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Christmas shopping, busy work load, school activity—as many people know, November and December can often become times of stress rather than peace and wonder.

While we might not be able to control the things going on outside the house, we can control our own personal space, and how that space makes us feel. Fall is a great time to bring some intention and mindfulness into creating a magical Christmas wonderland in your home, a place that brings you joy, peace, and rest after a long day.

Here are four ways to create that sense of peace, place, and joy, right in your living room.

1. USE TEXTURE, COLOR, & LIGHT TO CREATE AN IMMERSIVE AMBIENCE.

Pewter pairs wonderfully with rich, earthy textures like velvet, linen, evergreen boughs, wood, and silk. Get creative with your side tables, mantlepiece, and other areas of the house to create a warm atmosphere that you love to be in.

Pewter pairs wonderfully with rich, earthy textures like velvet, linen, evergreen boughs, wood, and silk. Get creative with your side tables, mantlepiece, and other areas of the house to create a warm atmosphere that you love to be in.

Decorating with texture and light goes a long way in creating a warm, meditative sanctuary. It also brings guests a sense of "wow" when they walk in! Whether you're hosting or staying home this holiday season, putting some thought into the ambience of whichever room you spend the most time in will bring you a sense of peace and calm when you're there.

2. HANG YOUR ORNAMENTS...WELL BEFORE THE TREE ARRIVES!

Our handcrafted ornaments are designed not just for the tree, but to be hung around the house—in windows, on the mantle, anywhere that can use a Christmasy touch.

If you don't have an ornament hanger, get creative. Hang them from pine boughs along the stairway or mantle. Tie a ribbon across a doorway and hang a set of ornaments such as our Bird Ornaments or 12 Days of Christmas Ornaments. Hang them on a houseplant for a quick, Christmasy touch before the tree arrives.

3. ADD SOME WHIMSY TO YOUR USUAL HOLIDAY DECOR.

There's nothing like finding a little surprise where you least expect it...a Gnome in your Christmas village, an elephant in your Advent Calendar, Santa's Key hanging on the door!

Certainly, Christmas is a time for spiritual reflection. That doesn't mean there's not room for some playfulness! Finding ways to be creative in your Advent rituals can help you stay childlike and open up to joy, laughter, and fun.

4. CREATE A RITUAL OF MINDFULNESS AND REFLECTION.

There's no better way to bring light and warmth to these darkening evenings than with the warm glow of oil lamps. Their gentle flames will illuminate the long winter nights and help you find mindfulness and peace. Many people make a ritual of lighting an oil lamp before doing a daily meditation, reading from the Bible or another spiritual book, or spending time with family.

They pair nicely with Christmas trees, candles, and firelight, too, further creating a uniquely warm and beautiful atmosphere.

We hope these four suggestions have given you ideas to create your own personal winter wonderland, whether it's using these exact suggestions, or sparking a new idea of your own.

Now and always, we wish you warmth, peace, and joy. Thank you for allowing Danforth to be a part of your traditions.