homestead

Sometimes getting into the holiday spirit can be hard. We aren’t always mentally ready for the holidays when they come around, especially if you’ve had a tough year or have never really celebrated the holiday in the first place. Here are a few tips to help you get into the groove.

One: Bake something that reminds you of the holiday season. It could be something savory or sweet. Cut out cookies are pretty fun and easy to make. Kids especially love the whole process of making and decorating them. It can be a fun and memorable experience.

Two: Make yourself a holiday cocktail or a fancy hot cocoa. This can put you in the holiday spirit and ease some holiday stress and tension. Heck! Why not invite a few friends over for a small holiday gathering? Spending time with others during the holidays can bring about the holiday spirit.

Three: Watch holiday movies. Watching the movies that spark nostalgia are the types I tend to gravitate to during the holiday season. Also try a few of the newer Christmas movies. They are extremely cheesy but sometimes a little cheese is good for the soul.

Four: Make a homemade holiday potpourri or other Christmas crafts such as ornaments or garlands. The smell of a good potpourri wafting through the house is enough to relax you and get you into the holiday spirit. A good mix to try is cinnamon sticks, orange slices, cranberries, and anise. You can also make easy natural holiday wreaths and garlands from dried oranges and cranberries. Get creative and have fun!

Five: Buy a potted Christmas tree you can keep as a houseplant. Check your local big box stores for potted Christmas trees. They make gorgeous trees decorated for the holiday and give texture and color all year long indoors.

There’s so much joy to be had during the holiday season. Even if its just one day, try some of these tips to get you in the holiday spirit.

Happy Holidays,

Ciearra

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! You know the song right? If not that’s ok. November and December hold so many wonderful memories for me, but between shopping and gift giving, it can get crazy and overwhelming. So let me help you with Christmas gift ideas for the gardener in your life!

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission to fund my houseplant habit if you use these links to make a purchase. You will not be charged extra, and you’ll keep me in the garden. It’s a win for everyone, really.

One: Garden Boots

I don’t know one gardener who doesn’t love a good pair of boots to tromp around the garden in. Just be sure they are the right size and are comfy. A good pair of garden boots will make an excellent Christmas gift for the gardener in your life!

Two: Potting Bench

This is a perfect gift for any gardener! Having a place dedicated to potting up or repotting is invaluable to a gardener, not to mention less back pains from bending over to re-home a plant!

Three: Garden Tools

I don’t know one gardener who doesn’t love getting new tools. Not one… There are some garden tools that can last a long time with proper care and others that just fall apart in one season, so invest in good tools. A brand that I prefer is Fiskars; their products are priced fairly and last.

Four: Harvest Basket

A great harvest basket can make the harvesting job so much easier. Things to look for are comfortable handles and a size that’s appropriate for your harvest.

Five: Raised Garden Beds

Whether resting on the ground or elevated higher, raised garden beds are amazing. Not only can they be much easier on your back, but they are great if the gardener in your life is concerned about starting a bed in poor native soil. Garden beds can be easy to construct from scratch, but there are also plenty of easy-to-assemble kits that make set up a breeze.

Six: Quirky Pots

What gardener wouldn’t love opening a Christmas gift of cool new pots?! There are so many great options for pots. My favorite types of pots are made from terra cotta or ceramic. Don’t forget to find some that have have drainage holes though if you’re not looking forward to some quality time with a power drill!

Seven: Watering Can

As a gardener you can never have too many watering cans. I keep one on each floor of the home and several in the garage to use in my garden.

Eight: Soil Test

Every gardener needs to know what type of soil they have as it’s essential to know what’s lacking or in over abundance. While it may not be the flashiest gift, if you’ve caught clues the gardener in your life may have concerns about their soil, this could be much appreciated.

Nine: Garden Statues

Statues can add so much whimsy, wonder, and elegance. Picking the right one for the garden can elevate your space and give it a formal feel, while also putting some personal expression into the area.

Ten: Garden Arbor

One of my favorite structures to place in the garden. Arbors add structure and height to any area you place them. Add a blooming climbing plant and you’ve got yourself a beautiful eye-catching structure.

Eleven: Garden Bench

A place to rest and view all of your hard work is something a gardener values. While it’s important to find a stye that matches the space and taste of the gift recipient, comfortability and durability in the elements are also important factors to consider.

Twelve: Garden Gloves

Do I even need to explain this one? Most people don’t realize that gardening gloves have a bad habit of getting themselves lost, so gardeners always appreciate pairs to spare. Protecting your hands is very important when you’re dealing with plants and soils. Some plants have saps that can cause skin irritations.

Thirteen: Garden Hat

Hats are such a good gift for gardeners. They help to protect your scalp, face and shoulders from the harsh UV rays from the sun. Might as well throw in some sunblock too!

Fourteen: Garden Books

Gardening books are the light within the darkness of winter. We need inspiration over winter and books are a big help. While trying to pick a gift from a book store or website may be imposing, focus on specific topics that may interest someone you’re shopping for, and check out the reviews.

Fifteen: Seeds

If your gardener loves to start seeds, then this is a great gift! Seed starters love to collect seeds and keep a stockpile of seeds on hand. While you can frequently find seed packet displays at retail stores, head online if you want to find a more diverse selection.

Sixteen: Dormant plants

You can find so many plants that can ship dormant during the winter months, roses being one of my favorites.

Seventeen: Augers

Augers are so useful in the garden. When used with the appropriate sized drill, you can take the hard work out of in-ground planting. Before you buy this for your gardener, make sure they have a power drill.

Eighteen: Garden Fountain

Garden fountains are so formal and elegant, and they make a great center piece in the garden. They are also good for birds and other critters who would like to get a drink during the hot summer.

Nineteen: Gift Cards

I don’t know one person who doesn’t like gift cards, especially if it’s to one of their favorite stores or greenhouses. If you cannot find the perfect gift, a gift card will suffice.

Twenty: Greenhouse

I think that having a greenhouse is every gardeners dream. Heated greenhouses allow you to garden all year long, while a cold frame greenhouse can protect against frost and bitter winds. You can find a more permanent greenhouse structure or some that you can take down and move around. There’s a greenhouse for every budget. This is by far one of the best Christmas gift ideas for the gardener or budding gardener in your life!

Happy Holidays and Happy Gardening!

Ciearra