The Christmas season is in full swing and while many of us put our tree up while the Thanksgiving dishes were still drying, there are still many people out there wondering, “How do I find the time to give our homes that Christmasy feel?” Not to mention, lots of us are struggling with increasing expenses. Sometimes, the thought of bedazzling our homes for a few short weeks during the holidays can seem frivolous in light of our strained wallets.
Fear not because here are five ways you can satisfy all of your seasonal senses without sabotaging your gift (or utility) budget!
Add Scent to Your Home
Winter is a great time to bring the scent of the outdoors into your home! Add cedar sprigs, cranberries and orange slices to a pot of water for a simmering, sweet winter whiff. You don’t have to buy an expensive brand of incenses or oils to get the gentle whisp of deliciousness in the air. Not a baker? Buy a sugar cookie-scented candle. Not privy to a crackling fire? Make a stovetop pot of all-natural potpourri. Check out this recipe here for an easy way to bring the scent of the seasons to your home!
Slip into Something More Comfortable
A cozy blanket draped on the arm of your sofa adds a fashionable and functional layer to your time on the couch. Cozy socks, flannel pajamas or a fleece covered pillow can make your after-work wind-down feel like a weekend in the Catskills. There’s nothing like feeling all cozy and warm when you are looking out the window at the snow coming down. Stores like Marshalls and T.J. Maxx carry a wide variety of bedding and apparel that will keep every part of you toasty-warm on those chilly winter nights. Let’s not forget the fact that the more comfortable you are, the more relaxed you’ll become. Get into those pjs, grab your favorite blanket and let yourself unwind.
Take a Tour Through Flavor Town
There are very few things that can fill someone with holiday spirit better than food. The flavors we grew up on, especially during the holidays, can hold a special meaning for us and transport us back to when we were kids. Always have almond cookies on a platter when you were young? Make or get one for your table. Was a honey-gazed ham a staple for Christmas? Make one for yourself. Think about the foods your loved at this time of year. Now is a chance to share the flavors you remember and love with your family.
Let’s not forget the drink menu. Tickle your taste buds with the season’s most festive flavors. Why not treat yourself to an indulgent coffee creamer (think Califia Farms Peppermint Mocha) or an organic winter blend tea like Trader Joe’s Winter Wake Up Tea with cinnamon and ginger. Also, beverages like egg nog or sparkling grape juice tend to only be available during the holiday seasons so get it while you can! Otherwise, you may have to wait another year before your get to have it again. Grab a good book and dip your toes into your favorite slippers and let yourself get lost for an afternoon.
Fill Your Home with the Sounds of Christmas
Like an afternoon of music! If you’ve had your fill of traditional Christmas music, consider gentle piano music or some cool jazz while you watch the snow fall, even if only in a snow globe. Let a light, flurry of lyrics lull you into a long winter nap, or do a little dance in the kitchen while you bake those cookies for Santa. Every genre of music has it’s holiday tunes from oldie but goodies to songs from new artists. Can’t decide what to listen to? If you have an Amazon Echo, ask Alexa to play “winter jazz” or “relaxing piano music” for a variety mood-lifting melodies.
Set the Scene
Who doesn’t love a good Christmas movie? We all look forward to classic favorites such as Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life or A Christmas Carol, but maybe you’re looking for something to use as a backdrop to your holiday gatherings. What about a soothing seasonal scenery while you wrap gifts? Streaming services such as YouTube and Netflix have many dreamy winter-scapes that will make you feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie all your own! Whether you fancy a lakeside cabin, a mountain lodge in the pines or maybe just a roaring fire, the perfect faux—and free—escape awaits and is just a click away!
The holiday seasons are filled with sights, smell, sounds and warm feeling which we get to share with those we love. Whatever the holiday, there’s no better way to get ourselves in the holiday spirit than by surrounding ourselves in it. Whether it’s a scented candle, watching your favorite movie or baking seasonal treats, there’s nothing better than being able to put your arms around those your love and feel the joy this time of year can bring. Experience the holiday season by getting all of your senses involved.
What are some ways you transform your house during this or past holiday seasons? Do you have any tips to share about immersing your senses in all things Christmas? Please let us know. We’d love to hear from you!
