While we all look forward to celebrating the holidays with family and friends, elegant decor, and lots of delicious food, my mind can’t help but wander into the future. What does life look like after the holicraze subsides? Where will my head and my heart be at when the confetti settles on January 1st in a brand new year?
Use the elements.
As Southern Californians, we don’t get to drive down streets lined by evergreens kissed by fresh snowfall. In their place, beautiful, tall palm trees are plentiful. This year, I suggest wrapping the trunks in white lights, or shining a spotlight on them to give the tree a literal glow up.
Be you when decorating.
We all have our favorite holiday decor that is a must every year. Whether it’s the warmth of nostalgia from Grandma’s hand-stitched blanket, or the smile that homemade ornaments from the kids may bring, these are ever important. However, they require some balance from more elegantly festive pieces. I am a huge fan of garland. Whether you prefer your garland filled with colorful bulbs and baubles, or a more simplistic rendition, you can’t go wrong with adding some greenery to the lineup. I suggest adorning staircases, mantles, bookshelves, or mirrors with garland to bring these spaces to life. I also recommend choosing a color scheme and sticking to it. Whether it’s bright and colorful or monochromatic, adhere to your vision.
Make To-Do lists.
This time of year, there is so much activity packed into just once month that you may wonder, how do I do it all? I’m here to tell you that you can do all the shopping, pick up the in-laws at the airport, get your kids to their sports games, and have time to continue binge watching your favorite show.
In order to conquer it all, I wake up every morning and make a to-do list. Break it down into “Must-Do’s” and “Can-Do’s.” Start with the Must-Do list - these are the things you will accomplish before bed that night. The Can-Do list are tasks that need to be completed but are not critical for the day. Make your way through each of those lists, and physically cross off a completed task. Trust me, that moment is as sweet as the dessert you made for dinner.
Enjoy the holidays, including the New Year's celebrations.
I absolutely love New Year's Eve and Day, maybe more than the other holidays. It’s a night teeming with the satisfaction of getting through another year, and the hope and joy for what’s to come in the next. Perhaps you’re surrounded by family and friends, or maybe you’re solo at home with your favorite furry friend and a box of pizza. Any way you choose to ring in the New Year is a good one. It's a time to reset and reevaluate the most important things in life.
Take the time to hope, dream, and plan!
The holidays are a whirlwind of fun and games, catching up with loved ones, overindulgence and overstimulation. Although these moments should be cherished, you may experience a post-holiday burn out. Every holiday season, I make sure to carve out time for myself to experience the precious moments while also excitedly looking toward the future. Find a moment to reflect on the past, and make goals for the next year. Make a list of what you’ve accomplished in 2021, and what you would like to see yourself do in 2022. Challenge yourself! Commit to those resolutions no matter how big or small. I am looking forward to big things for Shanna Shryne Design in 2022, and I wish the same for you.
Happy Holidays!
