This article was originally written for Hometown St. Thomas Magazine

With the Holidays around the corner, many of us are starting to think about decorating and baking and all the holiday traditions. Decisions Decisions!  What makes Christmas feel like Christmas? For some it’s the people, for others, the wintry weather. And still others, the baking and decor. Did I mention presents? Of course it’s different for everyone, so how can you make it magical for all? 

Tips for navigating this sometimes delicate issue. 

In my own childhood, there were a few things that really mattered at Christmas. I always wanted a tree, and my Mom always set out this little miniature chapel with sparkly snow and coloured windows that lit up when you plugged it in. I always stared at that, imagining myself walking up the big staircase to the front door and wondering who was inside. It wouldn’t have felt like Christmas without it..

Mom also baked, probably more than was good for us. And while many different treats were tried from year to year, there were always the favourites. Almond Butter Crunch Cups, Turtles and Raspberry Jello at dinner. 

But of course from year to year, styles change for Christmas decor and baking and all those good things. And yes, while it might seem counter-intuitive, change is actually an important part of keeping our traditions alive. If we want to continue doing all our favourite things this holiday season, we have to be flexible and allow them to grow with the times.  

So, What about that awful ugly stocking you can’t wait to replace? Or those dated ornaments that your husband loves? Or the dilapidated wreath that your daughter can’t wait to put up every year? 

Here’s some suggestions: 

1. The ⅓ rule: When purchasing new Christmas decor, stay with the ⅓ rule. Keep ⅔ of your favourite “traditional” items and only replace ⅓ at a time. While this is gentle on the pocketbook, it also helps to keep some familiarity around for the kids so the charm and memories hold true. 

2. Involve them: If you have a family member struggling to say goodbye to a certain piece, involve them in the shopping experience of picking out something new. Give them some ownership in your new holiday vision. 

3. Switch it around: Look for ways you can switch around your existing decor to freshen it up. Move your wreath to a different door or hang your stockings on wall hooks instead of the fireplace. These are easy low cost ways to keep your traditional items but create a new look for your home. 

4. Offer an alternative: Instead of holding blindly to a tradition or holiday ritual, think outside the box to keep the younger generation interested and invested. Allow them to put their own preferences forward and influence the decision making. Work together to come up with modifications or alternatives that can work for everyone. This is a great opportunity to show your kids that our differences don’t have to be barriers to working together. 

All the best as you begin to create another year of holiday magic. It’s always a combination of decor, food, activities and family and friends, so don’t worry about getting too hung up on any one thing! And keep it local this year. St. Thomas is a rich creative community with delicious bakeries and small shops for gifts and decor.  

Have a very Merry Christmas!

– Suzanne