With the holidays fast approaching, somebody asked "what do the holidays mean to you?" Of course the standard answer is usually, "time to spend with friends and family." And while that's all true and wonderful, for me, the holiday spirit is about CREATIVITY.
I challenge you this year to apply CREATIVITY to:
- Your Holiday Decor
- Your Style
- Your Gift Giving
- and Your Relationships
1. Creative Holiday Decor. Now we all have those boxes of Holiday Decorations that we haul out year to year and set them up with the same old pattern. This year, not many of us can afford to go out and buy the new items to spruce up the selection, so look at that box in a whole new way. Try to come up with a new way of displaying your old favorites. Like maybe instead of plopping your ornaments on a tree, hang them all over the house at varying heights to sparkle every corner. Or take the bolt of old ribbon and tie a pretty bow to every standing item in your house.
If you're feeling really adventurous, maybe do a new small project that's inexpensive, that will add that signature piece. As for me, I'm having a blast building a Miniature CANDY LAND replica of my store Minx Fashion Shoppe, for a local holiday contest. It will be the centerpiece of my store holiday decor before heading off for judging. Just taking on this little project, inspiried me for the whole season, and I'm thankful to a new friend Paula, who suggested it and got my creative juices flowing.
2. Creative Holiday Style. Now more than ever before, I challenge you to BE BOLD, and TAKE RISKS with your style. Seems like everything we deal with on a daily basis is about being cautious, about our spending and about our lives, in these times of uncertainty. But when that evening finally comes that you're heading out to a Holiday Party or a Dinner with Friends, SPLURGE a little on your look and take a risk. PURPLE and TEAL are the hottest colors of the season, so maybe incorporate that for a fresh look. Add a little SPARKLE where you can, and if you find yourself saying...."this isn't what I would normally wear," then Wear IT!
3. Creative GIFT Giving. With everyone's budget woes, there's never been a better time to be creative with your gift giving. Go back to a gentler time and supplement a small gift with something from the heart. Add homemade cookies, or fudge or your favorite recipe for soup. Maybe give your overwhelmed friend a "coupon" for a FREE afternoon of babysitting, so she can go get her nails done in peace.
And as far as a store bought gift, there's new and creative choices there too. Some of our most popular small items are, Inspirational bracelets, Purse Note Pads, business card holders, Travel Jewelry packs and personal journals. You can combine a small, well thought out gift, with your homemade personal touch for a delightful surprise for those you love.
I challenge you this year to apply CREATIVITY to:
- Your Holiday Decor
- Your Style
- Your Gift Giving
- and Your Relationships
1. Creative Holiday Decor. Now we all have those boxes of Holiday Decorations that we haul out year to year and set them up with the same old pattern. This year, not many of us can afford to go out and buy the new items to spruce up the selection, so look at that box in a whole new way. Try to come up with a new way of displaying your old favorites. Like maybe instead of plopping your ornaments on a tree, hang them all over the house at varying heights to sparkle every corner. Or take the bolt of old ribbon and tie a pretty bow to every standing item in your house.
If you're feeling really adventurous, maybe do a new small project that's inexpensive, that will add that signature piece. As for me, I'm having a blast building a Miniature CANDY LAND replica of my store Minx Fashion Shoppe, for a local holiday contest. It will be the centerpiece of my store holiday decor before heading off for judging. Just taking on this little project, inspiried me for the whole season, and I'm thankful to a new friend Paula, who suggested it and got my creative juices flowing.
2. Creative Holiday Style. Now more than ever before, I challenge you to BE BOLD, and TAKE RISKS with your style. Seems like everything we deal with on a daily basis is about being cautious, about our spending and about our lives, in these times of uncertainty. But when that evening finally comes that you're heading out to a Holiday Party or a Dinner with Friends, SPLURGE a little on your look and take a risk. PURPLE and TEAL are the hottest colors of the season, so maybe incorporate that for a fresh look. Add a little SPARKLE where you can, and if you find yourself saying...."this isn't what I would normally wear," then Wear IT!
3. Creative GIFT Giving. With everyone's budget woes, there's never been a better time to be creative with your gift giving. Go back to a gentler time and supplement a small gift with something from the heart. Add homemade cookies, or fudge or your favorite recipe for soup. Maybe give your overwhelmed friend a "coupon" for a FREE afternoon of babysitting, so she can go get her nails done in peace.
And as far as a store bought gift, there's new and creative choices there too. Some of our most popular small items are, Inspirational bracelets, Purse Note Pads, business card holders, Travel Jewelry packs and personal journals. You can combine a small, well thought out gift, with your homemade personal touch for a delightful surprise for those you love.
4. Creative Relationships. I think the most important thing you can contribute to any relationship you have, be it, your spouse, your family, or your friends is ENCOURAGEMENT.
I don't know a single person who does not have a bit of uneasiness right now. We're all worried about the economy, the new direction our country is taking, the job market, and our home values to name a few. Put your arm around the person you care about and tell them that you love them, no matter what, that together we'll get through this. Maybe remind them about the things that they are good at and compliment them when they least expect it.
Be creative and express yourself in unexpected ways and maybe you'll be lucky enough to have someone tell you that they love you too, no matter what!
So I hope I've inspired your CREATIVITY now as you embark on this holiday season. When you're sitting there asking yourself, "what should I do?" Remember to do something creatively DIFFERENT than you've done before!
Happy Holidays!
Jacqueline
