As snow temporarily transforms a bleak winter landscape, our Christmas decorations add a merry sparkle to our everyday homes and lives. I’m all about the decked-out tree, the Nativity set, the mantle décor with stockings, the cozy golden glow of candles and lights.

I have mixed feelings about regular interior decorating. It breathes new life into your space, to be sure. Some changes are reasonably priced, like new throw pillows or a coat of paint.

But most are not. New kitchen appliances? A different dining room table or sofa? Updated flooring? Pricey! And then there’s the pressure of knowing that once I decide, I’ll have to live with my decision for years, even if I grow tired of it. 

Sometimes I’ve made good decisions and sometimes I haven’t. My first foray into this realm was at age 9, when I had the terribly exciting job of choosing new shag carpeting for my bedroom. I carefully evaluated all the tiny squares in the furniture store’s hefty sample book, weighing my options. My then-favorite color was yellow, so I confidently selected a sunny patch labeled “Pineapple.” The carpet was a mix of two tones, however, and upon installation, it had a striped appearance the small sample didn’t reveal.

But a string of lights, garland and candles? All inexpensive, yet what a magical difference they make. It’s a low-stakes effort with a big, warm return. If you try something one year and it doesn’t work well, no big deal. Just rearrange it or buy a different style or color next year.

My sister and I helped our parents add a little holiday sheen to their independent living apartment recently. Mom loves blue lights, as that’s what always twinkled from her childhood tree. So cobalt lights it was, intertwined with some greenery on their balcony. A small tree completed their outdoor décor—a tiny space with big cheer.

Mom says red and white just says Christmas, so my sister ordered some striped soft peppermint sticks. Battery-operated candles that flicker like the real deal, a wreath on the door, some greens scattered about, a few festive handmade items, snowmen standing guard, and voila! Christmas.

Next November, check with the Area Agency on Aging (719-471-7080 ext. 114) about volunteering to decorate seniors’ homes in the community. Not everyone is able-bodied enough for tackling decorating, but they shouldn’t have to go without. Or maybe you know of a friend or relative whose home could use a little holiday sprucing up. It’s not too late to reach out, even if it’s just helping them pull their decorations from storage. From boxes to beauty, it will bring them joy.

When January rolls around and you’re taking your (or their) treasured items down, trying to decide what to keep or donate, Sunnie LaMarre of Chi-Mazing Organizing Solutions - , Colorado Springs, CO has you covered. Make sure you read The emotional journey of sorting holiday decorations for her thoughtful, analytical approach to keeping your collection manageable.

TALKING DIGITAL REBOOT

Have you ever asked a tech-related question and been met with a deep sigh and an eyeroll? Adam Cochran, writer of our Talking Digital column, is not that guy. He has a talent for explaining tech concepts in a warm, relatable way that’s easy to understand. 

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After years of giving advice on everything from using the latest tech gadgets to protecting yourself from online scams, Adam is taking a break from writing to focus on personal matters. While we’ll certainly miss his articles, we look forward to his return. In the meantime, if you’re interested in being our new tech columnist, feel free to reach out: [email protected]