This is the first time I’m saying this publicly: I recently became a widow.

Even typing that feels surreal.

The holidays—once filled with shared laughter, familiar decorating routines, and quiet companionship—now feel very different. If you’re reading this and walking a similar road, whether it’s from loss, a recent divorce, or simply stepping into life on your own for the first time, I want you to know: you’re not alone.

As I navigate this new chapter of life and homeownership here in Pataskala, I’ve been figuring out how to bring comfort and a little holiday spirit back into my space—without the person who used to help me do it all. It hasn’t been easy, but it has been healing. Here are a few simple, meaningful holiday decorating ideas that might help you, too.

🎄 1. Start Small—And Start Where It Feels Right

You don’t have to go “all out” to feel the season. Choose a few places in your home to decorate that feel manageable—like the mantel, your front porch, or the kitchen table. A fresh wreath, a few favorite ornaments, or even just candles and greenery can bring warmth without overwhelming you.

Local Tip: Check out Oakwood Farmers Market or Timbuk Farms just outside Pataskala for fresh garlands and porch-friendly winter planters.

🪴 2. Choose Decor You Can Manage Alone

Pre-lit tabletop trees, battery-powered candles, and stick-on window clings are my go-tos this year. I skipped the outdoor lights completely—and I don’t feel guilty about it. Decorating should feel joyful, not dangerous or exhausting.

Pro Tip: Use 3M Command Hooks for wreaths, garlands, and stockings—no nails, no ladders, no stress.

❤️ 3. Let Others Help—Even If It’s Hard to Ask

This was tough for me, but I’ve realized: people want to help. Say yes when your kids or neighbors offer to hang a wreath or bring in the decorations from the garage. Letting others show up for you can be a quiet kind of gift during a season that feels a bit emptier.

🎁 4. Start a New Tradition—Just for You

I bought myself a new ornament this year. Just one. It symbolizes both the loss I carry and the strength I know I will grow into. Whether it’s lighting a new candle each night, decorating a tree in a new room, or baking something just for yourself, embrace a tradition that reflects this season of your life.

🏡 5. Your Home Deserves to Feel Loved—So Do You

As a real estate agent in Pataskala and surrounding areas like Granville and Westerville, I help clients through all kinds of life transitions—including the hard ones. What I’ve learned is this: our homes hold our stories, but they don’t have to hold us back.

Whether you're settling in, downsizing, or just trying to reimagine what your space can look like now, it’s okay to do it your way. And if you ever want to talk about that journey—I'm here, not just as a realtor, but as someone who understands.

🌟 You Don’t Have to Do It All to Celebrate Well

This December, give yourself the grace to do less. To make space. To create beauty in ways that feel manageable. You don’t need a ladder or a partner to make your home shine—you just need a little light, and maybe a little support.

If you’re in Pataskala, Granville, Westerville, or anywhere nearby, and you’re thinking about making a move, or just want to know what your options are in this new season of life—I’m here to help.

With warmth and understanding,
Sheila Howell