In a Christmas Decorating Slump? Look to the French!

In the bustle of holiday hoopla, let’s consider Charlie Brown and his timeless message, has Christmas become too commercial? Of course it has, this is why we need the French. Marketing the holiday commits a few offenses: It shrouds its intended biblical origin, ruffles environmentalists by cutting down trees while the fake ones inevitably retire in landfills, and consumptive behaviors escalate. Similar to those popular books on lessons learned from the French, like how to keep fit and avoid cosmetic surgery, France is also a model on how to celebrate the season. Noel is a time for family to come together. Meals are collectively prepared with an emphasis on traditional and natural recipes. Decor is understated and festive. By simplifying the season there is more time to enjoy its activities with family and friends.

Decking the Halls

Decorations should be chosen in the same selective process as accents for the home, not simply because they were in an after-Christmas half off bin. Some are passed down while others are acquired because they speak to you. When holiday decorations are thoughtfully assembled their personal value increases. Don’t feel the need to rope off half your storage space for holiday artifacts. Less is more when you get that fluttery feeling when rummaging through your ornaments, seasonal linens, feather trees and trinkets. They will hold more impact in the holiday scheme based on their heartfelt appeal.

Natural Greenery

Inserting something real among the inanimate has deeper resonance in a holiday of consumerism. Start a tradition by visiting your local nursery and florist to see what they have for inspiration, which is also better on the environment by buying and traveling locally. Pine garland weaved through a bannister hallmarks a home that respects classic design. Further spruce up the look with a lanyard of gold stars. Use extra cuttings to fill in open spaces, such as outdoor garden boxes and planters. A pine wreath is a welcoming touch to meet guests and adds a festive hint of pine. A miniature pine tree adds a final touch to your entryway that can be planted once the holidays come to an end.

Feasting

Baking and preparing a mix of foods delight the senses and brings family together. Creating recipes is a nurturing holiday tradition, such as the building of a gingerbread house, which is fun, creative and adds to the home’s decor. It’s also amusing to see the little ones contribute to their edible home’s destruction by taking stealthy bites to satisfy a sweet tooth.