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72 l Macon Magazine october/noveMber 2013 'Gloria' by John Rutter Sunday, December 15, 11 a.m. Dr. C. David Keith, Conductor Ainsworth Choir Midtown Brass, Organ and Timpani and Hines terrace boasts a row of 8-foot exterior windows lining the front. this feature is one of the reasons Dina Deason decided to purchase the home in 2009. "the day i looked at the house with my mother and agent was not a good day," Dina said. "it was november - cold, rainy and terrible. but i loved those windows." ironically, november and December are now the home's best time for viewing. that's because Dina works so hard in the weeks leading up to thanksgiving. "Holiday decorating is important to me because my children always come home to this. My family gathers here. robert and i want all our girls here for christmas." as many couples know, blending families after a second marriage can be a challenge. Dina's daughter ali, currently a graduate student at georgia tech, already had a bedroom waiting for her on holidays and vacations. When Dina married robert in 2011, she wanted to create a place where her new stepdaughters, anna and Josie, felt equally welcome. "it's all about family," Dina said. "it's all about getting them to come home. i redecorated their rooms with them. i want them to come here during the holidays with their friends and say 'this is our home, too.'" each year Dina decorates six christmas trees and the mantels of all eight of the home's fireplaces. She creates new looks in every room by swapping colors and patterns or blending new decorations with her old. although the home has been on tour before, this is the first time that the second floor will be open to the public. one thing Dina doesn't vary is the living room tree where she displays her many glass Santas. She's been collecting the delicate ornaments for 25 years, and most are gifts from family and friends. "that's my favorite tree," she said. "it reminds me of my traditional christmas. it's always my live tree, and it never changes: green, red, and gold." the Deasons' home, as well as nine other beautiful properties, will be on view as part of the Historic vineville tour of Homes. h o l i d a Y G u i d e 2 0 1 3 h o l i d a Y G u i d e 2 0 1 3