Decorations? Bah, Humbug!

While some folks love decorating for Christmas, others dread it and consider it a tedious task. But it doesn’t have to feel like a chore, especially with some planning.

It helps to remember that decorating is a wonderful opportunity to make joyful memories with your loved ones. Approaching it as a family-wide festivity, rather than a parents-only burden, teaches responsibility and can lift everyone’s spirits. Here are some strategies to make decking the halls not only easier, but more meaningful and merry as well.

Get organized early

Don’t try to make it all happen in one day. If your seasonal décor is stowed away in the garage or attic, dust it off and get greenery and lights untangled before the day you plan to do your actual decorating. Locating these items and getting them prepped to be strung and hung may take some time. Preparing for this can keep you from getting overwhelmed. Set a date for getting decorations ready and a second date for decorating. Be sure to get the latter on everyone’s calendars.

Clear the decks

Clear space in your living room for incoming decor, especially in the area where you plan to place your Christmas tree. If you are replacing everyday furnishings, such as centerpieces and art, pack them in the emptied boxes that held Christmas decorations. Be sure to wrap and cushion all fragile items.

A fun, family affair

While certain duties may not be for everybody, such as those that require getting on a ladder, kid-friendly tasks include helping to hang Christmas stockings and stringing paper ornaments. In addition to wrapping greenery and hanging ornaments, teens can create a festive atmosphere by making popcorn, taking fun photos of family members and creating a playlist of holiday tracks. Involve your children in making cookies or let a teen handle it all; everyone will appreciate the delicious smell of the treats as they bake. When the decorating is over and boxes are put away, everyone can curl up and watch a favorite holiday movie.

Make use of technology

Many new devices are available that can help simplify and manage holiday lighting. For example, outdoor laser LED light sets let you cast a colorful holiday show on your house without ever having to string lights. Treemote, a wireless, Christmas-tree shaped remote approved for indoor use, can control lights so you can skip crawling behind your tree to turn lights on and off in the morning and at night. As with any electrical product, check safety certifications and follow manufacturer directions for use.