La Hacienda's Treatment and Recovery Blog

Christmas decorators

Making the Season Brighter

Nicole Michaud, kneeling right, and friends pause during decorating the dining room.

“I want to cheer up people who are going through a rough time,” says Nicole Michaud.

With that thought in mind, the San Antonio interior designer asked her friend, Amanda Antonini, if there was something that she could do at La Hacienda for the Christmas season.

Amanda, a Collegiate Case Manager, suggested decorating the Dining Room. There were already holiday decorations each year, but it’s a sizeable space and could use more cheer.

Last year Nicole started by bringing some of her decorations and using an artificial tree already on hand. And she worked alone.

The results were good, but she decided with some help and more elements, it could be better.

The More, The Merrier

With three friends–Erica, Toni, and Lisa–over two days after Thanksgiving, she decorated the dining area.

Among a trailer full of new decorations, they brought and set up a new flocked artificial tree—donated by one of her business clients. It now greets diners coming into the hall. Garlands, wreaths, and lights fill the room.

It’s very festive and has the desired effect.

“It makes a big difference to the patients,” says Amanda. “I’ve had them tell me how the decorations are helping them through this holiday season.”

A Personal Connection

Nicole has a personal reason to help women and men in treatment. Her mother has been in recovery for 33 years.

“I wanted to give something back to people who are in treatment this time of the year.”

A New York native, Nicole has lived in San Antonio for many years. She has her own business, Colorful Transformations, and, with her friends, also operates a dog rescue organization.

Thank you and Merry Christmas, Nicole, Erica, Toni, and Lisa !

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