Downsizing & Decorating On A Dime

from Limitless Magazine December 2021

by Lake Norman Currents

Confidently Play Out of a Short Greenside Bunker

Downsizing &

Decorating On A Dime BY » Jean Spangler

Many of us empty nesters can appreciate the days when we pulled out all the stops to make holidays memorable for our children. And, we can also remember things like trying to unfurl a string of lights because of one broken bulb, or still finding dried out pine needles when vacuuming months after the holidays ended. And for those of us who are now not as “flexible,” the idea of constantly monitoring the water level in the tree stand while on your stomach isn’t feasible or appealing.

As an empty nester, I normally spend the holidays with my son and his family who live two time zones away. When I began that tradition, I started to downsize the amount of my holiday décor. I also found that putting up a tree inside or stringing lights outside on a shaky ladder can be difficult and dangerous for one person. However, there are simple ways to decorate that won’t break your back or your bank account.

When I downsized to a townhome it came with limited attic space. A few years ago, when my son and his wife began their family, I shipped all his hand-made Christmas ornaments and some of his old toys to him so he and his family can incorporate them into their holiday decorating. I also decided that buying a full-sized tree didn’t fit my townhouse or my lifestyle anymore. However, I still wanted my home to feel festive. That’s when, as luck would have it, I found a four-foot tree devoid of foliage in someone’s trash. Yes, I stopped and put that little gem in my trunk. I loved the size and shape of the bare branches that I spray-painted white. Then I wrapped the branches in miniature white lights, festive ribbon and placed it on a table in my bay window. Today, I call it my “single woman’s tree.” It goes back into the attic, lights and all, until the next year.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money on decorations to make your home look festive and inviting during the holidays. And it doesn’t have to take hours to get a holiday feel. For instance, you can find almost everything you need by simply walking in your back yard or neighborhood. I love to decorate with pine-cones and magnolia leaves. I’ve found that people are more than willing to let you cut some holly or gather pine-cones if you simply ask them. One year, I spray-painted pinecones silver and placed them on the mantle with tree branches discarded by neighbors who were sculpting their full-sized tree. In between the branches and pine cones, I placed fresh fruit such as pomegranates, pears, grapefruit and oranges for an elegant look.

I also like to look for items around the house like colorful pitchers to hold greenery. I have two wine colors I fill with ornaments and clear vases I fill with water, cranberries and votive candles.

Since I gave most of the family ornaments to my son, I make a point of shopping local for a new ornament to give myself each year. It’s fun and I like the thought of having a tree that reflects my personal style.

I do not invest a lot in Christmas containers or wrapping paper. While I love it when a retailer includes a beautiful gift wrap, if they don’t, I hit the low-cost stores for gift bags. I’ve also used plain brown paper to wrap gifts. This simple wrap can be topped with greenery and candy canes.

If you live in a neighborhood where gift giving is the norm, or you have a lot of people to find gifts for, you may want to consider donating to a local charity and asking the organization to send them a note saying that your donation is in honor of them this holiday season. That’s a win/win for everyone.

I’m also a big fan of thrift stores where you can also find festive fabrics, candle holders, books and colorful holiday plates for pennies. As the old saying goes, “another man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

Just because your home may be smaller in size, brightening your home for the holidays is a gift you give yourself and your mental health. All it takes is getting creative with the things you may already have around the house and in your backyard if you just look closely enough.