With so many of us staying home for the holidays, people are stepping up their decorating game this year. And why not take the time to go big and celebrate the fact that we’ve nearly made it through 2020? Even if you’re missing out on seeing family or forgoing some holiday traditions, we can still be thankful for all we have and share that joy with the neighbourhood. Plus, decorating is a good activity for the household and it’s hard to feel blue when you’re holding a candy cane. This blog is all about the things that are giving us creative inspiration this holiday season.
High Tech
Get ready to astound the neighbours! This year, you’re for sure winning the prize for best-decorated house on the block with a little help from your holographic friends. A digital outfit called AtmosFx has super realistic 3D holiday projections you can use inside or outside to wow your family and passersby. Use walls, mirrors, windows, sheets—just about anything as a surface for projection. Tutorial videos on the company’s website show you how to transform your roof into a landing pad for Santa or your window into a winter wonderland. Animated projections include all sorts of holiday-inspired images from Marley’s ghost to a menorah.
Drive Through Lights and Outdoor Displays
This year has been all about getting outside. It’s a good way to ensure physical distancing during the pandemic and many of us have been inspired to embrace the great outdoors. The holiday version of an outdoor experience is popping up all over the province. Get in your car to check out the many Christmas light displays that are entertaining and enchanting people across Ontario. Some are free and some include a fee and require tickets, so check ahead.
2020 Pandemic Ornaments
This decorating inspiration comes from the lighter side of a difficult year. Many 2020 Christmas trees are sporting pandemic-inspired ornaments. There are masks on everyone from Santa Claus to elves. Choose from a collection that includes miniature hand sanitizers and toilet paper that comes in singles and
stacks. A dumpster fire ornament is a popular choice. In 2020, these are a few of our favourite things. If you’re interested in adding some COVID flair to your holiday decorations, Etsy is providing some very creative options.
DIY
You’re home, you have extra time, the kids are driving you nuts—sound familiar? It’s time for a holiday DIY project for some family entertainment with gorgeous results. If you’d like to replace that tired-looking Santa candle you got in 2008, channel your creative energy into a holiday decoration project. Keep it simple with a collection of festive cards arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree. Give you gift-wrapping a boost with extra bows or a hand-made name card. Feeling a little more ambitious? Make a wreath out of pinecones and fabric strips or stick to the traditional greenery. And if you’re feeling cheeky, make your own ode to 2020 ornament.
Save Some for Santa!
Nothing says holidays more than baking! We may not be going to cookie exchanges this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t satisfy your own cravings. This is another good family activity with the bonus of delicious treats. Stick with the holiday classics like sugar cookies and gingerbread. Try an original recipe with a new gadget like a cookie press that makes treats as pretty as they are tasty. Cater to the vegan in your house or try an unusual ingredient like lavender. Tea drinkers can attempt a cookie with early grey or chai ingredients. Is your mouth watering yet? All the above suggestions and more can be found here.
Get Creative
At Key West Video, we love to draw inspiration from the work other people are doing and use it to fuel our own projects. At this time of year, there’s so much to influence and motivate the crew! We hope you find some ideas here that lead to a festive holiday season.
