For Becky (l) and Jim Livingston, a small jade Christmas tree symbolizes the holidays are approaching. The treasured ornament was given to them by the late Helen Smith who, with her husband Dr. DeVere Smith, made displaying it a tradition.

Bringing out a small jade Christmas tree marks the beginning of the holiday season for teachers Jim and Becky Livingston, whose home on Wheat Street is one of nine open during this year’s Shandon and Hollywood–Rose Hill tour.

“It means a lot to us to carry on a tradition begun by Helen and DeVere Smith,” said Jim Livingston, who grew up in Shandon near the late couple. “They always set this little jade tree up at Christmas. Some years after DeVere died, when Helen was going to be leaving the house, she asked if we would like to keep the tradition alive, and we have loved doing that.”

Throughout the nine homes on this year’s tour, similar meaningful objects personalize the owners’ holiday decors. Hosts especially enjoy sharing their collections with those who take the tour.

Pate and Kristen Cooper look forward to decorating their Duncan Street residence with their collection of Christopher Radko ornaments and Mark Roberts Christmas Fairies, but the couple’s favorite décoration is a nativity set Pate gave Kristen on their first Christmas together.

A long–treasured Santa collection will be on display at the South Prospect home of Cathy Reeves Jones. In her hall, Jones will set under a Christmas tree the very same red Santa Sack the jolly old man used to drop off at her grandparents’ Chester County home. In those days the sack was filled with delights for Jones and her brother.

Some of the decorations Kathy and Michael Schillaci will be incorporating into their holiday décor are reminiscent of childhood. At her mother’s encouragement, Kathy made ornaments from clothespins and popsicle sticks as a child, and she still treasures them today.

Newcomers Jennifer and Matt Cooke will be decorating their Chatham Avenue home for the first time this year with paintings by Jennifer’s mother, Judy Ison, as well as ceramic pieces Jennifer has made. Even the large palm tree in their front yard will be decorated.

Arrington Cox’s South Edisto bungalow houses a collection of equestrian memorabilia, especially linking her to her role in the management of the equestrian events of the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. These personal treasurers help create the backdrop for her other decorations

A collection of glass ornaments will adorn Marc and Michelle Bogan’s main Christmas tree while trees in other rooms of the S. Waccamaw Avenue home will each be decorated differently.

Meredith Manning and Bobby Stepp play off the eclectic visual elements found in their collection of art when they decorate their Wateree Avenue home for the holidays. Lynn and David Odom use the same ornaments and decorations they have enjoyed for many years when they ready their Terrace Way home for the season.

Homes on the Open Doors – Open Hearts holiday tour will be open from 2–6 pm Sunday, December 5. Hosted annually by the Shandon and Hollywood– Rose Hill neighborhood associations, the tour presents proceeds from the event to area schools and neighborhood projects.

Last year they gave $1,000 to Dreher High School, Hand Middle School, and Rosewood and AC Moore elementary schools. Additionally, proceeds were shared with two neighborhood groups for their civic projects.

Tickets are available at the Gourmet Shop, Angelic Works, Cucina, Quackers, and Golf Headquarters in Harbison.