Seasons Greetings!

The magic of this time of year is something that is hard to put into words, but the feeling is really something quite special. In juxtaposition to the tranquil, twinkly times there is another feeling that inevitably can arrive alongside: stress. But, the good news is that with a bit of pre-planning, much of this unwanted feeling can be reduced, allowing us to simply focus on enjoying the season with our loved ones. As a mother of a busy toddler and a new addition due over the holidays (on Christmas day, in fact!) I find myself invested in looking for new ways in which to slow time down, and be more present, especially for special occasions. From what I hear from many others around me, this sentiment is generally echoed, no matter your set up.

While we gladly admit that we may be a bit biased to the subject at Birchview Design, it’s true that having a functional and aesthetically pleasing home has been proven to reduce stress, and improve one’s mood. Once you have your desired foundation that serves your lifestyle, adding holiday décor to your space has the power to transform your home into a festive and welcoming sanctuary. It does not have to involve a lot to make a big impact, and the use of neutral tones and organic textures allows much of the décor to be used throughout the entirety of the winter months. Embracing whites, creams, soft greys, and natural textures such as burlap, twine or greenery offers a timeless elegance that transcends trends. By opting for these versatile hues, your holiday décor can be used year after year, and creates a sense of continuity in your home. A curated approach to the holidays, each piece feels intentional rather than fleeting, reducing waste and encouraging a sustainable holiday spirit.

This thoughtful curation can extend to your gift wrapping as well. Neutral gift wrap or bags — whether it’s simple kraft paper or pattern — allows the focus to be on the gesture of giving, while subtle embellishments such as branches, pinecones, or twine add an organic touch. These small additions can be reused, properly recycled or composted (unlike the single-use, glittery kind), reinforcing the idea of a more sustainable and less wasteful holiday season. A fun way to make this task more enjoyable is by setting up a mobile gift-wrapping station. Doing this early on, rather than leaving it to the last minute, helps make the process feel fun rather than stressful (did this just become an accountability moment for myself to ensure I take my own advice? I think so!). I like to set aside an evening or two dedicated to wrapping gifts, and make it special by turning on a favourite holiday movie, or inviting family or friends to join in on the fun.

If you’re hosting for the holidays this year, it’s important to plan to give yourself a break. Outsourcing the cooking or baking is one of the easiest ways to make hosting more enjoyable, while also supporting local businesses. Whether you opt for a local catering service, order from your favourite restaurant, or divide the meal prep among guests, removing the stress of food preparation allows you to be fully present with your loved ones so you can focus on preparing your absolute favourite dishes, decorating or just simply being the host of the house where it’s all happening. Hosting should feel like a joyful experience, not a stressful chore, and by simplifying the process, you can savour the moments that matter most.

We hope that Incorporating these mindful practices into your holiday preparations helps keep the season merry, bright, and, most importantly, enjoyable!

Birchview Design Inc. is an award-winning interior design team serving clientele in the Kawartha Lakes, GTA, and beyond. As a full-service studio, the firm offers an all-inclusive, simplified experience with elevated design expertise and project management. www.birchviewdesign.com / @birchviewdesign

Design + Project Management: Birchview Design, Photography: Ashley Adams @flash.adams