A distinctive pinecone wreath adorned my family’s dining room throughout my childhood. Initially, it served as a festive decoration, embellished with colorful ornaments and ribbons during the Christmas season. However, due to limited storage and its delicate nature, it became a permanent fixture in our home. My mother cherished this wreath for its ability to create a warm atmosphere, complementing the wood-paneled walls and 1970s aesthetic.
Instead of storing the wreath away after the holidays, my mother creatively transformed it for various occasions. She decorated it with pink and red hearts for Valentine’s Day, adorned it with faux flowers, pastel eggs, and cheerful bunnies in spring, and dressed it up with mini pumpkins and scarecrows in autumn. This single wreath reflected a myriad of emotions and themes.
The enduring charm of personal decorations
During a visit, a friend playfully mocked the wreath, asking, “Why is there a Christmas wreath still hanging up?” Her comment stung, prompting my quick retort: “That’s the eternal wreath!” My response silenced her, and she apologized for her comment. However, the idea lingered. Over time, that wreath evolved into more than just a seasonal decoration; it became a source of joy, defined by our preferences rather than the calendar.
Redefining festive traditions
Today, I find my mother’s influence in my own approach to decorating. Recently, I hesitated to put away my Bella Lux witch, who now proudly sports a construction paper pilgrim hat on my living room bookcase. This whimsical addition brings me joy, and I can already envision a Santa hat for her in the future. My whimsical pumpkins, not overly associated with Halloween, remain in my home long after October 31.
I take comfort in knowing I am not alone in this sentiment. Many friends begin their Christmas decorations well before Thanksgiving, while others choose not to decorate when it feels burdensome. Some people set up their trees as early as August, while others maintain a small tree or wreath year-round, adapting it to fit the changing seasons. There are also those who swap out garden flags or decor items that evolve with the holidays.
Celebrating personal choice in decoration
None of these approaches are inherently “wrong.” They honor individual preferences. As women in our 60s and beyond, many of us have freed ourselves from outdated rules that do not contribute to our happiness. We recognize that joy is not confined to neatly packaged boxes with expiration dates. By blending old and new traditions, we allow ourselves to decorate at our own pace, either spontaneously or choosing to forgo decoration altogether. If we leave decorations up longer than expected, it reflects our freedom to let our joy linger.
Finding your own rhythm
This approach is not about laziness, disorganization, or excessive nostalgia. We feel no need for validation regarding the “seasonal appropriateness” of our choices. If you have ever hesitated because something seemed “too early,” “too late,” or “not the right holiday yet,” consider this an invitation to embrace decorating based on joy—or to forgo it entirely. The essence of happiness knows no specific start date, and the spirit of joy does not end on January 2. Whether you choose to fill your home with twinkling lights or leave decorations in storage, the freedom to make choices is always in season—much like the eternal wreath.
Do you enjoy decorating according to the seasons, maintaining cherished pieces year-round, or opting out of decor altogether? Have your traditions changed over time? What brings you joy in creating a home that reflects your essence? We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with our community.
