Holiday Decorating While Living with Chronic Pain
Let’s face it, whether you love it or hate it, holiday decorating can be hard work. Even more so with chronic pain. Check out these ideas to make decking the halls a little easier this season.
Outdoor Decorations
Inflatables - Run an extension cord, set the base, and attach the “character.” Done!
Projectors - From snowflakes to video images, laser projectors run the gamut. High end models allow you to stream your own videos and play personalized music selections. Some even feature remotes or timers. Set it and forget it!
Door Wraps - Is your front door a prettily wrapped package? Or does Santa happen to be stepping out just this minute? Door wraps offer quick impact with minimal effort.
Indoor Decorations
Setting up the tree is the most fun (and the most work) of the holiday season - at least until it is time to take it all down! Many people have opted for less labor-intensive options. In addition to considering a much smaller tree, you might like some of these options.
Greeting Card Displays - With festive designs baked in - just display on a string or tape them around a door frame. Many people save their favorites from year to year. Major impact with minimal effort. Plus, it’s eco-friendly.
Wall Trees - Lots of options here. Basically anything hung on your wall in the shape of a tree works! Green boughs, string lights, pieces of driftwood. You can even buy removable murals featuring trees and fireplaces. Heck, make it interactive for the kids and use removable stickers. Google “wall Christmas tree” or search Pinterest for tons of ideas.
Potted Plants - Look around your house. Any common philodendron or Chinese evergreen could benefit from the addition of fairy lights and a decorative stake or two.. Large potted ficus or figs can don their holiday apparel just as well as a Norwegian Spruce! Smaller alternatives like rosemary and ivy topiaries can be found this time of year. Buy one (or several) and create a tabletop display.
Pop-Up Trees - For the traditionalist who still wants a tree but doesn’t want to (or can’t) deal with lugging heavy boxes from their attic or storage space, an ingenious invention is the pop-up tree. They come in all colors, pre-lit and sometimes pre-decorated. They pop up in less than five minutes, and they fold down into a box that fits under most beds. What’s not to love?
Smaller Decorations - Don’t underestimate the effect of smaller decorations spread throughout your home. So many things can set the tone: candles, throw pillows, poinsettias, holiday artwork, a cinnamon fragrance, and Christmas music wafting through the air. A tree is not always necessary!
Help from Others
Lastly don’t forget that others may be willing to help. Family and friends might relish the opportunity to visit with you and decorate your home, especially if some fresh-baked cookies and eggnog are included. Crank up your Christmas Classics playlist and make it a party.
In certain areas, you may be able to locate a company that specializes in decorating for hire. Check Angie’s list or ask your local realtor for their contacts with staging companies.
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In the end, remember that the season is about spending time with those you care about. A warm smile and a hearty hug are the best holiday decorations of all!
