the holidays
at SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE
we’re the gophers and lunch-makers,” she said. “We make it an occasion.” The only family inspiration for extensive decorating came from Jim’s mother, whom he calls a “tinsel hanger.” “She’d do one strand at a time, draped perfectly, and all of it later put away tangle-free for use again the following year,” he said. The couple’s unique decorations include several metallic floor statues, an uninterrupted set of White House ornaments from 1971 to present, and a tree decorated totally with figurine ornaments — merely a fraction of Cindy’s extensive Hummel collection. She also treasures a candy dish handpainted by a friend.
The Wood’s unique decorations include several metallic floor statues, an uninterrupted set of White House ornaments from 1971 to present, and a tree decorated entirely with Hummel figurines. Jim’s favorite ornaments are a collection of Japanese dolls and another of wooden bells from India. Jim’s favorite ornaments are a collection of Japanese dolls and another of wooden bells from India. “We pack it all away in January with an eye toward getting it out again next year,” Cindy said. “Jim keeps it very well organized.” The storage boxes are on wheels for easy rolling in and out of attic spaces. All of the hard work is overseen by Theo and Cleo, a pair of 10-year-old Basset hounds who, Jim said, rule all aspects of the home’s operation from their mattress-sized matching doggy beds near the kitchen island. The home’s open-plan first floor leaves them good sight lines to family activities. On the lake level, there are multiple rooms furnished and decorated with mementos from overseas living. “We’re privileged to have lived in interesting places,” Jim said. But when asked which of those has been her favorite, Cindy shows not a beat of hesitation. “Right here at SML — it doesn’t get any better than this.”
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SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKER | November/December 2020