Posted on: Thursday, November 22, 2001

Expect a red, white and blue Christmas

By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer

Many Christmas trees this year are likely to be given a patriotic touch. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

The patriotic theme will be out in force this holiday season in the form of flags, colored lights and ornaments.

Take Frank Suster, of 'Ewa, for example: His neighborhood will bear witness to roughly 10,000 red, white and blue lights and more than 100 wood figures on his lawn.

Patriotism is definitely the trend as Hawai'i residents begin the task of prepping their Christmas trees and homes for the holiday season. But for most hotels and retailers, who generally order their decorations a year in advance, the traditional route will have to do.

Outrigger Hotels will keep to a Hawaiian theme. The Outrigger Wailea will decorate with handmade Hawaiian ornaments. The Honolulu Chocolate Co. will sport several themes: a 1950s Christmas, a Russian Christmas and a spunky Santa and his elves.

Even Ala Moana Center and Windward Mall are sticking with last year's themes: Ala Moana's decor was a mix of toys and keiki with red poinsettias and traditional red and gold nutcrackers while Windward Mall had a Hawaiian theme.

But the colors out in the neighborhoods are clearly red, white and blue. The surge of patriotic fervor from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks is quickly becoming inspiration for many home decorators.

Nancy Pace, whose Kahala neighbors say they identify seasons by her front-yard decorations, will make red, white and blue wreaths this year. She said she will also use miniature flags, a Liberty Bell, glittery stars and red, white and blue lights to decorate her home for the holidays.

Christmas trees at Schofield Barracks and Pearl Harbor will be adorned with ornaments of a patently patriotic feel, courtesy of Dita Holifield, a stylist who volunteers her time decorating Christmas trees for restaurants such as Ruth's Chris Steak House and Compadres Bar & Grill.

As homes are getting spruced up for the season, merchants are seeing demand for anything red, white and blue rising.

Joseph K and Co., a Hawai'i-based firm that designs ornaments, has already pre-sold 20,000 flag ornaments to gift stores, kiosks and resorts in Hawai'i, said owner Karen Sotomura.

"We're seeing demand for anything relating to the events of September 11 has increased dramatically," Sotomura said. This includes ornaments depicting firemen, policemen and figures representing all branches of the military. Even dump trucks and other construction equipment as ornaments are selling quite well.

Of course, then there are those who find comfort in familiar things.

"It's the traditions that make us feel good. I like to get out the old things every year," said Marsha Warren of Hawai'i Kai. Her collection of Santa Claus ornaments and other figures will not be eclipsed by any other theme.