There is no doubt that the winter season is a time when we are inclined to spend more time indoors than out in the cold. Although the kids seem to enjoy the snow and also to get involved in the winter sports. It has its limitation on how much time can be spent outside before the cold starts to sets in. As a child I could feel the excitement in the air I looked with expectancy for special cakes, treats and the best foods to grace the table.
There would always be family and friends stopping by with a gift and somehow the atmosphere was one of the happiest seasons I could remember. I still think this tradition is being carried on even today. As the Christmas season approaches, we think of ways to make our home looking festive with creative ideas on how to make our decorations stand out.
History of Christmas Decorations
Originally this celebration began as a pagan tradition with evergreen trees, and branches being brought into the home along with yule logs, candles, wreath in worship of their pagan god. Later early Christians adapted this tradition and introduced the nativity scene symbolizing the birth of Jesus Christ. Further on other churches introduced holly, ivy and the mistletoe. As the traditions became more prominent other decorations were introduced for fashion. Today it is a more modern tradition including Santa Claus with his reindeer is seen on lawns, stores and practically everywhere with flowers like the poinsettia and the Christmas cactus which are now popular and the symbols of the Christmas flowers.
Why Decorate in the Season
It is most certainly a way of changing the mood of your home and creating that space that makes the home special. Not only are you creating a space that brings joy to your family and friends, but you are also appreciative of the things that you have been given and in turn others will feel the same joy radiating from you. If there is laughter in your home then you have accomplished the true meaning of Christmas. Using your imagination can be an asset in creating something that is worth so much. I have listed some ideas to be used to make your home that special place to be remembered.
DIY Projects for your Home
Prepare by deciding what colours you want to use and plan on where the best place is to use your decorations. Try not to overwhelm the space so it looks too confusing. Once you have made your decision then focus and put your plan into action.
- Candles added to your favourite flowers of white or red with some greenery and place them on gold or silver platters as center pieces. You may also add the fairy lights entwined for an added touch. Battery operated candles will work great, and you may be able to find them exhibiting different colours like red. Also, they will work great as an addition to a plants especially the ones which which bring that amazing smell of freshness to the home.
- Sofa use festive cushions to brighten up the seats so they will look new and refreshed.
- Windows are the best opportunity to highlight the interior and exterior of the home. You can add sun catchers, festive colours or strategically placing your decorated Christmas tree there. It is a good way to enhance your home. If you enjoy the use of decals, they can also be used there to show your own creative designs.
- Door Murals are also a good choice and are available with plenty of designs. Be sure to check the instructions before applying to make sure it will not cause any damages.
- Decorate the fireplace and staircases this is the best opportunity to showcase the home because so much can be done. You can choose to use bows for the stairs and fireplace, or you may want to incorporate greenery with Christmas decorations. The best way to cover the staircase is by using large bows in this way it covers the area much faster and you end up using significantly less decorations especially for large staircases. You can also make your own by purchasing ribbons from the craft store. It is the most economical way to save on your budget.
- The dollar store has a lot of opportunities to make your own decoration. You can be creative by purchasing vases or glass and adding small trees with some artificial snow and create your own unique design which can be used to enhance any space or can be use as center pieces. In addition, adding lights will make them sparkle. These simple project can be done with children teaching them to use their creative mind to produce something beautiful that does not cost much. Or they can also give them away as gifts to family and friends.
- Style your Christmas tree by incorporating ribbons with your decorations. This will allow the tree to have a festive and professional alternative.
- Wreaths while the placement of these are generally on the exterior of the home but they are also just as beautiful on the interior. Making your own and adding your favourite style and decorations will add that personal touch. This gives you the opportunity to change it each Christmas or use it for other seasons.
- Clear LED light is great to be hung as chandeliers and will brighten up any space. Or another way of using them is to hang them from the window to create the illusion of a cascading waterfall.
- Fairy Lights can be used in so many ways. In enclosed jars, making your own lantern, creating your own lamps, added to plants, enhancing wreaths with a bit of sparkle. These lights can be used in multiple ways to give you that ambiance and create a relaxing space for your enjoyment.
- Create an indoor entrance with plants, large poinsettias in colours of red and white trimmed with bows will make the entry way bright and inviting.
- Dress up the dining table with the festive dishes and beautiful center pieces to welcome your guest for the season. Colours of gold, silver, red, blue and white are always a good choice. Adding seat covers to the chairs will allow your guest to feel that you went the extra mile just to make them feel welcomed.
- Bathroom make your bathroom extra special with festive towels and bathmats add your own special scents enhanced with unique pieces of decorations will make the space warm and inviting. Special soaps and added accessories can be included as part of the welcoming package.
Choosing DIY Ideas in the Season
The Christmas season have now become very commercialized and many of us have forgotten the true meaning of why we celebrate this season. It is the birth of Jesus Christ, we all seem to have forgotten. Unfortunately the stores have made it into an opportunity to capitalize on this. The advertising of the latest toys and technology seem to bring many in the stores purchasing what is unaffordable. I can't tell you how many times after Christmas I am left wondering how I spent so much money.
It is a time to reflect an ask is this gift really necessary ? and spend more on what is productive for the future and the future of your children. I know we truly want to make our family happy but true happiness does not come by gift giving but spending time with each other and being appreciative for family and friends. It is the simple things we do to make others feel they are really appreciated. By choosing a DIY project it saves money encourages kids to be creative as you work together. It is time well spent.
Choosing your Favourite Treats
Baking is another way to celebrate the season. Cookies are a favourite especially for kids who are anxiously waiting with expectation. The aroma that comes from any type of baked goods is so pleasing. It’s the same as walking by a bakery and immediately your taste buds, and smell makes the place enticing. It is really hard to go by a bakery and not peek in, suddenly you are ordering more that you wanted. It the same feeling of having anything baked at home. Your senses immediately put you in a happy mood with what’s coming your way. Engaging in this makes your space smelling wonderful and everyone will appreciate the gesture. These baked products can be presented in a festive containers or arranged in gift baskets to enhance your kitchen space. Making home made candies with other treats can also be very enticing. A gingerbread house is always a welcoming site and getting the kids involved makes it extra special. A good choice for the kitchen and dining areas.
Using Décor in Small Spaces
It may be that you may feel your space is too small to do anything much. You can make the place just as beautiful as if it were a mansion. Instead of using a large Christmas tree which will overwhelm the space you can purchase a mini one and place it somewhere where it can be seen. Add the fairy lights and make small bows as part of the trimmings, add ribbons or use small decorations then enhance the tree by placing it into a larger container or a flowerpot.
If you have a large plant instead of purchasing a Christmas tree you can use the plant and add the lights. Use indoor mini spotlights to create a variety of colours in the home and create a setting for the festive season. Construct smaller center pieces for either the dining area, kitchen or any area that needs to be showcased. By using smaller pieces, the space will not looked overcrowded.
Use festive bowls and add ornaments with a variety of colours and place them in strategic locations and this will add beauty and charm to the space. An inexpensive way to add beauty to the space without it being too costly and shows well.
Plants are always good to have in the home. It makes the air healthier and creates a more natural look. Using hanging baskets are an easy choice which will not take up too much room and takes advantage of the vertical space. Some kitchen cupboards have space above which can be used for storage. That is a great area to place some décor and makes use of that space.
The importance of Light in Any Setting
Light is an important source of illumination. In any dark place light aways highlights what is hidden. One of the best ways to emphasize any space is to present light. Using different colours can create a place of relaxation and also one of excitement. Decide what is it that you wish to use the space for and use the correct light to either make the room accomplish your intension. For the season of Christmas if you are using a lot of decorations with a variety of colours you may want to tone down the lighting by using cool colours like blue, green and purple. Something that gives a calming effect.
If your preference is to create a simple décor one of the best ways to highlight them is to use light. Christmas scenes can be created by using the example of a terrarium with a Christmas theme. Adding lights to anything is a technique that makes everything more beautiful . That is what makes the holiday season so special and beautiful because everywhere is filled with various colours of lights in all shapes and sizes. Adding this feature to any space whether it is a small or large home will always add beauty and creates a peaceful place for you to relax and enjoy.
Personal Touch
We all hold something that it dear to us. Our family, pets or an event that makes us happy or a wonderful vacation and one of the ways to remember them or that event is to place a picture somewhere in your home on display. It just a reminder that that as you go through life there are happy moments that we hold dear and want to keep as a memory.
Deciding to decorate your home is your decision to participate in the festive season. It is a time of joy and a chance to give back something to family and friends. It could be in invitation to dinner or a small gift to show your appreciation. It is also the season to give back to the less fortunate and that could mean giving a helping hand to someone in need. In this festive season do what bring joy to you and to others. In the long run it is your own personal style that matters. If you have opted for the traditional method as opposed to the more modern style what really matters is what bring you joy in your own personal space.
Even though I have made some suggestions of ways in which you can use these concepts in your own space what really matters is that you can use these ideas and expand on them and make them more elaborate and to your own taste.
Capturing the meaning of the Season
The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of Jesus birth although we participate in gift giving, families visits, treats and eggnog and enjoy all the festivities of the season. It is a time of giving back and being thankful for all you have received in the past year. Remove all the lights decoration and glitter and what you are left with is a peace of mind that in this season you gave your best to make others happy, a kind word of encouragement, a cup of coffee to a coworker, complimenting others and doing even the smallest things may seem insignificant to you but to others it may be huge in their eyes.
Someone once told me that at Christmas time what they enjoyed most about this time of the year was giving more that receiving. They enjoyed the look on people’s faces when they opened their gift, and the happiness it brought them. I could never understand this concept when I was younger. I guess it comes with some maturity that it is better to give than to receive. Now that I reflect back on life, I realize that this concept is true. Giving to family and friends and watching their expectation and excitement truly brings me joy.
It is my hope that this Christmas season we will reflect on children or those who are in need who have never heard about Santa Clause because that does not exist in their environment. There will never be someone to put cookies and milk on a table for him to arrive and leave the presents behind. That concept is totally out of reach for them. It is a time to reflect and be grateful for what we have been given. I have seen countries where just getting a pair of shoes at Christmas through donations and various charities puts a smile on their faces. Let us not think about what we don’t have but be grateful for the things we have been given.