11
Dec
Putting on the well-known tree and wrapping everything in twinkle lights and dried out orange slices. Sounds like the perfect Sunday afternoon activity for the whole family, is that not so? Well, it truly is, until the age-old question comes up: when is enough enough (truly)? When is the tree fashionable enough? When are the railings twinkly enough? When is the kitchen festive enough? Do I need christmassy bed sheets? Or a winter-themed house mat?
Jeez, I am already getting a headache. Decorating for Christmas is supposed to be a joy, not a one-way ticket to the naughty list. I as well got into some family feuds regarding the right amounts of tinsel or fairy lights. But, in time, I am proud to announce that we have developed somewhat of a system, a way of having fun and also not overspending on stuff we probably won’t even use next year (I am still looking at you, giant pink nutcracker).
That is why, on this beautiful and hopefully snowy-in-your-region winter day, I want to share with you a few tricks our family uses in order to keep it together during the festive season. Maybe some of the ideas will align with your way of making your space a more jolly one, of turning it into a page of those charming childhood tales. And, just as any whimsical story, it starts with a list:So let’s explore each step!
Step 1: Warm and nostalgic lights
In my humble opinion, atmosphere is 60% a play of lights. I think that white, cold lights do not represent the essence of Christmas (or anything else that is snug and warm). Moreover, I am a passionate foe of big lights. I enjoy those tiny, honey-like sparkles that illuminate just the right amount. Think about a toasty coffee shop on a snowy winter evening, where candlelights give your beloved’s eyes that certain glow. Or about that cozy morning, during winter break, when you and your sibling are playing in the living room, the only source of comforting light coming from the tree.
That is why lights make number 1 on our list, they are the foundation one builds on. We have some house rules in this department, namely: the main tree is always wearing those playful, vintage-looking twinkle lights, the ones you see in nostalgic Christmas commercials. The kitchen is wrapped in warm lights, just like the tinier (but also mighty) tree on the first floor. So, as a general rule-of-thumb: funky tree, honey-glazed everything else.
Just put on some lights, it will already feel like a mellow fairytale!
Step 2: A tree decorated in your own style
White and gray tree, sparkly tree, classic tree, all pink tree (with bows, naturally) – trends come and go, do not mind them in this particular aspect. The only vital thing, when you are done with decorating your tree of choice and gaze at it for the first time, is that you feel that melting sensation inside of your core. Like you are a child again, safe and protected.
We like to clothe the tiny one in red, with a gold lined tree topper. For the main one in the living room, there is another story. It usually looks like a glimmering mixture of bright pink and pale purple, gold, but also silver, fluffy baubles, some with pictures in them and some with hidden meaning. The topper is an extravagant bright and golden angel-looking creature.
That is what makes us feel at home. In the past, we tried sticking to a stricter theme or a more classical approach. But that was not us, it felt too organized, too made to be in a magazine. Holidays are meant to be human, to be messy and to create an entanglement of traditions and personal flair. So have fun with your tree, spoil it with pine cones and pictures and candied stuff!
Step 3: Little details that have personal meaning
Decorations are just pieces of material, if they have no unique value to their owner. For example, last week, I got from a store a little festive figurine with some colorful lights. It consists of two people and a tree. The ornament could just stay at that stage, a thingy that lights up and has a festive allure. However, when I got it, my boyfriend was there, helping me pick out a special something for my room. When I saw this cute object, I immediately thought that’s totally us! And, just like that, it was emotionally baptized, Every time I look at it now, I am thinking of a loved one.
Similarly, I always use my Advent Calendars as décor. This year, my mom got me a candy one, which opens up to reveal the 25 doors. The outside wears a vibrant painting of a snow-covered city square. Again, this could be just a piece of painted cardboard with some candies inside. Alas, it was gifted to me by my mother, so it became a crucial part of the scene.
Step 4: Something homemade with love
Every joyous event has to have a crafty component. For Easter, it consists of the egg designing department and, for the Valentine’s Day, the handwritten notes. I believe the main Christmas craft project includes gingerbread. People, properties, you name it! Traditionally, my family stays in the real estate business. We enjoy building gingerbread houses (we buy the premade elements, we only assemble and ornate) that we keep for 2 years instead of eating them. They become part of the ambiance (and of the family)!
Each year (or, actually, each time we throw away the old one and get a shiny new one), we experiment with jellies, sugar peeps and snow made out of powdered sugar and egg whites. It’s always more laughing than hard-working which is perfectly aligned with the theme of the season! I tend to glance at it every time I am in the kitchen and remember just how much fun we had while building it, as we decided to place a pig figurine (at least we think it is that) on the sugary chimney.
Step 5: Things you use daily
And last, but certainly not least, we have the common objects that can become magical. In this household, we have an unhealthy addiction to Christmas mugs. I do think we have the majority of patterns: Santa, reindeers, chimneys, holly, snowmen, wintery landscapes, and a lot of random sweater-looking cups. When we take them out each year, we have to make space in the kitchen for them. We have to kick other mugs out for a couple of weeks. It’s all a big event.
With that being said, this tip does not stop at mugs (although they make everything better because we start and end our day with a sip from them). Everything can be part of the nutmeg-flavored enchantment: the tray where you stash your keys, the oven mitts, the water glasses, the blankies or throw pillows. What is the place where you do most of your unwinding? If it’s the bathroom, drink some mulled wine while taking a bath, soaking in spicy smelling salts, such as cinnamon and clove. Get a soap dispenser in the shape of a gingerbread house, if that is your thing! Or a shower curtain with candy canes and mistletoe on it. Or maybe a pine cone shower gel.
My point is, you don’t have to drown your whole home in decorations, if that is not viable for you. Maybe it is too time consuming, too pricey or too visually overwhelming. But, if you still feel like a little bit of seasonal sprucing up would lift your spirits, choose one room or one space and go all out in there. I can guarantee you, it will feel like a nostalgic wonderland, a most welcome escape from routine.
And so, my merry ones, we create a beautiful environment in our houses, without turning the whole experience into a chore. This time of the year is the ideal moment to reflect on the things that we truly want to see in our space, the ones that make us remember and be grateful. It is sometimes stressful enough to scavenge for the perfect gifts and to prepare the most glorious meal. I hope these tips (or maybe shortcuts) will ease some of that tension and help you rediscover the real meaning of Christmas – looking around and seeing love and warmth.
Kurtiboo
The picture of Freddie made me giggle! I really enjoyed the steps towards a cozy Christmassy home!<3 Have a Holly Jolly Christmassy time! XOXO, Kurtiboo!:*
The Cozy Sisters
Holly Jolly Christmassy time to you too, cutie!!! Freddie says hi too