Okay, Christmas. Let’s do this, shall we?
If the leftovers are all eaten and the Thanksgiving décor is stowed, we can finally let the Christmas season begin.
But if you’re like me, you might want a gentle start. Just ease into it.
And my guess is that most people do NOT want that. How do I know? I went to a couple stores last week and lines were practically out the door.
What?! I know! It’s not even Black Fright-yay yet. What is everyone so afraid of missing out on?
So this post is a few suggestions on easing into the holidays – and maybe enjoy them more.
Consider a Christmas Corner
If you have bins and bins of décor and a giant tree you need to trim, trying to do everything in one day can be overwhelming and exhausting.
Consider choosing one place to turn into a Christmas corner is a way to ease into it.
Maybe your beverage bar or coffee table or foyer.
Some people go all out on their mantels with several garlands, lights, and stockings. Putting that together in one day might be more than enough.
Or to simplify even more, just un-decorate one area, give it a good wipe down and put a nativity set or a few greens, a bowl of ornaments and a candle out.
Then just sit back and enjoy that area. And the calm you just created!
Swap Out Everyday Items
Everyday cozy items like throw blankets and pillows, candles, guest hand towels, coffee mugs can easily be switched out to your holiday ones without creating a big redecorating mess.
I love using my “Naughty” and “Nice” mugs when hot cocoa season begins.
The excellent job I did purging this year left me with ZERO Christmas throw pillows. I am not even kidding.
But I did save three pillow covers and they are just enough to give my living room a cheerful feel.
And took me about 10 minutes to swap out.
Turn Down the Lights
Fairy lights, candles and soft cordless lamps are my friends in the winter.
An ordinary house plant becomes instantly festive with a string of fairy lights.
And how much use have I gotten from my candle warmer over the past winters? I love the two-hour timer feature. First thing in the morning it is on and I can forget about it.
Each of the very few places I decided to decorate for Christmas I added either fairy lights or battery-operated candles. If I fall asleep in the recliner, no worries about the house burning down!
I have a set of gold fairy lights that I wound through the tray on top of the bar and it is seriously my favorite spot in the house! Cheery and warm!
Give Yourself Permission for a Soft, Simple Season
Maybe this season of your life when you give yourself permission to enjoy less is more. More music and evenings at home. Less shopping and cooking.
I don’t know what slowing down might look like for you, but once I got used to it, I’m never going back to Christmas chaos again.
Anthem Health & Wellness Club
For locals, a heads up that this month’s meeting will be early – Wednesday, December 3rd at noon at the Anthem Civic Building.
Dr. Birdsong will be speaking and he is a big favorite in the community, so be sure to make a no charge reservation to get a spot now.
Wrap Up
Thank you so much for being here with me and celebrating yet another season together.
Let us know how (and if) you plan to celebrate this year.
I will be checking in with you next time from the Love Boat! See you then. XO