By The Eazy Peazy Downsizing Team
Of all the Christmas ornaments I have collected over the years, the ones I treasure the most are an assortment of simple, traditional 1960s glass baubles that once adorned my parents’ tree. They are delicate, shiny balls decorated with soft pastel stripes and every year when I hang them on our own family tree, I am transported back to the enchanted Christmases of my childhood. Their true beauty lies not in their monetary value but in the memories, love and traditions they carry with them.
True holiday warmth doesn’t come from accumulated trinkets; it comes from the stories, scents and textures you bring into your beautiful living space each winter season. Decorating with meaning, rather than clutter, brings a quiet and lasting joy.
How do you do this? Begin the moment you open your Christmas boxes this year. Intentionally evaluate each item – does it have authentic meaning, or is it simply taking up space? Was it an office gift-exchange item that you never really loved, or is it something truly dear to your heart? Separate the keeps from the clutter.
Next, create two or three focal points. For me, it is my Christmas tree, our fireplace mantel and the front door. Decide to display most of your treasured memories in these principal areas. Remember you are decorating with stories, not storage bins.
Think about how lighting using candles and Christmas bulbs, and natural scents such as cinnamon and pine can increase your sensory experience during the holidays. Add in cherished photographs from Christmases past. The picture of your young children holding up their stockings, a photo of your grandma cooking in the kitchen…you get the idea. Decide to display your memories.
Give yourself time to complete curating your entire collection. You likely amassed your Christmas decorations over decades, so be kind and patient with yourself as you thoughtfully decide what deserves a place in your home.
When you find things that no longer have meaning for you, consider donating them to a charity in your community. Your extras will likely bring joy to someone else, and charities especially appreciate your generous contributions at this time of year.
It’s your choice. You can be standing in front of a mountain of heavy storage bins, wondering how the season of peace turned into a full-time job of unpacking a sea of Christmas trimmings. Or, you can choose to fill your home with ornaments, photographs, scents and treasures that hold genuine meaning.
This Christmas, decorate with the stories and moments you want to remember.
Eazy Peazy Downsizing Team
Eazy Peazy Downsizing is celebrating its fifth year in business. Founded by Nicole Skiba, a Professional Home Economist and Trained Professional Organizer, the company was inspired by Nicole’s experience helping her own dad through the downsizing process. Today, Nicole and her dedicated team, Nancy, Lindsey and Dee, support older adults and families with practical, respectful help during life’s transitions. Contact Nicole at 587-598-6123 or eazypeazydownsizing.ca for more information.