‘Tis the season to travel!’
In any normal, pre-pandemic year, the holidays are the busiest time of the year for travel. In 2019 alone, more than 115 million Americans travelled during the holiday season, setting a record, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). This travel surge comes as most people rush home for the holidays or book a quick getaway from the busy city with their loved ones.
But with a deadly coronavirus lurking around, most people cancelled their holiday travel plans. For instance, flight reservations among major U.S. airlines for Thanksgiving this year were down by 89% compared to the same period last year, according to the September data from travel data company OAG. The number of people taking car rentals also plunged due to lockdowns and closures of holiday resorts and favorite Christmas getaways.
Fortunately, though, you don’t need to travel far to have fun for Christmas. You can recreate your favorite holiday getaway right in the comforts of your home. Here are some tips on how you can easily turn your home into a Christmas wonderland:
1. Choose a theme.
A great starting point for decorating your home for Christmas is deciding on a specific theme. Are you leaning towards the traditional red-and-green color scheme? Or do you wish to incorporate a modern twist this year? Choosing a theme can help set the tone for your family’s Christmas celebration. Additionally, having a uniform motif for every room can make your entire house look more sophisticated and festive.
2. Make your own Christmas décor.
A recent survey done by Statista Research showed that Americans plan to spend $116 on average for Christmas decorations and holiday furnishings. While most homeowners go all out and break the bank when decorating their homes for the festive season, it doesn’t have to be expensive.
Consider making your own Christmas ornaments using common household items like cotton, tissue paper, old wrapping papers, and used white ribbons. Not only did you upgrade the aesthetics of your home, but you also saved tons of money.
3. Transform your backyard into a Christmas display.
Most homeowners prioritize the outdoors when it comes to decorating for Christmas. Prepare your lawn by pulling out dead weeds or doing stump grinding to avoid any obstructions. Cover your backyard with fake snow (if real snow isn’t enough) or deck your fences with Santa hats and Christmas lights. You can also add potted winter plants around your backyard or put up a Christmas tree or even a snowman outside.
4. Upgrade your lighting throughout the entire house.
White lights wrapped around the Christmas tree are a holiday staple in every home. However, it’s not just your tree that needs some lighting upgrades. Adding some fairy or LED lights to your bookcases, countertops, and even around vases can spice up your Christmas décor in an instant. Lighting up candles can also add warmth to any room, making your home feel cozier and more inviting.
Cancelled holiday trips can be quite a bummer. However, don’t let such a little mishap ruin your Christmas vibe this year. Having your own little Christmas wonderland at home can offer a better, merrier, and safer experience for you and your loved ones.
