Choose A New Holiday Season Theme
I love the old holiday traditions, but I also love trying new things. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be merry and bright for some people, but it is an added stress and anxiety for others. This year has been particularly trying. The COVID-19 and election have been a time of fear and anxiety for many.
For many people, the holiday season will look different this year. Often, the last few months of the year are busy with parties and visiting family and friends. But due to COVID-19, things like traveling and gathering in large groups may not be possible.
Accepting change is difficult for most people, and this year is undoubtedly a new experience for all of us. There are plenty of ways to cope with the feelings we have while still enjoying the holiday season. This would be a great year to do something new.
Choosing a theme is fun because it creates a focal point for all the season’s activities and experiences. It can be a great way to plan the décor, events, and other elements of your holidays.
There are so many ways to have fun during the holidays. There are plenty of opportunities to make the season fun, from hayrides in fall to watch the Nutcracker ballet in winter. One fun option is choosing a theme and building the entire holiday around it.
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give” ~ Winston S. Churchill
Here are some fun ways to use themes during the holidays:
Happy Holidays in the forest theme- Choose a forest theme for a fun-filled holiday season. Start with woodland décor for fall and winter. Have fun with your family by taking a trip to the woods. Collect pine cones in the fall and snowshoeing in the winter. Choose a fun animal like a bear as the mascot for the season and build décor or other design elements around the theme. Try hosting a festive feast fit for the forest for your holiday meals and enjoy the great outdoors, inside or out.
‘Tis the season for giving theme- Create a holiday season focused on giving back and caring for others. Have your family choose a charity to focus on for the season. Save the change to offer when you see a bell ringer and red bucket. Find opportunities to serve or volunteer. Choose people to support from the Angel Tree Network. Another idea is to host friends who don’t have a close family for a meal and use the holiday time to reach out to people who may not have family connections.
Baby, it’s the cold outside theme- Have fun with a winter wonderland theme. Host hot chocolate gets together with a variety of warm beverages and toppings. Choose outdoor activities like ice skating, sledding, skiing, or snowmobiles that all share one thing in common- they are cold! Get the family involved with holiday decorating that is white, silver, blue, or other icy-inspired colors.
Which Theme Would You Like to Try?
My hope is that these suggestions have sparked an idea for a perfect theme for YOUR holiday this year. Having a theme can help give the holidays a fun focus and make the season about one particular thing. It can help reduce being pulled in too many directions because your attention is on the activities associated with one theme. What’s more, having a theme can make the holidays more memorable. Your family is sure to remember the year you had a specific activity for your entire holiday season, and the memories will last for years to come.
For more reading and ideas for a calmer, happier holiday, go here. Stress Less Holiday
I am Shirley Noah, author and an internationally known stress expert and entrepreneur. I would love to connect further with you to help you improve your health and well-being. If you are interested in learning more about stress and anxiety, check out Don’t Panic: How to Find Inner Peace and Calm
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