This holiday season, Sarasota’s own Fifi O’Neill is unwrapping something extraordinary: Visions of Christmas—a book created to spark holiday decorating inspiration and raise hope for animals who need it most.
It’s a book with heart — and it comes from a woman who has spent decades creating beauty, advocating for animals and contributing to the fabric of Sarasota.
Fifi has been part of Sarasota’s story since 1980. Even as the city has expanded and transformed, she loves that it has never lost its intimate character — the small businesses, shops, restaurants and artistic community that are the heartbeat of Sarasota. Her roots here run deep, and this project marks another milestone in a career that has grown alongside the community she calls home.
A Life Built on Storytelling
Born and raised in Paris, France, Fifi began her writing career as a journalist for a small newspaper. Those early assignments set her on a path that would eventually take her around the world.
“A couple of years later, I moved to Lausanne, Switzerland and was hired by The Lausanne Tribune to write about the role of women in various countries. It was a fabulous opportunity to travel throughout Europe, and even as far as South America, North America and Canada.”
Her years in Canada were formative — she married and raised her children there. Following her divorce, she moved to Florida where she wrote for The Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Sarasota Magazine and other publications.
Now, styling interiors and writing about unforgettable homes has become a defining part of Fifi’s career, leading her to produce, style and write features on homes across the country (including Florida) for national and European magazines.
“I travel to each home location, wherever that is, and style each home for the photo shoots (still do).”
It all started unexpectedly. In 2010, a friend introduced her to a publisher in the UK, paving the way for her first book.
“That book, Romantic Prairie Style, sold 39, 000 copies and was my first bestseller. I am still producing books (12, so far) for the same publisher. The newest one, At Home with Blue, will be released in March 2026.”
But at the heart of her life’s work is an even deeper devotion: a passion for animals and the rescue organizations that protect them.
She has also produced two books on her own, both of which benefit animal rescues: Rescue Me––Love stories of Humans and the Animal They Saved (2018) and the newly released Visions of Christmas.
The Story Behind the Magic
Really, Visions of Christmas is a present to every animal waiting for a second chance. The idea began when a Pennsylvania homeowner named Amy reached out about photographing her home for a coffee table book. During that process, a shared passion surfaced.
“It was then that Amy and I discovered our mutual love of animals.”
Amy is the founder of The Cat Coop, a nonprofit shelter she built and operates with her daughter Lauren. During the first shoot, she revealed her extensive Christmas collections and a bigger idea took shape.
“Amy…asked if we would consider coming back to reshoot her home, but this time with a holiday theme. Amy and I agreed that besides being about holiday decor, Visions of Christmas’ most significant purpose would be to donate 100% of the proceeds to animal charities.”
The Goal of Visions of Christmas
Visions of Christmas is more than a book of holiday décor — it’s a celebration of beauty, generosity and heart. Fifi describes its goal simply and powerfully: “to produce a visually beautiful book that would inspire holiday decor enthusiasts and also anyone who cares about animal welfare.”
Bringing that vision to life was a massive undertaking. Photographer Mark Lohman led the multi-day shoot inside Amy’s sprawling Pennsylvania home, filled with extraordinary Christmas collections.
“It took four full shoot days. And I’m pretty sure we could have spent two more!”
But what stayed with Fifi most wasn’t the scale of the project — it was the spirit behind it. Every dollar raised supports animals suffering from cruelty and neglect, and the process itself was filled with warmth and care.
“The most memorable part of the whole process was how enjoyable it was, thanks to Amy’s dedication to the project, her willingness to share stories behind her treasures, her ever-so-gracious hospitality…and having Barlee and Lulu (her two rescue doggies) always ready for cuddles.”
Holiday Decorating Tips from Fifi
Of course, we couldn’t resist asking Fifi for her best holiday decorating tips — after seeing this book, who wouldn’t?
To Fifi, organization is everything. “If you have a lot and a variety of holiday decor, it’s probably best to start thinking early on about the theme you want to go with. Sort out the items, decide which will go where and how to best show them off.”
But the underlying message she wants everyone to remember is that Christmas should be a special time of the year. “Decorating for the holidays should be an exciting and joyful experience, not a stressful one.”
A Mission Rooted in Compassion
For Fifi, compassion for animals isn’t just a value — it’s a way of living. Fifi has adopted numerous pets over the years, many through Sarasota rescue organizations.
“Since living in Sarasota, except for the homeless ones I found (or who found me), I have adopted all my cats from Cat Depot, which is a very lovely organization where kitties live quite happily until they get to their forever home. Sarasota has many wonderful shelters and programs, but Cat Depot, Animal Rescue Coalition, Satchel’s Last Resort, and Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue are on top of the list.”
Looking Forward
Fifi is currently working on her next project — an illustrated children’s book about teaching children to nurture and care for animals.
“I believe in teaching compassion and kindness at a very early age. The sooner little children learn to love and care for animals, the better.”
She carries with her a guiding principle that she returns to often. ‘If you have to choose between being kind and being right, choose being kind and you will always be right.’ ~ Dalai Lama
Where to Find Visions of Christmas
Visions of Christmas is available now on Amazon, with 100% of proceeds supporting animal rescues nationwide. It is a celebration of beauty, generosity and the belief that creativity can make a meaningful difference. The book is filled with sparkling décor, heartfelt storytelling and a mission that reaches far beyond the holidays — straight into the heart of the community Fifi has called home for nearly 45 years. You can purchase your copy at this link. Enjoy!
Editor’s Note: Sarasota animal organizations that proceeds from Visions of Christmas will benefit include: Satchel’s Last Resort, Cat Depot, Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue, Vintage Paws Sanctuary and Animal Rescue Coalition (ARC).
