HOLIDAY LEGACY
Four generations of Cettis have been celebrating the Christmas season at the place Sandy Cetti calls home in Fresno. “Brian (my hubs),” Sandy explains, “grew up in the home that was previously on this lot, which was originally built in 1969. After Brian’s parents, Carlo and Jeri, were gone, it was left to us.” The couple tried to figure out how to remodel the home, but what actually ensued was a major renovation. “August 29th, 2012, the house was demoed in eight hours leaving just one wall standing,” she recounts. “We had our plans ready to go and were on a fast pace to rebuild. We are not new to the building industry and were able to complete the home and move in June 13th, 2013.” It was important to them, however, to hold on to some remembrances of the previous home to keep memories alive and preserve family history.
It was an exciting project for the Cettis, who were thrilled to be in the neighborhood. “Keeping family close is important, and I’m lucky that my mom lives nearby on the next street north of us and our kids, Alexandra and Christian, live less than 2 miles away We have family dinner every Sunday together. The neighborhood still has some original owners who knew the Cettis and we are proud to continue the Cetti legacy.” Sandy and Brian took their wedding pictures there in 1979; many Christmases and other holidays were spent at that place with Brian’s parents and family; their kids learned to swim in the same pool. “Our grandson, Paxton, is now the fourth generation to be a part of this home!” Sandy beams. The couple knew they wanted a very open concept for the rebuild, so as to facilitate a sense of being together and involved with everyone when they entertain. Christmas is the season of togetherness, and their home is the embodiment of just that.
“Christmas has always been one of my favorite times of the year,” admits Sandy. “The spirit of the holidays and their meaning is most important to me, and since my favorite season is winter, it makes me love it even more! My Christian beliefs make this season an important time in my faith.” Faith and family are at her core. “The holidays have always been important to me because of the traditions that my family has and the special memories we share. My adult kids know the importance of this time and I have made it a tradition to keep doing some of the same things but adding something new as the years go by.” In 2022, “we brought back the Advent calendar to let Paxton be in charge of the countdown until Christmas,” Sandy shares of her young grandson. Yet she confesses, “I love using my Poinsettia dinnerware that I’ve had for 20 years…that I don’t want to change!”
That being said, “I LOVE change…keeping things different is my style,” says Sandy of how her holiday décor evolves annually. “It may be similar from year to year, but NEVER the same! I love to add a little bit of funkiness to my decorations to make it fun…keep the laughter and joy flowing!” This past year, Sandy’s funky, fluffy chicken in the kitchen got dressed up for Christmas. “I’ve also added a bunch of red cardinals to my décor in 2022.” Sandy likes a variety of styles but lends to a more contemporary aesthetic with a bit of whimsy and a sprinkle of traditional in her decorations. “My Christmas tree décor changes from year to year…I use many of the same decorations I have, but in a different way or on a different tree…keep it fresh!”
Sandy derives inspiration for her holiday décor from everywhere. “I may see something on social media that sparks my creativity or walk by a store where I find a specific decoration that reminds me to look into my stash to recreate it with my own flair.” Her holiday aesthetic is a reflection of her style, personality, and values. “If it makes me smile, or someone else smile, then it reflects me! Being happy at home and sharing that happiness with others is how I enjoy life!” In the spirit of holiday togetherness, Sandy has a group of friends who get together each year and trade off hosting a nice dinner, where they treat each other with little gifts. “The most important part of it is ensuring we spend the time together and keep it going…those memories are what I want to hold on to.”
It all starts with decorating. “Decorating will always be my first task of the holidays…I love the lights and the beauty of all the decorations because they bring a sense of joy and delight to our home, neighborhood, our life, and I love sharing this with my family and friends,” gushes Sandy. “Decorations begin with ideas during the year, and the actual decorating will begin in November.” She and Brian split the task at hand. “My husband loves the outdoor lights, so he starts there, and I start inside with the tree and adding a touch of Christmas to each room. We leave the lights up until New Year’s. The indoor decorations start coming down around December 27th, as I’m ready for my house to be back to normal. I enjoy a clean slate indoors for New Year’s Eve!” Then, the next cycle of inspiration for decoration begins again!
Editorial Director Lauren Barisic
Photographer Ellie Koleen
Hair Ashley Beckenhauer
Makeup Kristen Flores
Ellie Koleen
Photographer
Ellie is a lifestyle, wedding, and brand photographer based in Fresno, California. An artist behind the lens, her trademark airy, light-filled style and masterful camera angles make her work easily recognizable. She uses her love for all things design related as inspiration for her work. The Fresno Bee named Ellie Best Photographer for the People’s Choice Awards in 2018 and 2019.
