and floral branches , on the Christmas tree in the sitting room off of the kitchen .
Pops of white , silver and gold dominate the tree with hints of rose gold , pale pink and Tiffany Blue . Birds , deer , metallic leaves and oversized gold balls compliment the blue pillows and painting in the room .
Wichman ’ s Give HOPE Designs ornaments , which she has started collecting , match perfectly with the tree and room décor . The ornaments are made locally by Amanda Cassell with the majority of the proceeds going to the Anderson Cancer Center benevolent fund .
Most of the memorable ornaments collected by the family over the years adorn the tree in son Austin ’ s bedroom .
“ I like a little more formal in the living room area and the kitchen ,” she said . “ Austin ’ s room is more fun and casual . His room is reds and greens and bright colors .”
Many of the ornaments on Austin ’ s tree are ones he has made growing up . Some are souvenirs brought back from family vacations . Still , others are ones he has picked out , including a fire truck from when he was little and a soccer ball since he plays for Lamar and travels three days a week for travel soccer in Hattiesburg .
“ He came in here and was looking at the ornaments and he said , ‘ oh mama , that was so much fun making that .’ It is fun for him to see the tree and see all of the little things that he has done or made or picked out over the years ,” Wichman said .
Busy schedules and soccer keep the family more active these Christmases than when Austin was younger . However , they have a few holiday traditions they still like to keep .
They love driving around the community to look at Christmas lights and visiting Lazy Acres to see its Trail of Lights and other attractions .
They also love to celebrate Christmas morning with Olive , Brendyl , Luna and Skippy , the family ’ s four rescue dogs .
Wichman is a devoted volunteer for Roadside Rescue Network , a team of area residents who help rescue dogs and cats in Lauderdale , Newton and Neshoba counties .
She said the four dogs receive their own stockings filled with treats that they love digging through on Christmas morning , which the family finds very entertaining .
“ We love Christmas . Everything is so beautiful with the decorations ,” she said . “ And it is always so nice to see our family and everybody during the holidays that we haven ’ t seen all year .”
MERIDIAN LIFE