Celebrating Christmas in your new home

Handmade crafts can allow you to bond with the kiddos and stick to your budget. —CONTRIBUTED

Moving into a new home is probably one of the most memorable things you’ll ever get to do as an adult.

Beyond changing addresses, it signifies a lot of things, especially if it’s the first time you’ll be on your own as well. Coupled with the Christmas festivities, a move may feel exciting yet overwhelming. You may feel burdened with costs, time, and all the sudden changes.

There is no need to fret though. Whether you’re stricken by merrymaking bugs or some holiday blues, here are some surefire ways to get you going in your first home during the Yuletide season.

Relax and enjoy the moment

First off, take a deep breath and don’t let the holiday pressure get to you.

Decorating is not a contest or a deadline—what matters is that you enjoy the moment. You can go about decorating your whole home, or you may keep it simple with a meaningful Belen display in your living room. What truly matters is finding joy this holiday season. Let your decorations reflect your happiness, free from stress or pressure.

Decide on a holiday theme first before choosing your decorations. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Determine your budget

If you’re on a tight budget, unleash your creativity and try crafting your own Christmas baubles. You’ll be amazed at what you can come up with using simple items such as cardboard, cotton balls, string and glitter. It’s even more fun if you have a toddler or child to join in on the creative process.

If you’d rather buy your decor, do your research first

before venturing out to do some shopping. Many malls have made it convenient for you to shop decor by color or by cost, but if you can spare a bit more time, hunting for knick knacks in the likes of Dapitan Arcade and Divisoria will be worth your while.

Online shopping is another great option, but as the holidays draw near, keep shipping schedules in mind to avoid any delays that could affect your plans.

Try baking with some Christmas cookies and you’ll fill your house with some appetizing scents.

Follow a color or theme

Whether you’re dreaming of a White Christmas or a Candyland wonderland, start by deciding on your theme before splurging on craft materials or shopping sprees.

There’s no Christmas police to prohibit you from making a hodgepodge cluster of tinsel and garland, but planning can transform your abode into a designer home. Also, you’ll have a better backdrop during family gatherings or selfies with the cat.

Common color combinations during the season are the classic red and green, the snowy blue, white and silver, and the sweet pink and white palettes. But who says purple or orange can’t make a statement in your décor? Dare to think outside the box, unleash your creative spirit, and give your Mama a reason to beam with pride.

Remember to only use certified Christmas lights this season.

Turn any tree into a canvas

Who says Christmas trees should always be pine trees? If you have a papaya plant in the backyard, or even just a few pots of herbs in the garden, you can always spruce it up with a few Christmas trinklets.

Hang some outdoor lights in your yard and enjoy the holidays outdoors. Just be careful not to disturb any existing nests when you hang your decor.

Be careful with those lights

It’s awesome to see your first home illuminated in Christmas lights, but remember to buy only those certified by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Look out for Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) and Philippine Standard (PS) stickers on your wares. This is essential to avoid electrical mishaps which may lead to fires and other accidents in your home.

Better yet, opt for solar-powered Christmas lights, especially if you plan to hang these outside your home. Just remember to place the accompanying solar panel in a sunny spot, and voila! You’ll have festive, colorful bulbs at night that don’t add a single peso to your electricity bill.

From table napkins to curtains, holiday-themed fabrics will surely lift your spirits this season.

Invest in Christmas fabrics

If you’re the minimalist type, you can still decorate for the holidays by putting up Christmas-themed functional pieces.

From table cloths to window curtains, select fabrics that spread some cheer around your home. Add a throw fabric to your sofa which can also double as a heavy, warm blanket during chilly nights.

Use Christmas-themed place mats and table napkins to make your dining table elegant. Even some Santa prints on your bed spread can lift your holiday blues when needed.

Consider scents and sounds

Christmas should not always be limited to a visual experience. If decorating is not your cup of tea, consider playing some holiday tunes or baking some Christmas cookies.

If you happen to live alone, you can always share your talents with your neighbors or even with a local orphanage or church group. Jolly music and sweet whiffs are enough to get anyone in the Christmas spirit, even if there is not a bauble in sight.

Enjoy the season in your new home. Whether you go all out or keep it simple in your decorations, remember that it’s the non-material things that really matters. Merry Christmas!

Photo Sources:

Jeswin Thomas, Jonathan Meyer, Valeria Boltneva, hello aesthe, and Jonathan Barba via pexels.com

Ar. Vittoria Mawis-Aliston

A Filipino architect who has a Master's Degree in Interior Design of Commercial Spaces from IED Barcelona, Spain and with twelve years' worth of experience under the tutelage of Filipino architectural firms.