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Christmas is a challenging time for many people and often we don't understand that the challenges aren't a revolt against the season so much as a challenge around what the season brings for the individual styles. C styles don't necessarily look forward to their entire family coming to stay and the mish mash of people all at their place, that can feel like chaos. I styles often love Christmas, and want the house glowing in all its festivities. To decorate every inch of the house is the goal of many an I style, and the C styles look at all the decorating and think it looks like "clutter" it messes with their orderly brain and makes it difficult for them to live in their own home. S styles want to ensure that everyone is happy and that the presents are fair for everyone and that all the food needs for everyone are catered for, their caring focus can make it exhausting. Does everyone have a comfortable bed and a present that will be meaningful for them? Their energy levels are really tested around all of the extra's that need to happen. D styles would like to be organising a productive and efficient season but there are curve balls going in every direction, their need to be agile and "let go" is really tested over this period of time. The plan is a great idea but may not all go according to the D styles preferences. When the plan is disrupted and the efficiencies they organised are messed with it can disturb them that what they meant to be organised and efficient has been messed up by others who couldn't organise themselves out of a paper bag! Christmas can be celebrated in an orderly way Christmas can be celebrated in a chaotic way Christmas can be celebrated in a last minute way Christmas can be celebrated with or without tinsel When you understand that behaviour comes from a person's style preferences and not from a particular desire to be difficult then as a family/couple/friend group maybe you can understand and show kindness and tolerance for the people that you normally love. I wish you all a kind holiday season 🎄✨ Marina Shearer

🎄 Each year, as we pull out the decorations, one tradition reigns supreme for me: decorating the Christmas (or Holiday, if that’s your style) tree. But with it comes the dreaded Griswoldian task of testing and checking the tree lights – because let’s face it, any Christmas tree loses its magic and simply doesn’t have the same charm when it’s filled with burned-out bulbs. And let's be honest, a decorated tree is much like life. Each one is unique—some vibrant and colorful, some grand and elaborate, others thoughtfully themed, and some adorned with cherished memories of holidays past. As we try to fill as much joy, love, and excitement of the Holidays into just 4 short weeks, it's also a perfect time to reflect on how we can "tend to our lights" and make sure we're shining brightly for ourselves and others. Whether it's through small moments of quiet or acts of self-care, tending to our "flickering" parts can help us fully embrace the beauty of the season. It is the season of giving, but we have to remember that it's also the season of giving yourself a break and getting a chance to restore your own light —because self-care is just as important as the joy we spread. #SelfCare #Restore #Reflect #MerryChristmas #HappyHolidays

The holiday season is magical, but keeping your furry friends safe around decorations is key! Here are some quick tips: 🎄 Choose Pet-Safe Decorations -Avoid sharp or breakable ornaments. -Opt for flameless candles instead of real ones. 🛡️ Secure Your Tree -Anchor your tree to prevent tipping. -Keep electrical cords out of reach. 🚫 Skip the Tinsel and Ribbons -These can be choking hazards or cause blockages if ingested. 🍴 Watch Those Holiday Treats -Keep chocolate, grapes, and festive foods away from curious paws. 🐾 Create a Pet-Free Zone -Block off areas with delicate or dangerous décor. Keep the holidays merry, bright, and safe for all family members — two-legged and four-legged alike!

As Christmas approaches our personalities can add a unique spin to the festivities! From Dominance to Steadiness, each DiSC profile brings its own flair to everything from decorating to family time. Discover how your personality might approach the season’s joys and stresses in our new blog: DiSC Personalities and the Festive Season.  Read more to see how understanding these styles can make the holidays even more harmonious!  https://lnkd.in/gUxc9NCv #PersonalDevelopment #SelfAwareness #EmotionalIntelligence

Did you know that psychologists suggest individuals who begin their holiday decorating early tend to be more cheerful? 🙂 Let's explore the reasons behind this 👇 🎁 Boosts dopamine: The twinkling lights and vibrant colours can actually increase dopamine levels, the hormone responsible for enhancing your mood. 🎁 Sparks joy: Embracing the decorating spirit can fill you with joy and anticipation, while also evoking fond memories. 🎁 Sets a festive vibe: Initiating holiday cheer early can effectively set the tone for a joyful season. 🎁 Works as colour therapy: The array of colours is believed to elevate energy and happiness levels. 🎁 Fosters community bonds: Decorating the exterior of your home can make you appear more approachable to neighbours, fostering positive relationships! 🎁 Evokes memories of loved ones: For many, decorating brings back cherished memories of times spent with loved ones who are no longer with us. As year-round Christmas Decorators, we now understand why we're always so cheerful! #christmaswreath #christmasdecorating #christmasdecorations

🎄 Holiday Preparations Require... Safety Glasses? 🎄 Who would've thought that decorating a Christmas tree could require protective gear! 😅 As I was fluffing the branches of our snowy tree, I quickly discovered that each adjustment sent a flurry of faux snow cascading down. Let's just say, safety glasses might be the unsung hero of holiday decorating this year! But jokes aside, these little moments are what make the holiday season so memorable. The unexpected laughs, the playful messes, and the joy of getting everything just right—even if it means getting "snow" in your eyes indoors. Wishing everyone a festive and safe holiday season filled with laughter and maybe a pair of safety glasses just in case! How are your holiday preparations going? Any funny decorating mishaps to share? #HolidayHumor #FestiveSeason #SafetyFirst #HolidayPreparations

The decorations are up and Christmas is on its way. Are you feeling the pressure? Trying to get work done and buy gifts? Preparing for visitors? I'm an interior designer so I love it when things look lovely. But do you know what? Who actually cares at Christmas? Hang those years old tacky baubles up. They have memories attached. You don't need to head off to the forest and forage for holly and leafy greenery to go on the mantelpiece. The house doesn't need to be perfect to be able to enjoy the festive season. What is important? Being with the ones we love, sharing meaningful and personal gifts, however small. A personal, homemade present will be appreciated so much more than a run-of-the-mill gift bought from a large company. Buy local. Make considered purchases from small businesses and individual makers. You know they do a happy dance, right? In the future, when your children and grandchildren look back on Christmases past, they won't remember the things they were bought. But they will remember how they had wonderful Christmases, filled with warmth, love and care. I'll be working up to Christmas, the same as many. But make time to relax, enjoy and take a break. You will thank yourself and so will your family and friends. And in the New Year, if one of your goals for the year is to redesign your bedroom, or get that living room sorted, or splash out on a new kitchen, get in touch and I'll help you make that vision come true. Until then, have a mince pie or three at your desk. Organise your time so you don't feel under pressure. And don't think it all has to be 'perfect' because believe me, it really doesn't.

Do you go all out with early holiday decor, or do you like to wait until closer to the season? 🎄 We’re team “decorate early” over here! Adding festive cheer in November just makes those long, dark winter days feel a little brighter and cozier. 🕯️ Whenever you decide to decorate, don’t forget to keep an eye on your pets—especially curious puppies or kittens! Shiny ornaments and twinkling lights might look like irresistible toys to them. Also, if you’ve added outdoor decorations, remember that puppies or dogs who haven’t been exposed to them before might find them a little spooky. Help your pup feel confident by giving them time to check out the decorations at their own pace, rewarding calm behaviour with treats or praise. A little patience goes a long way toward helping them adjust! Celebrate and encourage the good behaviour your pet shows around your holiday setup, and hey, there’s no shame in building a little fortress around the tree if needed. 😅

Christmas Challenges When You’re Visually Impaired The festive season is full of magic, but for those of us with vision impairments, it can come with unique challenges. Twinkling lights and elaborate decorations are beautiful for many, but they can make navigating spaces more difficult. Unfamiliar layouts in shops, unexpected obstacles, and even reflective surfaces can turn a festive outing into a bit of an obstacle course. Crowded Christmas markets and busy streets can also be overwhelming. Relying on sound cues becomes trickier with so much noise around, and it’s easy to feel disoriented. Let’s not forget the extra consideration for guide dogs, who might find these busy, chaotic environments stressful too. This time of year is all about coming together, so let’s remember to make the festive season accessible and inclusive for everyone. Whether it’s leaving clear paths, offering help when asked, or just being patient, small actions can make a big difference. #ChristmasAccessibility #VisuallyImpaired #InclusiveFestivities #GuideDogLife #SightLossJourney #AccessibleHolidays #FestiveSeasonChallenges #VICommunity

🎄✨ When's the Perfect Time to Put Up Your Christmas Tree? ✨🎄 Ah, the age-old debate: When should the Christmas tree go up? 🌟 Whether you're a "November 1st, let’s kickstart the festive cheer" kind of person or a "strictly December 1st, it’s tradition" type, there’s no wrong answer—just what feels right for you and your family. 🎅🎁 Some people love getting in the spirit early to soak up all the festive vibes, while others prefer sticking to a more traditional timeline. If you're selling or settling into a new home, decorating your space with a Christmas tree can create an inviting, warm atmosphere—perfect for holiday buyers or making your house feel like home. 🏡❤️ What’s your go-to timing for decking the halls? Let us know in the comments! 👇 #RealWayAustralia #ChristmasTreeDebate #HomeForTheHolidays