The most wonderful time of the year is nearly here. Regardless of the specific traditions or practices observed, the holiday season tends to bring a sense of hope and joy to the world. This year, more than ever, the world needs a bit of joy and above all else, it needs hope. Despite smaller gatherings and virtual hugs on laptop screens, the holiday season can still bring much-needed light to your life and warmth to your heart. Getting your home “holiday-ready” may focus a little less on extra space at the dinner table, or crafting a meal large enough to feed a small army, but the reason for the season is still there and a focus on making your home feel like, well, home may be just the thing needed to make your season merry and bright.
Here are some easy ways to help deck the halls of your home.
Bring in the outdoors
Nothing lifts the spirit like a trek in the woods. While temperature dips and limited travel may reduce the amount of time you can actually spend outside, there isn’t a reason why you cannot bring the feeling of the outdoors in. Fresh sprigs of fragrant pine, pretty pinecones, or other trappings from nature are an easy way to make your hallway feel like a snow-covered path in the forest. If you generally decorate a fake tree, consider keeping it tucked away this year and instead bring a glorious Douglas fir or other variety of real tree in to bring the scent and scenery of the holidays to life in the most natural way possible.
Scent your way
While the sweet scent of evergreen fills your home from your pine sprigs and a live tree, don’t forget to fill your home with other iconic scents of the season. From vanilla bean candles and cinnamon brooms to a pot of simmering oranges and cloves to fresh bread gently rising in the oven, the scents of the holidays can instantly lift your spirits and transport you to warm memories of loved ones laughing in your living room. To help others feel the same comfort and joy, consider sending scent care packages to those you love with seasonal essential oils or scented candles they will love and think of you as they enjoy the scents in their homes.
Give needed gifts
Since in-person celebrations are likely to be limited this year, it may be time to assess the gifts we give and make them really count. Instead of buying unnecessary trinkets, ask those on your list what they truly need to make life a little more comfortable. Some of the hottest gifts this year are those items that make homes a little homier and smiles a little rosier. With so many people spending so much time at home, thoughtful gifts like loungers, storage pieces, or the latest video games or gaming systems if they’ve been extra nice, are sure to go a long way in giving the gift of home to those on your gift list.
With so much going on in the world, the holiday season is your chance to take a breath and focus on those things in life that really count. We hope that your holidays are happy, healthy, and full of all things home. From our family to yours, be well.
