Are you the pull-every-decoration-down -from-the-attic type of person or one who puts a foil-wrapped chocolate Santa on the breakfast table and considers that adequate in the ornamentation department? Not sure? Well, of course I’d advise you to go to your Sun Sign description to determine your style, so let’s pursue that line of thought immediately.
Aries: March 21-April 19
Hmm. Hard to determine what exactly an Aries might consider in the way of Christmas, Kwanzaa or Hanukkah decorating, as much depends on what this Fire Sign experienced as a kid. If the childhood home was absolutely stuffed with garlands, evergreens, baubles and bangles, you may expect the Aries male to go the other route and have minimalist decor for the holidays. Some Aries enjoy an all-red theme, with red lights and ornaments on a white Christmas tree. But every member of this sign enjoys a pile of presents for the family and friends. They love hearing, “It’s perfect! How did you know?”
Taurus: April 20-May 20
A traditional background for the family gathering is what Taurus prefers, and will gladly make five trips to the airport in order to get everyone assembled in one place. Expect gifts to be a bit luxurious, including well-known perfumes, top label ski clothes or special music in whichever format the recipient prefers. Dinner takes place around a table as stuffed as the guests will be shortly, and of course Taurus sends home plates of leftovers with all who ask. Quiet and beautiful, deeply meaningful religious observances are always part of the holiday. So are all the favorite cookie recipes, so expect your Taurus to gain a pound or two over the holidays.
Gemini: May 21-June 21
Here’s the house with a five-branched Christmas tree painted purple and only pink ornaments upon its branches, or a hand-carved menorah with LED candles. The Twins always want something bright but different, so they may combine several traditions into one unique ceremony, depending on their cultural and ethnic backgrounds. They particularly enjoy singing, dancing and storytelling which highlights the deeply-rooted traditions of Kwanzaa and the seven guiding principles for building true community among the family, friends and neighbors.
Cancer: June 22-July 22
A Victorian Christmas tree with fragile ornaments handed down for generations is the Moonchild’s special tradition, observed every year. Sometimes each child is expected to memorize and recite a special poem, or sing a carol to an audience of beaming relatives. Days of cooking, baking and assembling a feast go on beforehand, with much retelling of the family stories, no matter how embarrassing to the ones who were the center of the most vivid escapades. Favorite childhood toys are also often part of a special display, and home movies (now on DVD) replayed at every opportunity.
Leo: July 23-August 22
Shimmering decorations, often in gold, meet your eyes as you enter a Leo’s home, whether it’s an apartment, a condo, or a huge three-story house. A lavish hand has been hard at work, with velvet ribbons, animated scenes under the tree or on the mantel, games and laughter at several tables throughout the home in order to accommodate multiple guests. The traditional feast leaves each guest breathless from the culinary array and surprises lurk on the tree branches or are slipped into an overcoat’s pocket, to be found on the way home. Leos want their own stage to be an absolute extravaganza, and usually succeed. Good thing it’s only once a year.
Virgo: August 23-September 22
Not too much candy nor plates of cookies everywhere; still, Virgo manages to have healthy snacks for nibbling and favorite old magazines from many years ago open on the coffee table, recalling family ties and memories. There’s likely an ancient wind-up toy train that chugs around the dinner table or under the tree, with pocket-sized gifts for all: a locket with a special photo in it, a ring that was great-grandma’s, a copy of the delicious cookie recipe that no one makes just like Aunt Betsy, some curated stamps collected for the enthusiast in the family. Story-telling or recounting family episodes go on into the wee hours, as long as at least two people are awake.
Libra: September 23-October 22
Tasteful and expensive, the decorations for a Libra’s home may not be packed away for use year after year, but they’re certainly extravagant and gorgeous. And knowing Libra, many of them are handmade, using their innate artistic talents and sense of color. The photo albums may be brought out, or the college yearbooks looked at with giggles and chuckles as the ‘odd clothes and hairstyles’ are shown to the younger set. The fireplace will be blazing and the fragrance of the feast yet to come mingles in the air. Carols and celebratory songs will be much in evidence.
Scorpio: October 23-November 21
The one special item you wanted so badly but never mentioned to a soul will be yours if you’re part of a Scorpio’s gift list. How do they know these things? They just – know. And of course, they’re among the most difficult to find just the right gift for! But don’t worry; they understand the thought behind the book on the occult that you bought for them, or the tarot deck found in their stocking. They’ll put these things to good use too, because finding out exactly what makes one person tick is like catnip to a kitten – irresistible.
Sagittarius: November 22-December 21
A brisk walk through the snow and ice is what the Archer will propose once everyone’s eaten to immobility, and throwing the last of the dinner rolls at them is entirely in keeping with family tradition. (Sagittarius isn’t that entranced with ‘family tradition.’) This Fire Sign is the perfect one to dress up as Santa and beguile the little ones who aren’t sure whether he’s real or not. You may receive anything from venison steaks, to archery lessons to the best ski boots, as long as the gift has a tie to the great outdoors. Or gifts of framed photos from the jaunts in forests, deserts or lakeside throughout the previous year are also frequent from the Sag.
Capricorn: December 22-January 19
Gifts will be practical, very good quality, and include the sales receipts in case it’s the wrong size or color. Stocks and bonds are often given, as they don’t need to fit or go with the rest of the furnishings in a room. Books are a favorite choice as well, and some Sea Goats will have their celebration based on an old favorite novel, whether it’s The Hobbit or A Christmas Carol. Yes, even Capricorns allow themselves to indulge in a little whimsy at festive times of the year, and may even become sentimental when guests start reminiscing. Traditional music will of course be in the background too.
Aquarius: January 20-February 18
Holiday get-together? What? Oh, that’s right – it’s not being held at my house this year, is it? Good. Then let’s go over to the homeless shelter and help cook and serve dinner. Or stop by the retirement home and sing holiday songs with the older folks. Don’t forget, I signed all of us up for walking the dogs and helping feed the cats at the animal shelter this afternoon. Did anyone get the kids to make greeting cards this year for mailing to the troops? If not, we can sit around the kitchen table when we get back and help the kids make them tonight. And I’ll mail them all from the office next week – the boss said to use the sorter and he’ll pay the postage.
Pisces: February 19-March 20
Almost too much sentiment and remembering the ‘old days’ can render a Pisces a little woebegone for a while, but suggest a brisk game around the card table or a lively movie and the Fish will perk up, especially once the filled plates of food start circulating. Don’t let them sit in the corner and start to think too much, especially if the cousin they can’t stand (and the feeling is mutual) turns up after all. Send them into the kitchen and keep them busy making more desserts or filling water glasses while the regrettable cousin pays his or her respects to the elders and then heads home.
May your holidays be pleasantly memorable. – MZ
#MadameZombra