For a while, college ruined the holidays for me. Finals week always–ALWAYS–coincided with the holiday season, and usually the week right before. I spent so much time prepping for tests and then decompressing that I swear for those years, I missed Hanukkah and Christmas. Like, I knew they happened, but I completely spaced them out. While I got shopping done (thanks, UMD Stores!), my favorite holiday decorations were often left in their respective boxes, leaving me with a rather non-festive apartment.
Since graduation, I have gotten my holiday groove back, and now have traditions that have favorite decorations to go with them:
MY OWN LAKE SUPERIOR CAIRN MENORAH
I’m sure I’ve mentioned how my first business focused on up cycling; one of my favorite projects was taking those weatherworn and pretty flat and smooth rocks from Lake Superior and stacking them onto a piece of driftwood to make a menorah. It involved drilling through rock (still a favorite thing to do) and piling strategically to be not only aesthetically pleasing but also secure), and I loved it. I don’t know how many I made before I discontinued the item, but they were lovely. It is still what I use for my menorah today.
OMBRE BLUE DRIPLESS HANUKKAH CANDLES BY SAFED CANDLES
I have bought mass-produced candles, and they are just not up to snuff–in fact, they often snuff themselves out far before they burn all the way down. Dripless Hanukkah candles burn so clean, so efficiently that there is often nothing left when they get to the very bottom. They also leave very minimal wax residue, so after-season clean up is a breeze. I can’t recommend them enough!
BALSAM HILL UNLIT 6.5 FOOT BALSAM FIR TREE
If you have to have a faux tree, this is the one to have. It takes me less than two minutes to set it up, and it is so full that fluffing is nothing. I don’t know that I feel they are full-price nice, but if one can be purchased post-season with a half-off coupon, it’s a good value. While I have had it only a short time, it is bound to be a favorite holiday decoration for years to come.
SNOWFLAKES PEWTER ORNAMENTS FORM VILMAIN
Even though college ruined the winter holidays for me, the University of Minnesota Duluth did provide ample opportunities for holiday shopping in-between classes and finals. When I was there (2003-2007), the Tweed Museum had the cutest selection of gifts, including adorable pewter ornaments. Everyone–and I do mean everyone–received those as gifts one year. They are easily my favorite of the (non-handmade) holiday decorations, and I am so happy I picked myself up a set.
DECOR THAT INDICATES AN EXPERIENCE
Some of my favorite holiday decorations are one that were fun to do (such as the menorah). I have dipped my own candles, and I have blown glass ornaments at Lake Superior Art glass. Anytime I set these items out, it reminds me of how much fun they were to complete, which are wonderful memories (especially when completed in a class with a friend).
What are your favorite holiday decorations?
Kayla Lee is a Minnesota-based wedding and elopement photographer (and handcrafter and designer on the side). She serves elegant, authentic, sentimental couples who not only choose their own adventures, but also live them to the fullest! See more about the KLP Wedding Experience!
