Familiar Touches Rekindle Memories

Question: We’ve recently moved to Orange County, and this is our first Christmas away from our large East Coast family. The house feels empty. How can I bring a feeling of family tradition to our new home?

Answer: Missing the rituals of a family holiday is normal for many newcomers to Southern California. Familiar rituals provide us with a sense of continuity and the stability that is not apparent in everyday living.

This year, consider combining old family rituals with new, California-inspired customs. You might start with a family Christmas album containing photographs of past celebrations. Display the album in a prominent place, where it will serve as a great conversation piece and rekindle fond memories.

Contemplate changing everyday photographs and artwork with a family “gallery” on a wall or on the fireplace mantel. Inexpensive frames are readily available, or make your own.

Bring out beloved childhood treasures: toys, teddy bears, trains and books. Your new friends will enjoy seeing the things that are close to your heart, and you will take comfort in them.

Store away everyday dishes and accessories and bring out Mom’s or Grandmother’s china, crystal and linens. Even if you have only a few pieces, they will reinforce your sense of ritual.

Bake some of your kin’s favorite holiday food, and, if you have some old cookbooks, display them in your kitchen.

As you go through your ornaments, remember which ones hold special memories. Look for photo ornaments when you add to your collection, and build future memories by marking the date with a metallic gold pen.

Handmade ornaments, whatever their condition, are probably part of your family’s tradition and offer that sense of belonging that no slick or expensive ornament can provide.

One of my favorites was made by my son in kindergarten (he is now 34). It is carefully lettered with his name in kindergarten style. Another holds the photograph of our dear family dog, who brought us so much joy. Add to your collection each year, making sure to date each ornament and document its story.

Decorate a basket or dedicate a silver tray for holding holiday greetings as they arrive.

If you haven’t inherited ancestral mementos, visit an antiques shop and buy some lovely old linens, china or vintage ornaments and start your own customs. Once you’ve established roots in California, you might want to incorporate family keepsakes into your year-around interior design plan.

Do you have a question about your decor? Send questions to Home Design, The Times Orange County, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626, or e-mail to ocsocalliv@latimes.com