Time is short. The Caregiver is worn out. Often there are allergies, chronic illnesses in the home, sometimes it is the caregiver with a chronic illness. Decorating can lift our spirits, and keeping a tradition going, or starting a new one is a necessary break for everyone. What are some safe ways to decorate, or techniques like wearing a mask and gloves, decorating ideas so cats and dogs won't topple that christmas tree?
I don't really have any ideas developed for Christmas except one I posted about more than a few weeks ago, to make memory trees with photos from family. I'm still waiting for the photos; I think it's time for another plan.
Perhaps I'll just use painted pine cones with matching ribbons. I've done that before and like the effect. Wreaths from all the grapevines still displaying lovely Fall colors will probably be another project. They're quick and easy to make.
One thing I've had fun with is using Junior Mints and other small boxes wrapped in holiday paper and placed on a sleigh which I used to put out, but have no idea where it is now. The little decorated boxes were just the right size for the miniature faux trees.
Send, sorting and cleaning - you're more ambitious and have more energy than I am. I think I just might be content to read of your efforts while I'm languishing with a hot chocolate and daydreams of what I could do.
GA, what I want to do, what I am going to do, and what I will be able to accomplish, some of that is just dreaming.
Your ideas sound good....do I eat the junior mints before wrapping them?
In the meantime, I am going to put up more twinkle lights.
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Movie reference from Shopgirl Meg Ryan: "You've got Mail".
No Christmas tree, too time consuming. I had bought a "tree" made from large round Christmas balls that was pleasant and decorative.
I've cut back on decorating when I realized I was the only one in the household doing all the work. Forgetaboutit. I do make sure I have those Christmas light candles in all the windows and a wreath on the door.
I have a large set of those, with accessories, in my basement, and as time marches on that is where they will stay. Just don't have the energy to clear off the fireplace mantel and the box windows to set up all the houses, fences, trees, little people, little cars, ice skating rink, etc. My OCD would kick in big time :P
An acceptable alternative is Philips Hue led lights and strips! Easy to change color and light level with a phone or iPad or like device - because there's an app for that. So much ambience, so little time. I even have a "movie blue" that adds a soft glow behind the screen when we have time to watch movies.
I don't decorate anymore. I change the lights via the app and put out one well-placed decoration. (No storing decorations and I have all-year lights!) I haven't had a Christmas tree since 1999 as my husky would "de-decorate" the bottom three feet (but she never broke an ornament.) Now I have cats, so I have a 12" Christmas tree made from metal jalapeño peppers. It's whackable, attackable, and (so far) unbreakable.
I do miss the child hood days of creating my own "snow scene" complete with a two foot tree and special elves. I need to rescue Snap, Crackle, and Pop (yes, my elves had names!) from the attic. 'Tho now it would be my knees going snap, crackle, and pop : )
But the issue of trees is a major one. They could be fall hazards if they extend out into pathways. And they do take up space. Presents could create the same hazards.
I'm going to have to think about this more; it's an interesting as well as challenging topic.
I just won't put on any of my glass ornaments or any with small parts my babies could swallow.
Your contributions were, as always, great!
I love the tiny boxes ideas, under a tree. Hoping that I will get well enough to get to a store before christmas.
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