Now more than ever, in a time of a pandemic, we need to surround ourselves with the Christmas spirit.
As we prepare our homes for the impending arrival of the advent season, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the fact that the One who was born amid a turbulent and troubled world is also the One who set the example of love, generosity and thanksgiving for us.
The Christmas spirit — felt in our hearts but can also be displayed in our homes. What better way to uplift our spirits and get our minds and hearts centered on the true reason for the season but by styling our homes not just beautifully but meaningfully as well?
Here are some easy and resourceful tips to deck the halls purposefully for the upcoming Christmas season:
Choose a color palette
Integrate these colors into all aspects of your home in order to establish a clean and cohesive look.
This is your starting point so take time to decide whether you want to stick to a more traditional palette such as red and green, a more modern-minimalist one such as gold and white or a new color combination you’ve never tried before (why not try blue and gold? Check out the blue-themed tree in our family picture below).
Bright, cheerful colors or neutral, muted ones can set the tone and mood of the home — choosing and coordinating a color palette for decor and accessories make the room a more harmonious and welcoming space family and friends can relax and unwind in.
Get creative!
Decorations can be found anywhere. Visit local segunda mano stores for old Christmas decorations you can upcycle using spray paint, ribbons, and more.
You can also search your backyard for twigs to hang your ornaments on or head to your kitchen and create a makeshift tree from old mason jar covers.
There’s really no need to buy new decorations.
For more inspiration, go on Pinterest to see how others transform old materials into Christmas decorations!
Remember to be bold and try something new. At the end of the day, it’s your style, your family, and your home – so get the kids involved and have fun with it!
Start early and slowly
Start with your biggest decoration — the Christmas tree –- then slowly work your way to other spaces of your home.
Colorful throw pillows and blankets in your living room, Christmas storybooks under the tree, twinkling lights in the backyard and little Christmas trees on your dining table with other decorations that fit your color palette can slowly be added within the month to gradually elevate your holiday styling.
By starting early, you can layer and build up decor slowly — easing the pressure on both your time and budget.
Touch on all five senses
Why does it just have to be about what looks good?
What about including what smells, sounds, tastes and feels good too?
Light a vanilla or cinnamon scented candle; bake gingerbread cookies and place them in a clear jar, play festive Christmas music as you prepare breakfast or wear soft holiday sweaters (or matching cotton pajamas) on Christmas day for a full sensory holiday experience.
Slow down and savor time with loved ones
Since you already started early, savor spending time with loved ones. Christmas is a time for everyone to slow down and enjoy the holidays.
What better way to do that than with family and friends?
Opening up our home to welcome old and new friends alike is also the perfect way to share a spirit of hospitality and generosity to others (mindful of current safety protocols, of course!)
Throughout the whole month, continue precious family traditions by creating decorations, reading Christmas stories under the tree, or sharing gift ideas together (just in time to prepare for and complete wishlists for Kris Kringle).
Tip: Take the time to record yourselves, enjoy the moment, and reminisce about Christmases past together — Christmas family videos are the best!
But most importantly of all, take the time to remember the reason for the season – Christ.
Take time to reflect on what He has done on the cross and continue to be grateful for all the blessings He has given in the past year.
One of the best and most genuine ways to style our homes is through the smiles of family and reminding one another that despite the challenging times, there is always a reason to celebrate.
