home
Memories
at every turn
Treasured holiday decorations from three
generations fill one home with cheer
WRITTEN BY CINDY SCHWEICH HANDLER
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ANNE-MARIE CARUSO
N
ancy McGrady’s 1928 home in Packanack Lake has been in the
family since her parents bought it in 1956. After marrying and
moving out, she returned to care for her ill mother in ‘96, and
her sister relocated there after retiring in 2000 to lend a hand
raising Nancy’s son Danny. McGrady, her sister Nora, husband
Bob and 23-year-old son Danny all have memories to share with
family and friends, many of them reflected in the many Christmas decorations
they display every holiday season. “We combined three families into one family
of belongings,” says McGrady. A tour through their home reveals how much the
four cherish tradition.
WHERE EVERY DAY IS CHRISTMAS
(Above) The nativity scene on the living room mantel was a gift to Nora from her staff when
she was principal of a school in Miami. (Right, clockwise from top) The living room tree in the
right corner remains up all year-round. “When we have company and parties, we plug it in,” says
McGrady. Dominant themes in the decor are white, gold and Santa, including the tall red one
behind the tree. The tidy reconstruction of a village sits atop the piano McGrady’s mother used to
play by ear.
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HOLIDAY 2019 WAYNE MAGAZINE