As parents, we want our children to have fun and enjoy the holidays, so most of us might tend to over decorate, putting out more decorations than we would if we were single. However, what about when the children have grown and left home and the parents are aging? Is it still fun? Do we still get as much enjoyment out of stringing lights from the roof, decorating eggs, or carving pumpkins? Some people may say yes, but for me, being 53 years old, it is too much work. Some aging parents, if they have grandchildren, say they decorate for them, which is great. However, I think it is time for our children to be the parents and let them have the same holiday decorating fun with their children that we had with them. Here are a few suggestions for simple holiday home decorations for aging parents.
Vases
Decorating with one or two specialty vases is a simple, yet elegant way to add holiday decor to any room. I purchased a pink vase with red and white hearts at a dollar store. I filled it with red and pink silk roses and placed it on my hutch. It looks lovely there. I also have a clear glass vase with green shamrocks that I plan to fill with silk shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day. You can find vases for any holiday and fill them with silk flowers appropriate for the holiday you are celebrating.
Candles and Candle Holders
I love scented candles and they make a great addition to any decor. They add elegance as well as fragrance to any room. This past week, I purchased a lovely white pillar candle decorated with pastel red, pink, yellow, and blue hearts. I set it in a clear holder and placed it on a small bookcase. Solid color candles in clear candle holders are great for holidays. Use green pillar candles for St. Patrick’s Day, orange and black for Halloween, red, white and blue for the Fourth of July, and red for Christmas and Valentine’s Day. Candle holders made just for specific holidays are also a simple way to add to your festive decor.
Bowls
Holiday bowls are another simple way to decorate for holidays. You can fill them with candy or holiday trinkets for the grandchildren. I have a clear, heart-shaped glass bowl that I filled with ruby red stones. I placed it near the pillar candle on the bookcase and it looks lovely. Try a clear bowl at Easter time filled with artificial colored eggs. Ceramic or wooden eggs colorfully painted, set in a clear glass bowl will make a lovely centerpiece for any table.
Books
That’s right, books! Books pertaining to a specific holiday are a great way to decorate. Display them flat on a coffee or end table or placed on between holiday bookends. Make sure you have a couple that are children oriented so that when the grandchildren come over, they have something to read or better yet, share some together time and you read to them.
Wreaths
Ready-made wreaths are a simple and easy way to decorate for the different holidays. These can be displayed inside or outside your home. For the inside of your home, try an elegant looking wreath decorated with silk and dried flowers. A few wooden cutouts glued to the wreath, such as hearts or shamrocks will enhance the holiday celebration.
Sources: Personal Experience
