The month of December is filled with the hustle and bustle of the holidays. It couldn’t be more exciting–or more stressful! This month is all about making memories, but it can also cause anxiety and frustration as the holidays draw near. Do you look forward to the month of December, or does it cause a sense of guilt when you can’t seem to ‘do it all’ in activities and celebrations? We have some tips and tricks for you to make this time of year go easier on you and your family. And, check out our unique gift ideas–you’re sure to find something on the list to buy for that loved one who seems to have everything! How do you handle the holidays? Do you have some ideas you’d like to share? Let us know!
#1 Simple Decor.
One thing is for certain, the holiday season is the perfect time of year to bring holiday decor into your home. From candlesticks to Christmas stockings, holiday decor can put you in a festive mood to celebrate the season. But, don’t let it overwhelm you. A simple wreath on the front door adds beauty to your entryway, and then you decide which rooms should be dressed up. Your mantle is a perfect place to display beautiful decorations. And then, you can sit back and relax by the fire as the snow falls down outside. Have you decorated yours yet? We’d love to see your style!
#2 Wrap Smart.
Wrapped packages can be a beautiful addition to the decor this time of year–both functional and beautiful! Make your life easier this holiday season. Donate to a good cause by finding area organizations that will gift wrap for you! You won’t have to leave unwrapped gifts lying around, and you won’t have to organize stealthy time to do it without your family noticing. Want to wrap the gifts yourself? Take time to set up a wrapping station. Everything will be there when you need it, and you’ll be able to wrap as soon as online orders show up without a hassle! Want to avoid little fingers from ripping beautifully wrapped gifts ahead of time? Know that all wrapping paper is not created equal! There are companies, like Nashville Wrap, that sell incredibly hearty wrapping paper–it’s actually made out of salvaged limestone. There’s no ripping or peeking before it’s actually time to celebrate the season!
#3 Two Birds…One Stone.
It’s always a good feeling in life when you can multi-task. Make sure you are letting yourself work smarter, not harder as you celebrate the season. Invite family or friends over to bake holiday cookies–and then share! You’ll only have to be responsible for one kind of cookie, but you’ll have a variety of treats, and so will everyone else. Use 3-4 of your favorite spontaneous photos of family throughout the year to create your cards. And then, order those prints in larger formats to replace existing framed photos throughout your home. It will capture the essence of the best memories of the past year, you won’t feel the stress of getting the perfect holiday snapshot and you can enjoy updated photos. Simplify your decor by letting your holiday tablescape decorate your home weeks before the special occasion. Take a look at some of our favorite holiday tablescapes from this past Thanksgiving, and then show us your favorite dining room designs!
#4 Think Outside the Box.
One of the best parts of the holiday season is giving. And, one of the most stressful parts of the holidays is trying to find the perfect gift for the person who has it all. At Metropolitan Window Fashions, we’d love to be a part of creating a specialty decor experience for that loved one on your list. An expert designer to help create a beautiful atmosphere in their home? It’s something they won’t do for themselves, but will be a favorite gift for years to come! Looking for other unique gift ideas? How about using a category for gift giving this year, tailored to individual people in your life? Try some of these to see which might fit your loved ones:
- Experience Gifts: Dinner together, tickets to a show, an annual membership to a museum, a planned trip out of town…all of these experiences are better with those you love.
- Shop Local: Handmade gifts can be unique and personalized, offering a custom feel that you can’t get other places. Find small businesses in your community that make specialized gifts for those you love.
- Favorite Things: Make a theme basket full of your loved one’s favorite items, like specialty cheeses, wines, perfume, etc. Throw in a gift card for a favorite restaurant or coffee shop. It’s thoughtful and customized for what they love.
- Charitable Giving: Choose a charity that’s close to the heart of the person you are shopping for, and make a donation in their name. It’s heartfelt and personal, and it gives back in so many ways. You might start a new family tradition!
#5 Choose Wisely.
In an effort to celebrate the season, it starts to feel overwhelming when you have to do “Everything.” This year, gift yourself the gift of grace. Make a list of which holiday traditions you’d like to participate in, and then prioritize your favorites. Don’t let tradition dictate your decision, either. In years past, you may have had time to wrap and read a new holiday-themed book each day of December, but this year? Make it an occasional activity, and take the stress off yourself. Make sure you give yourself a break from the holidays, as well. It’s just as important to do non-holiday things during this time of year–it will make those special activities feel even more memorable.
Celebrate the Season. No Stress Allowed.
Want to give yourself a gift this year? Are you the one who’s hard to buy for on someone’s list? At Metropolitan Window Fashions, we’d love to visit you for a free, in-home consultation so you can finally enjoy the finished look of that project you’ve been meaning to start for a long time. Want to transform the look of your home? Ready to find new window coverings to enhance the beauty and function of your home? Stop in at one of our exclusive Hunter Douglas galleries to see what’s possible, and then schedule a time for us to come out for a no-stress shopping experience! Contact our team today!