Up to 20 percent of the U.S. population find themselves becoming more depressed as winter arrives. While it is not possible to completely remedy this with the steps listed below, it is possible to add a measure of cheer to one’s daily routine by carefully cultivating an environment that supports creating your own unique path to joy.
The Magic of Light
One of the most magical aspects of modern winter holidays is the abundance of light. People decorate the exterior of their homes, bring trees and other greenery indoors to light, and wrap lights around banisters and mantles. All of these things will certainly help create a cheerful winter sanctuary but the need for abundant light in most areas of the country goes far beyond strings of colorful decorations
There are a number of ways to increase the lighting in your main entrance to offset the darker winter days.
The Psychology of Smell
Studies have shown a link between specific scents and automatic emotional responses. There is no universally accepted good or bad smell which gives each person the opportunity to explore various scents and identify those that evoke feelings of happiness and comfort.
- Delectable Treats – For many people the smell of food is one of the best ways to be welcomed home. This is why many realtors arrange to have cookies or muffins baking in a home they will be showing to potential buyers. Warm gingerbread cookies baking in the oven, orange, hot chocolate, apple pie, cinnamon, clove, vanilla, and peppermint are all things associated with winter holidays.
- Holiday Inspiration – Other people enjoy bringing a bit of the outdoors inside. They may enjoy the scent of pine or fir trees, cedar, spruce, sage, juniper, spearmint, thyme, and bay leaf. Frankincense and myrrh are also popular during the holidays.
Once you have identified the scents that trigger feelings of comfort and joy, incorporate them into your entryway space. Add jars of potpourri, essential oil diffusers, place scented pinecones near the front door, or burn incense to help your chosen scent welcome you home.
Thematic Fun
Changing the design elements in your entryway is a quick way to reset your home for the new season. It gives homeowners an opportunity to introduce regular change that isn’t overwhelming to their overall interior design.
- Forest Cabin – Who hasn’t wanted to escape to a quiet cabin in the mountains from time to time? It’s easy to add elements of that fantasy to greet you each time you arrive home. Woodland animals, rustic welcome signs, thick ropes of natural garlands, mason jars as vases, and old lanterns or other rustic items as accent pieces are all a great way to create an atmosphere reminiscent of cabin life.
- Santa’s Shop – One of the most cheerful places to visit is Santa’s North Pole Shop. You can bring a little of that into your home with extra Christmas trees, brightly wrapped packages, and favorite childhood games or toys strategically placed near your entrance. Consider the joy of walking up the path to your home to be welcomed by oversized boxes wrapped in beautiful Christmas paper positioned next to the front door. A visual treat that could be filled with gifts to go to a local homeless shelter, animal rescue center, or other favorite charity before the new year.
Photo Source: Pixabay
- Whoville Home – The Grinch is a perennial favorite for children and adults alike. The Whoville residents certainly had a unique and colorful interpretation of holiday cheer that can easily be replicated by those who enjoy the explosion of color. Include whimsical signs, stockings, gift packages, and ornaments. To amplify the impact choose bright colors, large sizes, and unusual arrangements.
Creating a welcoming and cheerful entrance to your home is one of the best ways to transition from the hectic pace of the outside world and create a personal oasis and retreat. Many of the method described above can be combined together. For example, scented candles will add more light and an uplifting aroma. They can then be placed in color coordinating candle holders that match the theme of the season atop a console table placed near the front door.
Have a great season!
