“Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childhood days, recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth, and transport the traveler back to his own fireside and quiet home!” ~ Charles Dickens

Good Morning!  

Often, we think “visually” when decorating, but sound and scent both appeal to the senses, too, and can help set the stage for the holidays.

Fa, la, la, la, la:  Dig out your Christmas music or find a local station that carriers twenty-four hour Christmas music.  Whenever you are at home, make sure to turn on some Christmas carols in the background.

Jingle all the way:  Adding jingle bells to your main doors is another way to use sound in your decorating.

Simmer Scents:  Kitchen potpourri is easy to make and a delight to have filtering throughout the house.  Place a pot on the simmer burner of your range.  Add oranges studded with cloves and cinnamon sticks to some water.  Let the pot simmer on a cold winter bed, to infuse your house with spicy aromas and a little extra humidity.

Candles:  Burn candles or use air fresheners scented with cinnamon, cranberry, orange, pine, coffee, cocoa, cider, or other scents loved by your family.

For the birds:  Use bread dough to make circular wreaths.  Press wild bird seed into the wreaths, then bake as directed.  Tie a ribbon and Christmas bow for hanging.  Decorate an outdoor tree for a feather-friendly holiday.

Your Turn:  Schedule some time to implement one of these simple tips to enhance your home for the season.

Today’s Affirmation:  I enjoy all the senses of the season.