On a winter street, doors communicate something subtle yet powerful. Some remain bare; others carry a circle of green. You may notice the adornments without even stopping. There’s a fir bough here, a frosted ribbon there.
The wreath is one of the few decorations that lives between private life and public space. It marks the season without demanding a religious belief. For centuries, this ring of greenery has signaled continuity during the year’s coldest stretch. Today, it is displayed for a few weeks, then returned to the ground or the closet.
Though artificial wreaths are all too common nowadays, framing your entryway with a natural piece will add an authentic, warm touch that honors the season.
The wreath’s shape carries ancient meaning. The circle, unbroken and without beginning or end, was long understood as a sign of eternity, life’s unending cycle, and renewal. Humans have cherished this simple geometry across time, not only for its beauty but also for what it quietly suggests about continuity and return.
Before wreaths adorned front doors, they encircled heads and hearts across ancient worlds. In Greece and Rome, laurel wreaths were worn like crowns, symbols of triumph, honor, and status. Victorious athletes at the original Olympic Games received wreaths made of olive branches, a practice that later spread into art and public ceremony.
Later, in the forests of northern Europe, evergreen wreaths took on a different life. Made from branches that kept their color even in winter, they became signs of resilience and hope through the darkest days. People in Germanic and Scandinavian cultures hung evergreens at the solstice to celebrate life enduring against the cold.
Over time, this form moved inward. As doors became personal statements, we adapted how we used wreaths. They stopped speaking for a village and began speaking for households.
A wreath’s lifespan is decided long before it reaches a door. Species, cut date, and weather shape its endurance. Evergreens harvested in colder conditions last longer; those cut too early fade quickly. If you plan on purchasing an organic wreath, late November through early December offers a narrow window when freshness and durability briefly align.
People who make wreaths speak plainly about materials. Fir and pine hold their scent. Cedar dries faster, taking on a silvery softness as it ages. Juniper keeps its color but sheds when disturbed. And once you hang a wreath, it responds to the cold, sun, and wind.
Your doorway adds its own limits. South-facing doors with glass panels introduce warmth that speeds drying. Windy entries tug at fastenings and loosen needles. Dense forms tend to withstand exposure better, while looser arrangements belong on sheltered porches.
When you hang a wreath, you should balance the dimensions and finish of your door, the weather, and the wreath’s weight. Over-the-door padded hooks can protect your door’s finish. Adhesive hooks can work outdoors if rated for cold and load, though they require patience and a clean surface.
Caring for a wreath is mostly a matter of attention. In colder climates, the season often does the work on its own, preserving the greens through consistent low temperatures. During a brief thaw, you can lightly mist it with a spray bottle to keep the branches flexible. In milder or drier regions, you can soak the greens before hanging.
When the season has passed, removal completes the ritual. On a dry day, cut away wire frames and synthetic ties and set the frames aside for reuse.
The greens themselves still have a role to play. Evergreen clippings break down slowly, making them useful long after they leave your door. Layered onto garden beds, they insulate soil and protect roots from sudden cold. Tucked around shrubs, they shield against wind and temperature swings. Many towns collect wreaths after the holidays, sending them to farms, shoreline-restoration projects, or municipal compost sites.
Being true to its longtime tradition of renewal, the wreath lingers after the holidays. It simply takes its place for a while, then steps back and returns to the soil, making the next season possible.
Intense exercise carries the risk of injuring your muscles and joints, especially if you’re a senior. However, personal trainer Henry Pollock of GYMGUYZ in Austin, Texas, explains how you can work out more safely with low-impact alternatives.
Tell us about your fitness background:
I’ve been in fitness and parks-and-recreation management for about thirteen years. I started by receiving a personal training certification then started working for a municipal recreation center, where I fell in love with the parks system. I worked my way up the chain and have had multiple certifications, including becoming an ISSA Certified Master Trainer, which is my current role at GYMGUYZ.
I’ve held over 2,500 sessions in my time, guiding a variety of different classes and clients. I absolutely love fitness, and my motto is always to make people healthier and happier than when we first met.
How would you define low-impact exercise?
These are exercises that aren’t too hard on any of the muscles or joints. They’re easily accessible for seniors and won’t cause any further injury or extreme pain to their workload.
High-impact activities include anything that involves jumping or heavy weight lifting. Obviously, we don’t want to put seniors through intense sprinting, downhill running, or heavy squats, for example. But “high-impact” is a relative term depending on the person, and it’s not necessarily a bad thing—just as low-impact doesn’t necessarily mean “good workouts.” Exercising safely is really just about not stressing the body past a certain point.
Should even young and able-bodied people be concerned about impact?
In a sense, yes. You can always overload your body, and high-impact exercise always carries more risk than low-impact fitness. The former has a place in any routine, though. Weight training is a great exercise for many seniors, for example. You’ll need to build lean muscle mass as you get older, which can keep you safe against falls and other risks. These people should tailor their approach to high-impact exercises, not omit them.
What are some examples of low-impact exercises?
These include squatting-to-standing moves or sitting-to-standing ones, using the wall to do push-ups, doing calisthenics on a floor or bench, and other body-weight exercises like hip hinges or thrusts. These are exercises you can do without incorporating extra weights. Some other low-impact exercises that I strongly recommend, especially for seniors, are yoga and water or aerobic exercises. Getting in the water is extremely good for your body because it naturally diffuses impact, but you can still stress the right muscle groups and get a good cardio workout.
Recumbent bikes, ellipticals, and upper-body bikes also offer great cardio exercise. These are generally low-impact in nature and carry a low risk of injury. Some other good types of training include balance exercises, such as tai chi and slow-marching with heel-toe movements.
How important is form for impact?
Form is critical for any type of exercise, whether you’re working with strength equipment or just walking. It’s really what trainers look at to make sure that our clients are doing exercises correctly, even simple ones, since using the correct modality reduces their risk of injury. What’s key is working gradually according to your needs and seeking a trainer’s help to check your form and help you make progress.
What are the top advantages of working out with a trainer?
It’s extremely important to seek advice because each person is different: their injuries, ailments, goals, etc. Ultimately, when you hire a trainer, you’re going to get better results because they will help you stick to the “big three” in fitness: accountability, a plan, and nutrition, catering them to your needs.
When I work with clientele, I always start with an assessment to understand where they are and what their needs are. Everyone has different goals. Many of my clients live a more sedentary life, but others have experienced balance issues due to vertigo or even a serious injury and are learning how to walk again.
How do you recommend someone begin a new regimen?
One of the best ways to get started, especially if you’re looking to prioritize low-impact exercise, is to seek out local group exercise classes. I think it’s particularly great for seniors to work out in a group setting because of the socialization aspect. There are lots of different classes offered in elderly settings, like SilverSneakers, with low-impact routines geared toward that demographic. But instead of just jumping into any random class, make sure you’re getting into one that targets your demographic and goals.
However, one-on-one training offers the best customized experience, so you get what you need. For example, GYMGUYZ can bring fitness to your home since we carry equipment in our van and can provide personal training and accountability. That’s a huge advantage for those with transportation challenges, including seniors, teenagers, and people recovering from an injury, as well as folks who live in towns without gyms. There’s also a comfort factor because gyms can feel intimidating for some people, but the comfort of working with a trainer at home can lead to greater success.
For more info, visit gymguyz.com
Autumn ushers in the return of blankets, sweaters, and colder weather—with the chill of winter not far behind. Why not spend some time this season working on improvements that make your house feel infinitely more comfortable and livable? The following ideas are easy and quick enough to complete as weekend projects but can provide years of enjoyment in return. So grab your tool kit, and give your home a DIY-style refresh.
Here are a pair of essential weekend tasks to tackle this time of year, regardless of where you live.
Seal drafty windows and doors
Air leaks can put a serious damper on your home’s comfort level and electric bill. Run your hand around these areas to feel for cool air, and seal any cracks you find with caulk. An even easier fix for doors? Purchase a draft stopper to place under doors.
Test your detectors
Check the batteries in your smoke detectors and other alarm systems, and replace them if needed. Also, make sure your detectors aren’t out of date—most smoke alarms are good for ten years and carbon monoxide units five to seven years.
Get a jump on the holidays by prioritizing organization now. Storage upgrades can help you maximize your space to eliminate clutter and create peace and order throughout your home. When everything is in its place, it’s much easier to focus your attention on other improvements.
Built-ins
Built-ins can be beneficial just about anywhere in your home, but good places to start are your entryways and closets. You can purchase and install built-in shelving yourself relatively inexpensively, and it will provide enormous benefit when it comes to keeping your items concealed and tidy. In the entryway, consider installing floor-level cubicles to store things like shoes and umbrellas. Tall, rectangular cubicles can also be great for hanging coats. In your closets, built-ins can help keep similar items together and prevent clutter from accumulating.
Basement and attic organization
If you are currently using your basement or attic for storage purposes but these spaces feel very disorganized, now is the time to tackle them. In the attic, start by clearing away as much clutter as possible so you can remove dust and grime from the floor. Once the floor is clean, group like items together, and place them in clear storage bins for easy access. Arrange the bins throughout the attic by season, rotating the holiday ones to the front.
In the basement, go through the items you have, and compile them into throw-away, store, and donate piles. Designate one wall for storage purposes, and install sturdy plastic or metal shelving to keep items off the floor. Place anything you’re keeping in clear plastic bins, organized into item type, label the bins, and set them on the shelves.
Giving your bathroom a little TLC can go a long way toward improving your quality of life at home. These simple fixes can work wonders to help you create a spa-like atmosphere.
Incorporate greenery
You might not think of the bathroom when decorating with plants and greenery, but you should. Adding potted or hanging plants that thrive in a warm, humid location, such as pothos, aloe vera, and spider plants, can contribute to a fresh and clean feel. For an even more therapeutic effect, hanging eucalyptus in your shower can promote relaxation and help clear sinuses irritated by cold weather.
Swap out towels
If your bath towels are feeling a little worse for wear, consider investing in high-quality, plush replacements. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in the way you care for yourself and your skin. Just be sure to wash any new towels a few times before using them to remove loose fibers that can hinder absorption.
As daylight hours decrease, you may find it difficult to bring natural light into your home. So why not invest in proper lighting that will illuminate your spaces?
Statement lighting
An eye-catching lighting fixture can immediately transform your entryway, dining room, or kitchen. Choose a piece or pieces that match the rest of your decor and style to ensure a cohesive look, whether it’s modern, rustic, or midcentury. You don’t have to go for the most expensive-looking chandelier, either. Sites like Wayfair and Etsy offer custom pieces to match your personal taste.
Dimmers and timers
This season is all about mood lighting, and, while candles can provide their own ambience, installing dimmers and timers for your lights can be extra helpful. Remote-controlled dimmers are great for living rooms and other lounge spaces where you might gather to watch movies or enjoy other activities. They can also be installed in the bedroom to promote relaxation at bedtime.
There are so many options when it comes to home security upgrades, ranging from simple and affordable to complex and costly.
Fortunately, striking the perfect balance for your home is possible. No matter what security system you choose, you are sure to feel more comfortable and secure both while you’re at home and while you’re away.
Smart home systems
The most popular modern home security systems can be managed from your smartphone. Brands like SimpliSafe and ADT have high ratings from users, their products can be installed by a homeowner or by a professional, and they offer monthly subscriptions. Both companies offer doorbell cameras and systems to protect against intruders, as well as health hazards such as carbon monoxide leaks, floods, and fires.
Keyless entry
Many homeowners are opting to install keyless entry pads at doorways to help prevent break-ins when a key is lost or stolen. Some electronic keypads can be installed in place of a traditional front door handle. You can then select a specific code that must be entered in order to unlock the door. Other keyless entry systems can be paired with smart home devices to lock and unlock via apps.
Spend some time this season transforming your home into the place you’ve always dreamed of—you’ll be glad you did.
One of the best vacations you could take this year requires a car, a thirst for adventure, and one week out on the open road. While sitting in a car for hours normally isn’t great for your health, the amazing outdoor adventures you’ll encounter on this trip call for activities like hiking, swimming, and taking in deep breaths of fresh coastal air.
This road trip isn’t on the average American highway. This is the Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH, a strip of asphalt that hugs the West Coast, connecting well-known destinations like Los Angeles and San Francisco. If you want to travel this beloved road, then here is your itinerary for one unforgettable week along what may be America’s most beautiful highway.
LAX may be your airport of choice to arrive in Southern California and rent a car for the week. Los Angeles alone deserves a dedicated must-see guide, but be prepared for its infamous traffic congestion.
Take Interstate 10 west out of Los Angeles to Santa Monica, which features a famous pier and one of the state’s most popular (and busiest) beaches. This active SoCal community is one of the southernmost sites on the PCH and the ideal start of your weeklong route.
As you depart Santa Monica headed north on the highway, the hilly coast drive offers Pacific views that are both peaceful and exhilarating. Make your first stop off the PCH at Carpinteria State Beach, a peaceful shore that is dog friendly and, like many of the parks you’ll encounter during your trip, allows overnight camping. Continue north to the beautiful town of Santa Barbara, which is rife with Spanish architecture and excellent parks. Spend a night at one of this town’s charming boutique hotels, and enjoy the local, Spanish-inspired fare.
Start your morning with a breezy drive to Gaviota, where you can take a refreshing hike through the sculpted, picturesque Wind Caves. Then you’ll head inland through the Santa Ynez Valley, a popular refuge that sits between the Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains.
This is one of California’s main wine regions, offering plenty of tours and charming shopping locales. Check out Solvang’s quaint Danish architecture, which references the town’s roots, then consider trying a California favorite, glamping, at the nearby Flying Flags resort. Or just stop by for some photos of the lavish campgrounds. If you’re interested in more refined accommodations, continue up the PCH to the attractive Central Coast towns of San Luis Obispo and Cambria.
Wake up to unbelievable mountain views on the Central Coast, and then make the short drive to Ragged Point, one of the many hotspots where elephant seals bask on the beach. For some indoor entertainment along the way, consider making a quick inland stop at the extravagant and eccentric Hearst Castle, built by the storied media mogul William Randolph Hearst.
Your next stop is Big Sur, one of the finest examples of Mediterranean climate in the United States. This charming community beside a 1,000-acre park hosts long, dog-friendly hiking trails and signature rocky beaches. Stop for photos of the crashing waves and some of the many year-round blooms.
Consider treating yourself at one of the spa-like accommodations near Slates Hot Springs, or make time to hike along the thrilling McWay Falls. Spending a night in Big Sur is a must, especially if you can land a room or glamping spot at the elegant Post Ranch Inn. Check in before sunset, and then explore the surrounding redwood forests for some unbelievable sights.
Spend a second day checking all of Big Sur’s sights off your list, or continue the sweeping, dramatic highway drive to Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Past Big Sur is one of the most iconic and breathtaking sights of this entire trip: the Bixby Bridge. You may not know its name, but you’ll probably recognize it. Take a breath of fresh sea air as you coast across this 280-foot-tall concrete bridge, and then stop at the Castle Rock viewpoint just north of its span for some keepsake photos.
Just beyond this landmark may be the most inspiring stretch of highway on this trip, which includes jagged mountainsides, vast beaches, and charming stops like Calla Lily Valley, a coastal meadow of painterly blooms. After a short but certainly eventful drive, you’ll reach the elegant beach town of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Carmel, as it’s locally named, offers a paradise village atmosphere and features a lovely mix of galleries and fine dining along tree-lined walkways. Book a reservation in advance to enjoy a game of golf at Pebble Beach, or get up close with wildlife like sea stars along Pescadero Point.
About fifteen minutes north of Carmel up the PCH, make a stop in charming Monterey, known for its unbelievable seafood eateries and bars with airy Pacific Ocean views. The Old Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row are peaceful and cozy stops where you can pick up souvenirs.
One can’t-miss activity is a visit to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, where you can observe a variety of wildlife like octopi and sharks, learn about global conservation efforts, and even greet families of otters.
Upon departing Monterey, circle north around the bay for about an hour until you reach Santa Cruz, a bustling beach town with famous sights you may recognize from TV and movies, like the Beach Boardwalk’s giant roller coaster and the long, colorful rows of beachfront shops.
There are about one hundred more miles of Pacific Coast Highway beyond as you venture north from Santa Cruz all the way to San Francisco. While the beaches become significantly colder and the vibe can be less sunny, this final stretch hosts can’t-miss sights like the rock formations of Natural Bridges State Beach and the crashing waves of Half Moon Bay.
Take plenty of photos at each hiking destination, but be sure to leave time to spend a luxurious evening in your final destination: San Francisco. After several days of outdoorsy ventures, why not spring for a stay at one of this metro area’s finest accommodations, like the Fairmont or Chancellor Hotel?
Like Los Angeles, the city of San Francisco deserves a weeklong trip of its own. However, your final day of this journey can include stops at three major attractions: the Golden Gate Bridge, which you can photograph from the nearby Golden Gate Park; downtown’s signature Transamerica Building; and the coastal Fisherman’s Wharf, where sea lions flock as if for adoration.
You may feel the urge to return for a closer look at this pristine city, but the same can be said of just about any locale along the unforgettable Pacific Coast Highway.
For more info, go to visitcalifornia.com
