We talk a lot in this blog about trending colors and interior design styles. But we don’t expect you to jump on the bandwagon, which is why we usually say to know yourself well and how you live, then create the best home for you.
Years ago, I wrote about the 5 steps to take when you are creating your dream home. Not much has changed with how I think we can create the best home for ourselves.
This post is more on how we can prepare our homes for Christmas. Tip: don’t attempt something difficult or expensive. The wonderful Christmas feeling is free and a choice each of us makes.
Know Thyself
In the book that I mentioned there, The Ultimate House Book by Terence Conran, his advice was you must first KNOW YOURSELF AND HOW YOU LIVE.
One of the things that I love about us Pinoys is that we have rituals that mostly involve family and friends. We know how to celebrate with food, drink, karaoke, and games. We’ve got song and dance programs, never mind if people do not have the talent to sing and dance.
Chances are that if you are usually the host, you’ve designed your home to accommodate such gatherings. I’m not sure if there are actually true minimalist homes that exist in this country. As a former Commissioner of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts Prof. Felipe de Leon, Jr. said, “The common Filipino is a maximalist, filling up every available space with forms and things. It springs from an expressive exuberance deeply rooted in emotional sensitivity and the strong urge to connect.”
In any case, if you love the Scandi or Japandi interior style, you can dress up your home to make it feel warm and welcoming a la Pinoy.
Christmas Mini Makeover Video: The Japandi Look for Christmas
Christmas Decor
Match your Christmas decor with your interior style.
It’s not that hard actually, because if you love a countrycore style, for example, you most probably wouldn’t go for Art Deco accessories. In other words, more often than not, you’d know what goes with your interiors, and you’d decorate the spaces accordingly.
Also, you may already have a stash of Christmas decor that you could get out of storage. But first, do check on the items and assess whether they need a glowup and so you give them a makeover, or they no longer spark your joy and could be donated, or you’ve found something else you really like so do give that away to give room for something new.
If you want to repurpose materials from your old stash, watch Dave reuse some old pine cones.
Get into the Christmas Spirit
During the past few weeks, I’ve been inundated with messages concerning sales, bundles, promo offerings, and the like for things that are meant for my consumption. Most probably, you’ve got the same in your inbox and news feed.
There have been times when I’ve found myself almost reaching for my credit card. Just a few minutes ago, I almost bought a swimsuit, when I hardly ever swim since the pandemic. I’ve bought presents already though for family and friends, although I still have a long way to go.
Consumption aside, how do I get into the Christmas spirit? Gatherings—definitely. Misa de gallo—I look forward to that. Playing Christmas jingles on loop—yup. Watching Christmas movies of old—I swear I’ve memorized some lines. Helping those who need help—the joy redounds. Giving thanks for blessings—always. Coming up with New Year’s resolutions—nah…never worked for me.
What about you? How do you get into the Christmas spirit? How do you create the best home for you this Christmas?
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