Homemaking

home
- noun
1: one's place of residence
2: a familiar or usual setting : congenial environment.
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary

homemaking
- noun
The establishment or management of a home.
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

at home
1 : relaxed and comfortable : at ease
2 : in harmony with the surroundings
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary


Homemaking is the establishment or management of a familiar setting, a congenial environment. When we are "at home" we shoud be relaxed and comfortable, in harmony with our surroundings.

I don't think that definitition precludes anyone from becoming a homemaker. Everyone has a place where they reside, whether that place be a single room in dormitory at college or a 5000 sq ft palatial estate. Even when we still live in our parents home, we have our little corner of space called a bedroom.

When we work to make our homes a reflection of ourselves, it becomes a place of refuge from the rest of the world. The place where we can sit back, relax, and recharge our batteries.

I want to challenge every reader, regardless of age, sex, marital status, or income level to commit themselves to one small step towards making their living space a home. I won't choose what that step should be, because it should be a personal choice. Here are a few suggestions:

• hang a family picture on a wall
• start an indoor garden in a corner
• paint a wall or door in your favorite color
• place fancy candlesticks and placemats on your table
• put a bowl of fruit on the dining table
• display your favorite books on a shelf
• start a collection: e.g. spoons, serving bowls, salt & pepper shakers, flowers
• make homemade bread and soup one night a week; invite a friend to share

This is only the tip of the iceberg. I'll be posting more ideas as they come to me and I hope that my readers will post their suggestions in the comments. We are only limited by the extent of our imaginations!