I remember that pomegranate well – the leathery red skin, the fleshy weight of it in my hand promising wine-sweet clusters of ruby fruit. As I lifted it off the pile, I imagined the satisfying crunch the release of tangy perfume, the juices glazing my lips and running down my chin. Ah, that biblical fruit with its poignant umbilical tip, choice of the gods and food of the dead.
from The Book of Unholy Mischief by Elle Newmark

‘Tis the festive season, and amid the glistening ornaments and twinkling lights, one color stands out in vibrant splendor – red. At other times of the year, I prefer a tranquil Scandinavian, blue and white color palette with bursts of color from my (perhaps, too many) watercolor and oil paintings crowding out the wall space. But, come December, I embrace the bold, passionate primary color wholeheartedly!

As I unpack my Christmas decorations, I rediscover my love for red and its various shades: from the bright scarlets and crimsons to fun Barbie and opera pinks, and then the darker, more sensual vermilions and carmines. My house transforms into a home that Santa and Mrs. Claus would approve of with: cranberry garlands, garish vintage baubles, soft velvet ribbons, authentic sleigh bells, Santa and Rudolph red-nosed felt ornaments, tiny neon lights, pots of luscious poinsettias, bulging amaryllis bulbs, and, finally, a cornucopia of blushing pomegranates, Anjou pears, and Ambrosia apples and cinnamon sticks.

I am ready for the holiday!