The 2021 holiday season is upon us, and it’s feeling a bit more like a pre-pandemic celebration. People are planning holiday travel, sometimes to see family for the first time since Christmas of 2019. If the last year taught us anything, it is that tomorrow is never promised and we’re all looking to this holiday season and the New Year with a renewed appreciation for our families and our blessings.
After a socially distanced Christmas last year, many families are ready to start celebrating, and people are starting their preparations even earlier. In some parts of the country, it may be a tradition to put up the Christmas tree immediately after Thanksgiving, but this year, some people went right ahead and put it up after Halloween. There’s something about the sights and smells of Christmas that is comforting and hopeful, and many of us are feeling that we need more of that this year than ever.
Design trends for 2021 include everything from lavish decorations with deep, jewel-toned ornaments and ribbons, to simple and minimalistic décor. Bringing out the boxes of Christmas decorations evokes feelings of nostalgia as we see old familiar favorites including handmade children’s creations with construction paper, doilies, popsicle sticks, cotton balls, and glitter. Many people choose a theme for their decorations which can range from religious themes to popular culture. There are so many options and ways to pull your vision together.
The Advent wreath is a time-honored tradition that serves not only as a decoration but can be a way for your family to have a weekly or daily service of prayer or reflection during the four weeks leading up to Christmas Day. This can involve all members of the family reading the scripture verses appointed and lighting the candles. There are many online resources from different faith traditions to choose from.
Perhaps you will choose to focus on religious-themed decorations like angels, stars, manger scenes, and Biblical figures rather than the more secular images of candy canes, gingerbread houses, and Santa. There are so many options to choose from including ones that are fun activities for children such as decorating cookies, or creating craft decorations for the tree.
Of course, many families volunteer in community activities to help feed and provide for the less fortunate at Christmas, as a way of being Christ in the world. Here at GW Homes, we give thanks for our many blessings and wish all a joyous, faith-filled Christmas season.
