A Reason to Celebrate

I'm typically not one to get too much into the holiday season. What starts as a simple idea of getting together with family, turns into an endless stressful four-week search for a useful gift. That's where I've been lately. Out and about.

But when the frantic shopping is over, or it is just plain decided not to overexert the spending this year, the holiday season is still very special.

The sun sets early, the temperatures are cold, and more importantly, most of us are lucky to be granted holiday time from work to spend quality time with loved ones. I find the basis of this time a pagan-like tradition. It's a time to be close to the organic. Time to visit, time to release, maybe even time to reflect and face the fears. And it's time to bring nature inside the home--to be close to Mother Earth.

This post is a homage to bringing the outside, inside. I wish there were more time in the day to make any one of these decorations for my home.

Cranberry beaded wreath getting some reflection time. (image via www.marthastewart.com)

You can eat them AND decorate with them. The almighty orange. (image via www.goodhousekeeping.com)

Those shells found on the beach can stretch beyond that aquatic themed bathroom! (image via www.coastalliving.com)

Use greenery you already have by combining existing potted succulents with fall leaves and flowers. (image via www.apartmenttherapy.com)

Woodsy pinecones make a fun and lighthearted fireplace friend. (image via www.countryliving.com)

Don't let that cake stand gather dust. Make use of it with dried flowers from the garden, such as yarrow, pictured here. (image via www.countryliving.com)