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The Holidays Aren't Joyous for Everyone: 5 Things To Help

By
Home Stager with Creative Eye Home Staging

With the hustle and bustle of the Holiday Season, it can be easy to forget that not everyone finds this time of year so cheerful.  In fact, many find it down-right depressing.  Even people who normally love the Holidays may find it difficult from time to time.  There could be illness in the family, the first time without loved ones to help celebrate, a myriad of reasons. 

If you know someone who is having trouble dealing with the Season, make a special effort to take extra time for them this year.  It might be the best gift you give! 

If you find yourself not enjoying the Holiday as much as you usually do, give yourself permission to cut back on decorations and some of the things you "always" do.  You might even find you can start new traditions.  Here are some examples:

1.  If putting up a tree seems over-whelming, use gifts as decorations.  Beautifully wrap your gifts as soon as you buy them and use them as decorations around the house.  They will add a festive touch, remind you of loved ones, and you can enjoy their beauty during the Holidays. 

 package on table

2.  Try decorating one room of the house instead of the entire space. 

fireplace and mantle at Christmas

3.  Invite friends over for a simple tea and laugh at your lack of enthusiasm.  I've been part of baking "obscene gingerbread men" with friends and it was a riot.  Laughter is the best medicine!

gingerbread man

4.  Remember what it's really all about. Volunteer a few hours of your time.  It helps put things in perspective and feels great!  Pictured are members of Central College's cross country team volunteering for the Salvation Army.

volunteers for Salvation Army

5.  Attend a Children's Concert.  Their enthusiasm is contagious!  Below is the Cheyenne All-City Children's Chorus.

children's chorus

 

Wishing you Happy Holidays however you choose to celebrate the Season!

Written by Kim Dillon, ASP of Creative Eye Home StagingCreative Eye Home Staging helps home dwellers in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware enjoy their personal spaces or market their homes.

Vickie Nagy
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate - Palm Springs, CA
Vickie Jean the Palm Springs Condo Queen

#1 is Good personal advice for those 'living' in their homes. However, I encourage sellers that are on the market to wrap only empty boxes and store gifts offsite.

Dec 09, 2009 01:52 AM
Rosina Woolston
RE/MAX at Jennersville - Oxford, PA

I sure know a lot of people feeling down this year.  Thanks for giving us permission!

Dec 09, 2009 01:52 AM
Ginger Foust
Certified Staging Professional - Oakhurst, CA
Home Stager Oakhurst CA, Dream Interior Redesign & Staging

A very thoughtful post Kim. For a number of reasons I am cutting back on the decorating this year and your post gave me permission.  Thanks. 

Dec 09, 2009 03:43 AM
Karen Otto
Home Star Staging - Plano, TX
Plano Home Staging, Dallas Home Staging, www.homes

You're so right Kim, many people find no joy in the holidays only sadness and loneliness amplified.  Your suggestions are workable and easy to do and hopefully will inspire someone to try and get out of their "un"comfort zone during this time of the year and feel a part of something greater.  The best medicine for feeling down is doing something for someone else with no expectations. But it's hard when the weight of the world feels like it's on your shoulders.  Friends can help lift that burden if only for a little while, but you gotta be willing to let them.  Thanks for posting!

Dec 09, 2009 08:28 AM
Deena Cottingham
GreenApple Staging & Images, Calgary Staging & Photography - Calgary, AB
Home Stager & Photographer

Really good reminder, Kim. Thanks for making me step back and think about those that may need a little TLC this season. Obscene gingerbread men . . . I won't ask! ;-)

Dec 10, 2009 07:02 AM
Kim Dillon
Creative Eye Home Staging - West Chester, PA

Vickie, you are right.  I was referring to those settled in their homes and having difficulty coping with the Holidays.  If you are marketing your home during the Holidays and you don't want to decorate, you have the perfect excuse!

Rosina, I'm sure their are plenty of people we don't even suspect!

Ginger, just like you, I'm cutting back this year.

Karen, sounds like you've thought a lot on the subject as well.  Holidays can be tough!

Deena, you're right--don't ask--just let your imagination run wild!!  :)

Dec 11, 2009 07:27 AM
Cindy Bryant
Redesign Etc. Home Staging - Houston, TX
"Houston Home Staging Pros"

I've just been bring out a few decor items for certain rooms.  Christmas is overwhelming!

Dec 14, 2009 03:56 PM