Refresh the Holidays for 2016

Feeling a bit uninspired with the “same-old, same-old” dusty boxes of holiday decorations from the attic? Here are some ideas to help give your 2016 holidays a refreshing makeover:

1. Revamp the Wreath – Even the neighbors are tired of the artificial wreath with the same red bow you put out every year. Strip the wreath down to its needles and replace or redecorate it. Splurge for a stylish new bow, or wrap the entire wreath in spiraling wide ribbon. Dig through holiday ornaments and pull out all one color (white, gold, green, or go wild with purple or pink!) to accessorize the bow. Make your front door a color statement for the whole world to see.
2. Upgrade the Tree – Everyone loves the smell of a real tree, but not everyone loves the hassle of fighting crowds to find the least-objectionable tree (never the perfect one), paying way more than expected, dragging it home, trailing pine needles everywhere, and then doing the whole thing in reverse after the holidays. Hence the growing popularity of artificial trees. With trees now available in all shapes, sizes, color options, and even pre-lit, it’s possible to put an artificial tree up in five minutes flat, light a tree-scented candle, and get the holidays started instantly. The investment will pay off over the years, and you’ll save a real tree from the wood chip pile.
3. Pass It On – Want to redo the tree, but getting resistance from family members who cherish seeing the same ornaments every year? Box them up and pass them down to the next generation so they can start their own traditions. Or box up old ornaments and donate them to Goodwill or a new family just starting out. Post items on nextdoor.com, and neighbors will be eager to take old decorations off your hands. One person’s junk is another person’s treasure. Then go out and buy new decorations for the tree of your dreams.
4. Pick a New Place – Always have the holidays at one person’s home? Switch it up this year. The new location may not be as big, or have all the china and decor, but it will give the go-to party-thrower a welcome break, and give someone else the chance to play host or hostess.
5. Switch Up the Menu – Always have turkey? This year, go with ham instead. Sick of roast beef? Try going vegetarian. Or learn about your family’s roots and have a multicultural holiday dinner. Make dishes that represent and celebrate the food traditions of different holiday guests.
6. Skip It – Everyone deserves to do this once in their lives. Go on a cruise. Go to Las Vegas. Take a dream trip with the family. Or close all the curtains and stay home. Send out an email ahead of time letting friends and family know that this year, you’re skipping the holidays altogether. Don’t send cards or gifts, don’t decorate. Save all the money that would have been spent on the holiday season and do this (fill in the blank) instead. It can be incredibly freeing.

Whatever your holiday traditions, don’t be afraid to make a change. Friends and family might be bored with the whole thing too, and eager to try something new this year. But if Grandma says it won’t be the same for her without that special-recipe pumpkin pie, do your best to accommodate those who don’t handle change well. And if switching things up doesn’t go as planned, there is always next year to go back to the “same-old, same-old.” You might enjoy it even more!