Ready to transform your home into a winter wonderland? Decorating for the holiday season is one of the best ways to get excited and stay in the holiday spirit.
Not sure where to start? We’ve got some ideas for making your holiday bright and welcoming. Try these tried and true tips for a successful holiday:
- Wreath Wonder – If you’ve been waiting for an excuse to tie an evergreen branch into a circle, this is it. Festive, welcoming, and timeless.
- Warm Welcome – Don’t forget your entranceway. Potted evergreens, electric lanterns, and homemade ornaments can set the tone for your guests.
- Brighten It Up – Lights aren’t just for the tree. Twine them around banisters, around hearths, and even on ceilings for a sparkling glow.
Follow your inspiration and decorate to your heart’s content. This is the best time of year to change the feel of your whole home. Happy Holidays!
Meet and Greet Santa!
Looking for a festive way to stay warm and make magical memories this winter? Check out these opportunities to meet Santa and enjoy some holiday cheer:
Saturday, December 7
- Santa at OMB Christmas Market (LoSo and Ballantyne): 2:00–5:00 PM
- Hot Cocoa with Santa at Optimist Hall: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
- Free Pictures with Santa at Speedway Harley-Davidson: 1:00–3:00 PM
Sunday, December 8
- Santa and Mrs. Claus Visit Cotswold Village
Saturday, December 14
- Photos with Santa at Matthews Community Center: 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM
Saturday, December 21
- Santa Visits Piedmont Social House: 1:00–4:00 PM
- Hot Cocoa with Santa at Optimist Hall: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
- Free Pictures with Santa at Speedway Harley-Davidson: 1:00–3:00 PM
National Safe Toys and Gifts Month
The holiday season is a time for joy and giving, but it’s also important to prioritize safety when choosing toys and gifts for loved ones. Each year, thousands of children are treated for toy-related injuries that could have been prevented. Here are a few tips to ensure your gifts bring smiles, not risks:
- Check age-appropriate labels: Always select toys suited for the recipient’s age and skill level.
- Avoid small parts: For young children, steer clear of toys with small pieces that could pose a choking hazard.
- Inspect for quality: Choose well-made toys with no sharp edges or loose parts.
- Look for non-toxic materials: Ensure paints and materials are safe for kids.
Supervise playtime: Help children learn how to use new toys safely.
Appreciating Your Year: A New Year’s Review
New Year’s Eve is an exciting time to look towards the future and dream about a brighter tomorrow. But often, we forget to appreciate the year that has just passed.
Odds are you’ve had many wonderful experiences over the year that deserve a little reflection. If this exercise seems odd to you, try the following to look back fondly over the last twelve months:
- Celebrating Your Achievements – Everyone accomplishes something in life. Make a list of what you have done, goals you have reached, and projects you have completed.
- Hurdles Cleared – It’s easy to dwell on the challenges we face. But many of those challenges have been overcome, and that hard work deserves recognition. Write them down.
- Gratitude Grades – We typically only think of what we are grateful for during Thanksgiving. But there are so many things to be grateful for that have filled our lives over the last year. Make notes of what you’re grateful for.
When you have finished your list, we hope that you are proud of yourself and the life you’ve lived this eventful year. Take care, and Happy New Year.