Before you start frolicking in the craft store aisles among the piles of bows and miles of ribbon (don’t even act like it’s just me), I want to ask you a simple question: How do you want your Christmas tree to make you feel?
You’re probably saying, “Happy, Mel! Okay? Now, can we please get to it?”
Hold up! Let’s talk more about this happy. Happy is good. Happy is essential. Happy is so stinking happy! So let’s talk about the kind of happy you need from this tree:
- Would you like a tree that makes you feel nostalgic for your childhood or Christmases past? Something that could give you that “simpler times” feeling? Think tinsel, popcorn strings, peppermint sticks or ornaments you cherish from your mom or grandma.
- Maybe you’d like your tree to have a bit of whimsy and fun. You could add vintage or modern paper or lace snowflakes, tuck in elves or reindeer or gift boxes with bright colours.
- Maybe you’d like something elegant and classic—think of using gold, silver, platinum or pearls. You know…something that would earn you a big chef’s kiss from Oprah or Martha or Melvina.
- Do you like subdued lighting or trees that could potentially be seen from outer space?
- Do you like unexpected elements in your tree, or do you like to stick with strictly traditional?
This last one is me. Every year, I want my upstairs trees to have surprising elements of joy, magic and glamour. (Yes, I did just say “upstairs trees.” We’ll be talking about my downstairs trees, too. I have 14 total, and they all have names.) So I typically add extra lights to my pre-lit trees, use simple but unique and elegant ornaments, and add floral arrangements to make whatever statement I decide on.
Basically, what’s your vibe? Once you decide on your kind of happy, you can ask yourself if you like trees that look clean and crisp or ones that are stuffed with lights, ornaments, ribbons and bows.
Remember, this tree is your statement of joy. Make it however you want to.
Spend a little time ideating. Whether you decide to grab inspiration from the natural world outside your door or emulate ideas from Christmas shop windows, holiday catalogues and video, the virtual world or real life, find what feels good to you and pull together your own vision.