
Think sparse trees and wintry palettes
The Hindu
Also try cinnamon-scented candles and glass ornaments this Christmas. They are quick add-ons that usher in the mood of the season
Garlands and wreaths, fairy lights, ornaments and bows... it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Traditionalists believe that the holiday season isn’t in full swing until the Christmas tree is kitted out, but there are other small and simple ways to incorporate the sights and smells of this magical time into your home. We suggest you get into the holiday mood by choosing a décor style that suits you and your home best.
Traditional: You can never go wrong with a classic red and green palette. But Mumbai-based décor influencer and avid Christmas enthusiast Rukmini Ray Kadam recommends darker shades — one notch darker than jewel tones. “Think dark maroon and dark, dark greens. Flank with dull, antique gold,” she suggests.
Modern: Almost anything can go in this kind of setup. Neutrals and nudes with a bit of cream and gold work well as does the dark green, white, and black palette that looks brilliant. Rukmini offers some other options: “A bit of blush and sage, or of course, all white!”
Farmhouse/ rustic: Decking the halls in country chic can translate into a rustic and vintage-style Christmas. Pair plaids, buffalo checks, and ginghams with exposed wood, cheery accents, and winter greens. “Work with natural textures, reclaimed woods, distressed metals, and a seasonal colour palette to create a warm, comfy space,” says Hyderabad-based designer Aditya Goutham.
Wintry: Wintry palettes can either be white or cosy. “For the white winter, stick to whites and add lots of textural details with a tiny bit of blue or white glitter,” Rukmini says. For the cosy winter palette, bring in ample textural elements in wood tones, green, and rust.
The holiday season and the drop in temperature necessitate cosy textures at play, both visual and tactile. “Think faux fur, plaids, chequered patterns and some grain sack in cream and red. Strewn all over the house, they look and feel absolutely wonderful,” Rukmini says.
Abhinayah Sundaramoorthy, co-founder, The Yellow Dwelling, suggests bringing out classic reds, prints, and patterns in cushions along with a comfy throw to create that hygge feel. “Place a few candles by your side table or coffee table. Yes, this could be your perfect setting to binge-watch your favourite holiday movie with a warm drink in hand!” she suggests.

In a study published in the journal Mammalian Biology on December 23, 2024, researchers compared the calls of Asian elephants based on their age, sex, and behaviour. They found the duration of trumpets remained fairly consistent across all age classes for both male and female Asian elephants but roars and roar-rumbles got longer with age.