When a season changes it’s magical and inspiring. There is something refreshing about a new season, it brings a new chapter of activities into our lives and shifts our focus to something different and exciting. Autumn is clear and fresh and it’s the time I start to think about Christmas. As November rolls around, and eggnog lattes return, winter starts to make its presence known and Christmas comes. With it comes the task of making your home feel like the holidays, a personal favorite of mine. Here are my top ten tips for decorating for the season to keep things cozy and warm and fill your home with the spirit of the holidays…hint, it’s not about perfection.
Keep your decorations organized. This is boring, I know, but I finally did this and now I have four clear bins in storage that are marked and so easy to decorate from and put away when it’s all done. Digging through messy boxes every year was downright stressful and took the joy out of it.
Decorate with items that mean something to you. A few years ago I got rid of all my ornaments that were not given to me as gifts. Now my tree is filled with pictures of family, handmade ornaments and memories. And it looks better than a perfectly coordinated tree that could have come out of a show room; this gives your décor personality and it makes the room feel good.
Hang stockings by the fire. Period.
Make something. My popcorn string took two hours to make (recruit kids and/or partner), and has lasted 4 years and counting. Hung on the tree with red beads, white lights, ornaments and candy canes…it’s stunning and feels like the North Pole or Christmas 100 years ago. Most of all it means something because my husband and I made it our first Christmas in our first house together.
Avoid clutter and get creative with your decorating. I actually only have a couple Christmas decorations other than the tree. The rest is accomplished by getting creative with things like pillows and throws and other carefully placed items such as a Saje wellness wonderland soy candle in a dish amongst pine cones gathered years ago with a close friend of thirty years. A Christmas pillow in the chair and red throw transforms the room into a cozy Christmas scene.
Use real holly. My hanging wall vase looks amazing filled with holly from my neighbour’s yard (don’t worry, I ask), and keeps the place clutter free.
Use your dinner table as an outlet for your Christmas crazy, um, I mean passion. If you really love buying lots of Christmas décor then buy items for your place settings; salt and pepper shakers, napkins and holders, place a candy cane at your settings, tea pot, mugs, dishes, etc. Make your table come alive for Christmas; it adds beauty and a special sense of occasion that will lift spirits and appreciation for the meal.
Start a tradition. Growing up there were three things I loved most at the holidays; the advent calendar, setting up a Christmas town and getting the tree. Back when i was younger I had we had cardboard calendar with cheap chocolates and a tree lot at the mall. These days it’s a fabric calendar with organic treats that actually taste good, a ceramic town with carolers, fun shops and generally happy looking people, and a 'U Cut Tree' farm with hot chocolate around the campfire.
Hang exterior lights. Two investments that were the best we ever made in this regard- a timer for the lights to come on by themselves and lights with clips. Not only are they easy to put on, they are no maintenance and they look great (while do it yourself jobs may have ‘character’, straight lines do look good; okay, this one is a bit about perfection). If we have to come home from work in the dark, we may as well drive up to the sparkle and tranquility of Christmas lights.
It’s not all about the look. The smells of Christmas bring warmth and memories, and create new ones along the way. I recommend housewarming and tree scents diffuser blends for your Saje nebulizer, and my new favorite peppermint twist; it’s a sweet minty blend that is subtle and refreshing. Whether it’s cinnamon, pine or candy canes, this is the ultimate finishing touch to your décor.
Lastly, make it yours. While I prefer a more traditional Christmas, others may like tinsel and bright multi-colored lights (growing up in the 80s I have a special place in my heart for this too). The point is that these are just ideas, take them and make them your own, and above all enjoy it…don’t focus on the gifts at Christmas, focus on the present. You will enjoy the gifts and the decor so much more.
Christmas can be a magical time with a little love and care, so above all keep it real and be authentic… remember “magic is nature unimpeded” (Jane Roberts).