Holiday Survival Tips

Holiday Survival Tips

This time of year brings festivities and family fun. It is a time for reminiscing and looking forward. We wish you wonderful memories during this joyous season. 

Here are a few of our favorite holiday ideas and tips:



~~Read holiday books before bed each night. The Polar Express, Santa Mouse, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Twas The Night Before Christmas are all excellent tales to boost your family's holiday spirit.

~~Set up a hot cocoa bar for your guests.


~~Check out holiday lights in your area. Get in the car, play holiday music, and find brightly lit houses.


~~Have your child start an 'I Am Thankful' list. Have him add one thing he is thankful for each day. You can turn this into a decoration by having him write it on a paper Christmas tree or snowflake that you then hang across the fireplace or some other area.


~~Deliver cookies and treats to your local fire station, police department, and even the staff at your local hospital. After all, they'll be working through the holiday.


~~Yummmm, we all love the smells of the holidays. Keep a simmer pot going with cloves, nutmeg, and other spices to give your home a fragrant holiday smell.



~~Set aside a single place to collect receipts throughout the season for returning or exchanging items. Update your budget list as you make purchases so you do not overspend.


~~Use lots of candles. Nothing makes a room feel warmer and more inviting than candlelight. Plus, if unexpected company arrives, it is not as easy to see the dust in a dimly lit room!


~~Have pets? Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to--complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their crate or in a separate room away from the hubbub.

Design Tip

For a fresh and modern look to your holiday decorating, use pops of black along with the reds and greens. Mix in a couple of black stockings, add some black ornaments, use black wrought iron candle holders – look for black accessories to add an untraditional look to you decorating.

Wonderful World of Window Treatments

We take our time to trim the tree and deck the halls when Christmas rolls around—so why not spend a moment to spruce up our windows, too? Not only do seasonal window decorations add merriment to your home for you and your family to enjoy, but it offers a touch of holiday magic for passers-by, as well.

Here are some ideas:

Simple Wreaths

A series of simple wreaths suspended from ribbons in different lengths is one of the easiest ways to add some holiday cheer to your windows.

To make this idea your own, use a ribbon color that fits your aesthetic. For example, berry offers a nice pop, while a cream fabric blends into a neutral décor scheme.


Minimalist Garland

Whether you have large or small windows, a simple strand of long-needle pine and snow-dusted pine cones sets the mood for Christmas.

Garland With The Wow! Factor

If you have the time, patience, and a keenness to wow your neighbors, try your hand at this festive display.