Making Merry Memories

by Poki Hampton

As Johnny Mathis sings, “Christmas is a feeling in your heart.” No one knows this better than Christi and Paul Gement. Every corner of their home is filled to overflowing with whimsical, fun Christmas décor. Christi delights in the Christmas season. “I want the house to be fun and welcoming,” she says.

And fun it is. Whacky reindeer hang from pendant lights over the kitchen island. The backsplash above the cooktop is a mosaic by Yvette Blanchard, of Folsom, depicting an alligator stirring a huge pot of gumbo, Louisiana irises, crabs and crawfish.

The house, on the Tchefuncte River, was designed and built by Paul’s father, Paul Gement Jr. “There is no drywall in this house. All the walls are wood,” says Paul. The walls and ceiling resemble bargeboards. The floor in the kitchen and breakfast room is ceramic tile that looks like antique brick. Numerous antique hand-hewn beams span the ceiling, adding an authentic rustic touch to the cabin, which is just over one year old.

The large tree in the living room is filled with ornaments Christi has collected from childhood. “Whenever Paul and I go on a trip, I look for ornaments to add to our collection,” she says.

Moss green dining chairs are festooned with sparkling red mesh bows with red snowflakes. Above the table hangs a large slab of cypress that holds multiple lights resembling pillar candles. The cables supporting the light are wrapped with sparkling red berries. Over the breakfast room windows is a swag intertwined with candy, elves and lights.

Christi created the garland that leads to the back porch especially for Paul. It is filled with parrots, alligators, boats, lighthouses and fish. The porch tree is decorated with seashells and other memorabilia from their beach trips.

In the upstairs playroom, an LSU tree complements the LSU pool table. “This is where we watch out-of-town games,” says Christi.

Each of Paul’s three sons has a special tree in his room and a garland on the door that reflect his personality. “We want the boys to collect ornaments, and with them, Christmas memories,” says Paul.

With all the warmth and holiday cheer in the Gement house, those merry Christmas memories are guaranteed.