Shelf Decorating

Holiday time in a CCRC is full of activities. Tree trimming, floor parties, shelf decorating, Christmas sweater contests, special drinks, and Feasts on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

We don’t have to give up decorating the outside of our home because of our shelves.

Every apartment has a waist high shelf next to the door. It was originally designed for a place to set the grocery bags. But it became much more with the creativity of residents.

Seasonal decorating has become the standard, For example, during November shelves are awash in the colors of autumn and Thanksgiving. Small pilgrim figures stand among leaves of gold, yellow, and orange. Horns of Plenty spill out the fruits of the harvest.

We learned early on not to get rid of all our decorative Knick knacks because they become the fodder for shelf decorations. Yes, we do see the Dollar Tree decorations, but we also see fancy plates, vases , and objet d’arts.

One wing on the St. Charles fourth floor is outstanding with row after row of apartment shelves decked out with artistic arrangements.

Years ago, there used to be contests in December but it got a little competitive. There were reports of professional assistance with the decorations that included door frames and wall space around the shelf. Those days are over.