When You Want Decorating Bliss

• Don’t compete with Martha Stewart, (or anyone you know) for best-dressed house, table, or cookie tray.
• Do find the heart in the holidays. Ask and answer what touches you the most to display or offer.

Meaningful Holiday Decor

Some of us may have a desire to leave family and friends breathless with spectacular holiday decor. That’s okay if it brings you joy!

But what if going all out just isn’t something you’re up for this year? Does it suit you to display one or two items you’ve put out before? Does your partner or your family want to expand on the decorations more than you’re used to?

An article on simplifying holiday celebrations, by Allison Vestervelt, inspires these three tips for minimal but meaningful decorations.

• Remember, there’s no “right way” to do it: The good news is, there’s no wrong way and no right way to decorate for the holidays. There’s a great opportunity for you and your loved ones for connection here, or to explore building on your traditions.
• Reflect with loved ones about what’s special to you this year. Consider ways to acknowledge what is most meaningful today.
• Focus on experiences, rather than things:   Every year brings change. Are you celebrating a little one, or the first year at school, or the return of a relative from college or travel?  Allow these new experiences to be the focus of your time together, rather than things.
• Embrace and use what you have: You may already have the most meaningful decorations and gift ingredients handy already.

Display something a family member or houseguest has brought. If that’s not practical, maybe you can find another way to acknowledge or honor their school, hometown, or new stage in life.

You don’t need to go into debt over new clothes or presents. See what you can do with what you have. For example, you may have a basket or a jar you can fill with goodies or local treats for your loved ones. See if a new top or shoes will do rather than a whole new outfit.