Four ways to personalize your holiday decorating

Decorating is a wonderful form of self expression so this holiday, whether you're celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, Chrismukkah or just the festive season in general, why not celebrate in a weird and wonderful way that is uniquely you? For example, I loved Samantha Bee's approach in her recent article for Chatelaine of making the holidays wonderful by doing whatever it is that makes her the most happy. I think this notion definitely extends to holiday decor - the purpose is to create a space that makes you feel happy.

1. Pick your favourite colour: There's no reason why the traditional palettes (red and green) need reign supreme, if your home is in shades of orange and blue or if you have a passion for bright pink, feel free to go with whatever colour under the rainbow truly makes your heart sing. A yellow Christmas anyone?

2. Go modern: Antiques and items with a history have an intrinsically nostalgic holiday feeling, but if your style is more slick and modern, there's no need to follow convention. Frame some black and white prints with wintry imagery, or use some very simple, minimal decorations in neutral metallics for a sophisticated, and thoroughly modern look.

3. Nix the tree: Perhaps you're in an apartment and don't have the space, or maybe you just want a break this year from fighting with a string of lights and pine needles, why not have a Christmas palm tree? Or trace out a Christmas tree shape with paper or lights on the wall? (See our idea here.) Or perhaps you want to forgo a tree altogether - whatever it is, feel free to choose whatever option is most practical for your home and lifestyle.

4. Incorporate personal photos: The best part of the holidays is getting together with friends and family. Unfortunately, the restraints of time and distance mean that we may not end up being able to see everyone we would like to. Bring all your favourite people into your home over the holidays by bringing out extra photos to display during the season. Whether they are images of holiday celebrations past, or just a favourite photo of someone you love, surrounding yourself with these happy memories will fill your heart with a little holiday cheer. Tip: Unify all these different images by making these festive photo frames. Use whatever wrapping paper suits the colours and style of your home to create the perfect holiday display.

The important thing to remember is there are no wrong answers, what's really important is not the items that we put up around our homes, but how they make us feel. And I hope that how you choose to decorate makes you smile.