Balance the Holidays

The Seven Principles of Design guide us;

balance, harmony, emphasis,

rhythm, scale, contrast, unity 

Balance. Life’s balance, resonates during the holiday season. Sixty-two short days between Halloween and New Year’s Day.

Undoubtably chaotic. Like decorating on a merry-go-round. Storage bins come out. Holiday trinkets unpacked and placed. The fete of the moment reigns for a few days. The process reversed. Repeated for the next calendared event. Again and again. Ghosts, turkeys, Santas, and top hats march in and out for two months.  

How to survive the holiday madness? Stable footing is key.  

Be Inspired – Catalogues, magazines, websites. Print and digital images abound; sparking creativity for even the most holiday centered enthusiast. Rip out pages. Analyze the details. What draws you in? Are you capable of recreating what you see?        

Reminder Number 1… check with family to see what hidden talents exist.

Reminder Number 2… if you’re not the creative type, artistic friends and companies specializing in holiday décor are available to hire.

Devise a Plan – Inside and out? Less is more or more is more? Matchy-matchy or the full collection of family treasures. Color scheme? Theme? Know the what, where, why, how for each item, each vignette.

Reminder Number 1… clean your house before you start.

Reminder Number 2… set a decorating deadline. One week. Days one through six use to get the bins down, decorate, clean up. Day seven, ENJOY!  

Check Your Inventory – Examine. Replace. Rearrange. Reimagine. Rotate.

Reminder Number 1… items can be used in different ways. Mantle garland easily drapes on a headboard instantly adding festive greenery to a private place. Evergreen wreaths laid flat on the kitchen counter easily anchor glass jars. Candy dishes hold floating candles.

Reminder Number 2… every decoration does not have to go on display every year. I repeat (for Matt’s benefit), it’s okay to leave holiday treasures in the bin. They will be fine stored for another year (or 10).

Create the Magic - Focus on focal points – front porch, entry, living room, kitchen. Tree or trees, mantle, Dickens Village, nativity scene, tablescape, garden. Center your attention on what you see every day. What you want to enjoy. What you want others to see.

Reminder Number 1… if you have family, you have help. The holidays are not solo endeavors to be worked by one and enjoyed by all. Cash and cookies motivate.  

Reminder Number 2… if you are capable of clearly articulating directions, enlist help. If you are going to yell, criticize, and ultimately redo what others have done, you’re on your own.

Decorating demands balance.  

Holiday Cheer depends on balance.

As we enter this holiday season, remember, the ultimate reason for the season is not to create a world of misery with fancy décor.

It’s a time to celebrate, focus, center ourselves with faith and family. It’s a time for balance.