The 5 Festive Senses
December is wholly, totally and completely given over to Christmas in every aspect of living; but this year it carries a sombre note. We have lost loved ones and may find that friends and family are not with us in the same way as in previous years. Kestrel is therefore dedicating December to bringing some festive feeling back to all areas of our homes, without breaking the bank. Allow your 5 senses to be taken on a festive journey!.
- Deck the halls: And everywhere else! Baubles can be tied together in bunches and fixed with ribbon to stairposts, ceilings, doors and forgotten corners. Visually, Christmas is very easy to do. We have trees and lights and put up mistletoe, but this year, spread this throughout the whole house. Thread tinsel through the banisters, and use battery LED fairy lights to bring a warm glow to windowsills, bedrooms and even the bathroom! If ever there was a year in which we needed festive cheer, 2020 is it. Add some baubles and a set of lights together in a glass bowl for an elegant glow in the bedroom.
- Hear the bells ring: Perhaps the greatest joy of Christmas carols and music is that none of them contain the words we have come to loathe this year; unprecedented, covid, mask, sanitiser. Instead they speak of joy, light, hope and love. Download your favourites into playlists and get them playing. Many voice activated devices can link directly to these lists so you can indulge in a quiet, traditional vibe in one part of the home, whilst others blast out party hits in another.
- Touch the magic: Christmas brings with it a whole host of textures to enjoy. From the needles on the tree to the rough glitter on cards. Embrace it all! Unleash your craft skills and get making decorations and wreaths. Paperchains, hanging decorations, oranges studded with cloves- each one requires patience but is ideal for bringing the family together, especially children. Our Pinterest boards are stuffed with ideas on things to make for all ages.
- Taste of Christmas: By far the most obvious one, especially for us, is taste; afterall Christmas brings with it a whole host of delicious foods to make and enjoy. The kitchen will be working hard, and the cupboards and fridge will be groaning with your efforts. Plan ahead and have some easy to reheat meals in the freezer for the days where you are too busy or tired to cook. Stock up (responsibly) on items that are likely to suddenly run out at home like eggs, milk and bread. Practicalities aside, why not indulge in making something new for the festive period? Chocolate bread and butter pudding is always welcomed!
- The smell of Christmas: Smells and scents are the most powerful way to evoke memories, and at Christmas there are many to enjoy. The food cooking, the wine mulling (we use the slow cooker for this) and the scent of the tree all combine to take us back to happier times. There are also a huge variety of scented candles, oil burners and reed diffusers to buy which can fill the whole room with a particular fragrance. Citrus smells work best in areas where concentration is needed, such as a home office, whilst soft scents like sandalwood, vanilla and lavender are best for bedrooms. Strong scents like pine, spiced orange and cocoa are good for the larger rooms such as living spaces. Always follow safety guidelines when using naked flames.
