So why is it that the most wonderful time of the year can also be the most stressful time of the year?!
Now, nothing can compare with what we have all traversed these last two years, but even with modified holidays, all the responsibilities can really add up!
We are here to help you destress and actually enjoy these days ahead, at least from a decorating standpoint! So sit back with your favorite cup of tea and relax, and then relax some more!
In our family everyone pitches in. I wish I could say we were organized enough to have lists (and if it were up to my daughter, we would, and be the better for it!). The point is, your friends and family are your best resource, so use them!
From an early age (like 3), our kids had a hand in Thanksgiving and Christmas decorating and meals. The joy and sense of pride on their face far outweighed the mess. One year everyone made their favorite dish for Thanksgiving. We dined on tuna fish sandwiches, chocolate souffles, and spaghetti as we giggled our way through our meal. A memory none of us will ever forget! Asking for help can feel vulnerable, but it can be a very valuable lesson for your kids to learn, so think of lightening the load as a gift to yourself and your family!
Getting as much as you can out of your decor is the name of the game. You might spend hours setting up and taking it down, so make it work as hard as you do!
Make sure that fall decor can slip comfortably into Halloween with a few ghoulish substitutions. After Halloween, swap out the ghosts for the gourds and add just a few more sparkling embellishments in autumn shades of gold, orange, and green. We are notorious around our house for lots of sparkly garland and bobbles that blur the lines from holiday to holiday.
When December rolls around, think outside of the box by leaving up those sparkling colors and adding blues , whites and silvers. This all creates a layering effect that takes minutes to add and subtract.
If you are the type that decorates all year long, in January pull out everything but the blue, white, and silver and you have a winter wonderland until the spring!
Not everyone has room for a tree or celebrates with a tree. But that doesn’t mean you can’t decorate as if you had one. These fun Un-Tree ideas use mantels, shelves, boxes, books and even a wall. We incorporated many of these ideas into our Holiday House Tours to show folks just how easy it is to Un-Tree your holiday. And while we are on the subject of unusual trees, this was one of our all time favorites. This stunning modern interpretation of a tree actually accordions up and down and fits flat into a small box. The result was totally stunning and even though it takes some time to set up, it was almost a meditative experience!
We talk a lot about the power of scent around here. It’s your most powerful sense and for good reason! Scent is a very strong trigger for memory. I bet you can remember the smell of a card catalog (I’m totally dating myself!) or a pink eraser, honeysuckle on a warm evening or even a hospital stay.
The easiest ( and on of the most beneficial) way to bring the holidays home is with scent.
Whether it’s with a soy or coconut candle, fresh greens and flowers, or a diffuser, it’s one of the easiest and memory invoking holiday decor ideas!
Mood boosting hack? Smelling lemons has been proven to enhance mood and well being, so having a few around during the holidays can be good for everyone!
I know it sounds counter intuitive, but during the holiday season it’s oh so important to schedule time to renew, recharge and reflect on what’s really important. Keep up with your rituals such as morning Sun Salutations, your favorite beverage, meditation, reading and journaling (ok those might be my morning rituals, but you get the point!). These soul enriching routines can help to center the hectic and unpredictable days ahead.
Make sure you walk it off. Keep to your exercise regime and think about adding some yoga. Yoga Nidra and Restorative Yoga can be just what the holiday doctor recommended. If you aren’t feeling comfortable in a class yet, check to see if your local town offers outdoor classes or check the multitude of classes available online.
Fill yourself with positive affirmations. You really are worthy, you really are enough, and so is all that you do for others. Pull out that gratitude journal or start a new one. Write down or say out loud 5 things that you are grateful for each day. And the littlest of things count just as much as the big!
One of my favorite books to gift during the holiday season, or any time you need a little Joy in your life, is Ingrid Fetell Lee’s Joyful. Filled with things to celebrate like bubbles, brightly colored balloons and design that leaves you smiling, it’s sure to make your heart tingle with happiness (which you will learn is different than joy!)
Remember this year, of all years, should be filled with grace and calm. Celebrate love and life and all the little things that make this season so special.
And let the rest take care of itself!
Cheers!
Renee
Renee possesses a rare combination of artistic creativity and intuitive design. Her warmth and compassion extended beyond working with us to understanding the style and feel of our home and how we live in it. We felt fortunate to work with and get to know Renee and absolutely love the updates she made to our home- from windows and walls to artwork and furniture!
Renee is an absolutely wonderful designer. Very talented and easy to work with! She will transform your room or outdoor space into exactly what you want, only better!
Talented, creative, dedicated, great communicator. Renee is such a special person.
