This is it! This is the month future-you will look back on and think, “Why?” “Why didn’t I start back then? Even something small?”
I’m talking about fall and winter holidays y’all.
Some of you get giddy, imagining your favorite holiday moments: “Where is my Santa mug?!?”
The rest of us let out an exasperated, “REALLY?” when we walk into Hob Lobs in July and we’re met with SO many Christmas aisles. (I seriously think it was 107° outside our desert location.)
But yes. The holidays are coming. And whatever you feel about that inevitability, it’s time for . . .
THE FALL FIX-UP
Having been around this block several times now, I have some recommendations:
1. Clean Up Stray Piles:
Photo by Camilo Rueda Lopez on Unsplash
Whether it’s a big summer project that looked oh-so-possible back in May or remnants of random, clean it up.
Ask yourself, “Am I really going to digitize my child’s entire school career of artwork before the end of the year? Mark that project on your 2027 calendar and move on with your life.
As our family is fond of saying,
“Shove it on back!”
You’re about to encounter a spectrum of chaos that will not clear until January. Maybe.
2. Consider what makes you happy.
What do you enjoy about the fall? Invite it into your home! Certain tastes, smells, textures (fuzzy blankets!)? Whatever gives you the warm fuzzies about the season, represent it in your home.
What does your family enjoy about the fall? Maybe each person gets to choose something happy for the home: a stash of hot cocoa mix, a bigger pumpkin than last year, cinnamon pinecones, or a bowl of fall leaves (revered, here in the desert).
3. Work with what you have.
There is a moment approaching when you will get drugged by the cinnamon scents and twinkling lights and buy your 212th ornament, even though you swore you wouldn’t. It’s inevitable and, perhaps, what we enjoy most–being swept away.
But here, in your September rationalism, get excited about what you have. Slap a new bow on that fake pumpkin you’ve pulled out for years > Reborn!
What do you already find beautiful? Introduce it to something fall-ish.
Fill that beautiful soup tureen with mini-pumpkins; add mums to the vase your mom gave you; cover a throw pillow with a velvet slipcover that exudes cozy. Notice the colors you already use in your home and choose their darker hues to say, “It’s Fall Y’all!”
Flowers, ribbons, ceramics, a picture frame (with an actual printed picture–WOW) or favorite quote, can be added or swapped out with their lighter counterparts to herald fall warmth.
The Fall Fix-Up can be a small or as in-depth as your energy and time allow. Because whatever your investment, markers (like seasonal decor) help our hearts and minds make smooth transitions.
So, hop to! It’s-a-comin’!