Every year, the holiday season feels like it’s becoming more: more dazzling, more extravagant, and more unmanageable. Many people are finding it increasingly hard to keep up with the picturesque version of the holidays. Others are purposely choosing to rethink their holiday traditions and tailor them to something they will personally enjoy.
Every year, the holiday season feels like it’s becoming more: more dazzling, more extravagant, and more unmanageable. Many people are finding it increasingly hard to keep up with the picturesque version of the holidays. Others are purposely choosing to rethink their holiday traditions and tailor them to something they will personally enjoy.
Decorations
Decorations are often the first sign that the holiday season has begun. Some displays have grown so ornate that they could be mistaken for art installations. However, you can still feel the holiday spirit with simple and unconventional decorations.
The Christmas tree is often the centerpiece for most families. The tree itself doesn’t need to be extravagant, though. Tabletop trees can make for a beautiful alternative, while also needing less ornaments and less maintenance than their classic counterpart. If you happen to have a ceramic tree, you can use it instead to bring a vintage touch to your space. Or, if you already have houseplants, you can dress them up for the season instead!
Other holiday decorations can be made both simpler and more personal. Homemade artwork or even pages from a coloring book can make for great one-of-a-kind wall decorations. Paper snowflakes are also a fun and easy project to help decorate your space. Paper garlands can be strung up without worrying about shedding. And for the ambitious crafters, you can even make your own wreaths and snow globes!
The decorating alternatives mentioned here can be made into an event with family and friends, too. Whether making the decorations from scratch or getting together to hang them all up, you can match personal decorations with warm memories.
Food
Meals can be a huge focal point during the holidays, where everyone can get together to celebrate. And, as the saying goes, “Eat, drink, and be merry!”
It’s important to take a step back and ask if you even like the food being served at the big meal. Sometimes, we can find ourselves making the same dishes every year just because we did it the year before. For example, maybe you’re actually sick of turkey because you just had turkey from Thanksgiving, and you’d rather try a chicken or even a duck this year! You can update the menu to be dishes you know you love. (It’ll make getting through the leftovers easier, too.)
There are other ways to change your holiday meal planning. You can use simpler versions of your favorite dishes to make cooking and baking easier. Or maybe turn the meal into a potluck so the cooking duties can be shared by everyone. And for those who really don’t like to cook, ordering catering or take out is a viable option.
If you really want to try something outside of the box, why not try a gathering that isn’t a full meal? Afternoon tea, also known as high tea, is a mid-afternoon to early evening tradition full of tea and a variety of baked goods. You can modify it to fit your guests: offer hot chocolate and coffee instead, and a variety of holiday hors d’oeuvres and treats to go with it. An afternoon get-together can be less stressful to organize while providing the same cheer as a full meal.
Gifts
Gifts are on the minds of most people during the holiday season. Oftentimes, there is related stress and worry with planning the perfect gifts for loved ones.
There are ways to reduce the stress of gift giving. A few common ways include Secret Santas (where you only have to get gifts for a few people, rather than everyone) or having everyone agree to a gift budget limit (often capping at $10–$50). Sometimes, multigenerational families will limit giving gifts to just the kids.
Homemade gifts are also a highly popular option. Avid bakers are known to bake a large number of cookies and treats, and gift everyone a plate. Knitters and crocheters can find free patterns for small toys that will be loved by all ages.
You can also gift items that you already own, rather than buying new items. If your friend has appreciated wall art that you’ve gotten tired of, why not give the piece to your friend? Giving items you already own can be incredibly meaningful to family members. Family heirlooms, or even well-loved items, can make for impactful and memorable gifts.
Celebrate with Kingsway
At Kingsway Community, we make celebrating the holidays easy for our residents. Our common areas are decorated for the season, and the extensive dining choices on our campus makes meal planning a breeze. With our built-in community, the holiday spirit can be felt all around.
If you’d like to tour Kingsway while we’re decked for the holidays, reach out to us through our contact form today.