Christmas trees and traditions abound
Each holiday decoration holds special meaning in this Riverton home.
For the Klokis family, Christmas means spending time with loved ones and sharing family traditions. Ornaments and decorations fill their Riverton home — some new and others that have been handed down for generations — and each has a story.
“Our parents passed down wonderful memories in our childhoods, and we are trying to do the same for our children,” said Debra Klokis, a career counselor at Rowan College at Burlington County.
The family bought their home, a 1,300-square-foot midcentury modern rancher, in 2015. This past summer they worked with Shila Griffith, owner and principal designer of SG23 Design in Riverton, to convert the garage into a laundry room, mudroom, and powder room.
The renovation included several changes to the kitchen: replacing a booth with a dedicated coffee bar, and adding cabinets, counter space, and a larger walk-in pantry. They also moved the laundry upstairs from the basement, added a much-needed guest bathroom, and greatly expanded the entryway between the kitchen and dining room for better flow throughout the living room, dining room, and kitchen.
The layout is perfect to showcase their treasured holiday decorations. The living room is the focal point where two Christmas trees — artificial due to tree allergies — take center stage. The larger tree is decorated with white lights, red bows, and a variety of ornaments.
The most meaningful hanging trinkets celebrate family milestones, starting with the Lenox heart, which Todd presented to Debra when he proposed in Bethlehem in December 2006. In the ornament box, under the cream-colored heart was a note: “Will you marry me?”
“Every year when I open the box, I see his proposal,” said Debra. “That’s one of the first ornaments that goes on the tree as the centerpiece, and everything else goes around it.”
That was the first of a collection of Lenox ornaments, each personalized with the date of the special occasion. In 2008, Debra bought a bride and groom, and in 2015, a “Bless This Home” ornament when they bought their house, and then two “Baby’s First Christmas” giraffes for their children, Henry, now 9, and Roslyn, now 6.
Todd’s grandfather’s train, bought in 1953 when Todd’s mother was born, chugs around the tree’s base. Throughout the years, they’ve needed to replace segments of track and mechanical parts to keep it running smoothly.
“The original cars were Pennsylvania and Lehigh Valley Railroad, so I wanted to add a car for Debra, who comes from Reading, to make it significant for both of us,” said Todd, a middle school science teacher at Riverton School who appreciates railroads and history.
Byers’ Choice figurines of Santa and Mrs. Claus are perched on a table nearby the tree, passed down from Todd’s parents. Next to them sits a small, green ceramic tree, handed down from Debra’s parents.
The second tree in the living room came from Debra’s mom, and its branches are filled with 24 quilted stockings, made by their friend Vilja Casey.
“We slip cards into them each day for the kids, almost like an Advent wreath,” Debra said. “We also hide a pickle in both trees for the kids to find and then get a small gift.”
A large, green wreath with an oversize red bow adorns the gray stone gas fireplace that divides the living room and kitchen.
The family enjoys meals in the dining room or sitting on the living room couch, appreciating the memories in their decorations.
“After everything’s decorated and the kids go to bed, Todd will make a nice Manhattan for each of us, we turn on the fireplace, sit on the couch, and enjoy our home,” Debra said. “It’s our relaxing moment among all the busyness of the holidays.”
Henry and Roslyn enjoy helping with tree decorating. They each have a miniature tree in their bedroom, but the tree in the basement is where many of their ornaments are on display. When they were born, Debra bought large ball ornaments and inserted the children’s baby caps, hospital bracelets, and hospital crib tags.
These are surrounded by ornaments featuring the Grinch and Legos and other kid-friendly themes. Todd also spruces up the basement bar, a favorite spot for guests, with garland.
The family is looking forward to entertaining now that the renovations are complete. The added bathroom will be especially important when Todd’s family comes to visit.
The additional cabinets and counter space in the kitchen, as well as an overflow pantry, will also come in handy when entertaining. Todd does most of the cooking and Debra loves to bake.
“We keep mindful of our faith during the holidays, but it’s also a time to be nostalgic about our memorable childhood Christmases,” Todd said.
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