Big and small ways to find joy and to transform your home this season

We get a little sentimental this time of year. The holidays bring up a lot of emotions and memories, don’t they? They also give us the chance to create new ones. That feels like a special opportunity—and not the kind that necessarily means massive changes.

It doesn’t have to be complicated. Think of what Christmas, Hanukkah and the New Year mean to you, and do your best to include those things. Even if they’re tiny embellishments or shifts in how you celebrate.

We hope you surround yourself with your favorite people in the kind of holiday home only you could create. We’ve pulled together a few of our favorite touches:

Consider a real tree.

Some people think cutting down trees for Christmas is harmful to the environment, but it’s actually the opposite. Christmas trees are grown as a sustainable crop. When one is harvested (approximately every seven years), one or more is planted in its place. And while they’re growing, they clean our air and make it easier to breathe.

Plus, you’re not only buying from a local business and member of our community, you’re supporting family farms arounds the country.

And Fraser Firs—the only Christmas trees we carry—are one of the most fragrant, long-lasting Christmas trees you can find. Their strong, upturned branches are excellent for supporting ornaments and the needles won’t scratch your hands while decorating.

Create a come-and-stay-awhile porch.

There’s no right or wrong recipe here, just give it an air of festivity that feels personal.

A wreath is always a simple place to start. Faux wreaths have come a long way—and we’ve had a few—but there’s nothing like a fresh, fragrant wreath. Especially in a place where you’ll enjoy it. That includes the front door if you’re going for curb appeal, but we added one to our garage access door when we realized it gets a lot more facetime than the front.

Your fall containers are either empty or filled with spent mums, cabbage, kale, etc. right about now. Don’t deprive yourself of some color and interest when things get winter monotone. Fill empty containers with fresh, textural evergreen branches and add slender birch, berried or curly willow branches. You can also dress up with shimmery outdoor ornaments and accessories on picks.

Quick Tip: remove your fall plants and about half the dirt from your containers before the first hard frost. That way you won’t be chipping them out and you’ll have space for what comes next.

You can also save time (and clean up) by adding a Porch Pot Insert, a freshly assembled evergreen arrangement that’s planted in a fiber pot and ready to drop into your container. They make great gifts for people who might not be as likely to create themselves.

Bring the room to life.

We’re big believers in houseplants year-round, but they’re even more vital in the winter. Plants add organic charm and style, but they’re also believed to reduce stress, fatigue and anxiety, improve mood, focus and even your blood pressure. Pop them in a pot and keep one on your desk or on the kitchen windowsill or give them as a gift with no wrap required.

Our favorite: amaryllis bulbs for the satisfying progression from dormant bulb to blooming beauty. Other more traditional options are poinsettias, Christmas cactus or Norfolk pine.

Do things that delight you.

Like we said, no recipe for ‘success’ here. Do things that bring you joy. Buy a couple bundles of various fresh greens or save what’s cut off the bottom of your Christmas tree and place them in different sized vases all over the house.

Tuck green sprigs in napkins for a dinner party, on the edges of a charcuterie board or in the bow of a gift. Hang from your shower head for a pine infusion.

Hang fresh or faux garlands from doorways, mantles, bannisters, headboards, range hoods, windows and more.

Light the candles. Play the music. Hang another string of lights. Put the winter flannel sheets on. Light a fire. Add more marshmallows. 

Honor loved ones who have passed.

The holidays can also remind us of who we’re missing. We hope that you have the comfort of good memories and supportive family and friends. Be sure to take good care of yourself.

We’ve also found that remembering times we’ve shared with a special person—particular traditions or activities—give us a way to feel close to them. Maybe it’s making a special recipe, setting the table with her Christmas china, making a fire before you open gifts or watching a Christmas classic.

We created fresh greenery blankets as a beautiful way to honor your loved ones’ memories in a place of worship, at a memorial or graveside.

We hope to see you during the season this year. Best wishes for a happy, healthy and meaningful holiday season to you and yours, from all of us here at Rhoads Garden Center.