As I walk into both the Farragut and Maryville Shoppes, there is an explosion of Fall colors. Those amber, orange, gold and browns always give me a sense of the holidays coming – family, friends, laughter and memories made. The Shoppes tend to be decorated way before my home! And, the busier I am, the more often I think, “Is it really necessary? Can I just skip it this year?”
The answer is no.
A while ago I was listening to a crafting YouTuber who was diagnosed with MS. She was struggling quite a bit with her health. She said, she combatted depression by decorating for every holiday – EVERY holiday … right down to Presidents Day.
Decorating for the seasons keeps things fresh and adds a lot of joy to our home. Although it signifies the passage of time it also reminds us to remain present in the current season. Fall is one of my favorite seasons. Living in East Tennessee, we get to thoroughly enjoy the leaves showing off their vibrant hues. The air becomes crisper and pumpkins line porch steps throughout the neighborhoods. Of course, football games are in full swing, so I am doubly pleased.
It is now October, so I must transform our home into a cozy Autumn hideaway. In October, a little Halloween décor gets added to the Fall (mostly for the grandkids). November, Thanksgiving decorations appear and so on through the Holidays. Here are a couple of reasons why I think getting into the rhythm of decorating for the seasons is good for us:
Decorating Reminds Us of the Beauty Around Us
We live in Happy Valley, TN. Could you ask for a better name? It’s the Peaceful Side of the Smoky Mountains. For me, decorating for the seasons is an intentional part of living as it focuses my mind on the beauty around me both inside my home and outside in nature. Creating something inside my home that matches what is happening outside in nature, gives me a feeling of consistency and peace day to day. It also reminds me to pause briefly and breathe in the changing seasons, appreciating nature more day by day.
Decorating Reminds and Creates Fond Memories
Often, our seasonal decorations have many fond memories attached to them. We see this so often in the Shoppes as folks purchase items that remind them of their mother or grandmother. When we pull out these special memories each year, we slow down to remember that first home, or special friend, these memories can bring a smile to our face. Too often, we are racing through the day to day, without much time to “remember the time when…” but when we see our decorations, we are reminded of those happy times.
Anything that encourages us to slow down, to pause during the hectic holiday season is a winner in my book. If a beautiful tablescape, or a mantle decorated with fall leaves or a Christmas tree covered in cherished ornaments makes me stop, breathe and appreciate the moment, then the time it took to decorate was well worth it.
How are you embracing the Autumn season? What are some of your favorite seasonal decorations? Remember, we are launching our “Style it with Homespun.” We want to see what you have done!! We know you take things home from the Shoppes and do amazing things in your home – show us! We want to see your tablescapes, décor, mantles, etc. If we reprint your picture in this newsletter, you win a beautifully scented candle from the Shoppes. Send your entry to: [email protected]
Enjoy the Beauty,
Bev