow - and a story that warms the heart

As the last days of December unfold, the magic of Christmas lingers a little longer here at the Maple House. This month was full of beautiful family moments and firsts – our first family Polar Express train ride, our first time taking the boys ice skating, first venture out caroling with friends, first time hosting a wedding day “first look,” first Christmas in our newly refreshed dining room, and finally – the weekend before Christmas – a most unexpected first: reconnecting with my father for the first time in 8 years.

Ready to ride the Polar Express -we loved the railroad museum!

Buscemi family’s first Polar Express train ride to the North Pole

Buffalo Bills sleigh w/ Cousin Lucas after boys’ 1st time skating

Little Women opened up to the wedding page for the first look!

Our Christmas homes tell a beautiful story – but certainly not the whole story. We all have sad stories to tell, and the holidays have a way of bringing them to the surface. Pouring myself into decorating is partly how I’ve processed it all. There’s something healing about creating beauty and calm in my home in the midst of any heaviness weighing on my mind.

I had so much fun bringing my Christmas mantle vision to life. I wanted to do something other than garland. I’ve been obsessed with vintage milk glass – and knew I could create something special with these vessels! Photo by my husband, Andy Buscemi

This Christmas, amongst our many joy-filled firsts, my sad story turned the page to a new chapter of peace. The hero of the story is my brother, Michael.

My brother and me with my niece and nephew – just before Christmas

Sometimes in life, it takes the encouragement of one person to inspire change. After years of trying, my brother once again broached the subject with our father about speaking to me. This time, he sat beside dad as he lay in a hospital bed. He had already booked my flight to stay with him and his family in FL – not far from the hospital – so I could be there for support.

Thanks to my brother – I mustered up the courage to see my dad, the strength to forgive, and the wisdom to choose love. My unexpected trip to Florida had turned out as well as we could have hoped. A Christmas miracle of sorts.

Our vintage Italian provincial chair and Christmas pillow – both sourced second hand from a local antique shop and estate sale. Photo by Andy Buscemi

And so – if you know the pain of estrangement – I encourage you to stay open to the possibility of reconnecting. I am proof that it can happen. I never thought I would speak to my father again. Eight years passed where we did not speak. The experience was healing for me. Things will never be the same, but they certainly are better.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized that forgiveness – although hard – is important. Wishing you all peace this Christmas and into the New Year.

I sourced our Jacobean-style antique side bar sourced from a local estate sale last summer – my mom spotted it and yelled, “Kristen!” from the next room. It was the first day of the estate sale & priced at $80. We were thrilled!

Our lovely King of Christmas tree! Adorned with my grandmother’s vintage ornaments, and flanked by two very special antique pieces: an antique bar handcrafted by my great grandfather, and a banker’s cabinet gifted by my best friend after her dear mother passed.

More milk glass and gorgeous silver taper candle holders sourced from local estate sales. I loved using natural elements to decorate this Christmas – pomegranates, cranberries and dried oranges.

Follow along with me – Kristen – @maplehousebuffalo on Instagram and Facebook! This morning I’ve posted a tour of our Christmas home in 20 photos (in addition to more views of Christmas I shared throughout December). I hope you find even more inspiration there – and thanks for being here!