A US envoy after Pinoys’ own Christmas-loving heart
‘I love to share the fun and joy of the season, and see our guests delight in the decorations we’ve collected from all of the places we’ve lived’
Christmas trees tell stories. And the seven Christmas trees in the residence of the US ambassador in Makati have tales waiting to be told.
US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson’s eyes twinkle with excitement when she talks about them.
“You will find seven trees that are six foot or taller,” Carlson said. “Every single one of the ornaments was placed by my husband and me. The staff helped on a few. But I have to say we zealously decorated them ourselves.”
Carlson hosted a barbecue party with guest chef Jay McCarthy last week. The theme was “The Great American Barbecue” and she dressed the part. She wore a long red shrug over her black ensemble, boots and a Santa hat that covered the top of her cowboy hat.
Carlson assumed office on July 21. The boxes containing their personal belongings arrived only last month. Inside some of those boxes are their Christmas trees and decorations. She and her husband, retired Foreign Service officer Aubrey Carlson, spent a long weekend to decorate their home.
The first tree that went up is a pristine white one placed in the lanai. It is a gift from Philippine UN representative Antonio Manuel Lagdameo and his wife Linda. It was handcrafted by the artisans of Tadeco Livelihood Training Center in Mindanao, under designer Maricris Floirendo-Brias.
“I’m so fascinated with this traditional Philippine tree made in Mindanao and handcrafted from bamboo ... I have always admired these trees. We decorated it here,” she told Lifestyle. “But I have to say the tree is beautiful with nothing on it.”
Thus, the decor of the Filipino tree is kept to a minimum. It has gold ornaments such as a few balls, eucalyptus branches and berry twigs. White light makes it glitter and the overall effect is serene, almost ethereal.
Two trees
The Carlsons have two trees in the family, both in the main rooms of their home. The first is in the dining room, a 21-year-old tree that Carlson bought in Beijing when she was assigned there.
“If you look and see these branches you will see a floral wire. Every single branch has them because the tree is kind of pitiful. But I love this tree because it has a lot of space,” she said.
The floral wire is used to support the weight of each branch. For the envoy, it is a very personal tree.
The Carlsons’ trees get new ornaments each year. Two of each kind, to be precise. They are for their daughters, now aged 20 and 24. Carlson intends to give the ornaments when their girls decide to decorate their own trees, to continue the tradition.
“Aubrey and I are delighted that our daughters will be able to join us in the Philippines for the holi- days this year! To me, the holidays are about family and friends.