We bought a Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving last year and until this year, that was the earliest we had ever bought a tree. Enter 2020 and the tree was up and (almost) decorated before Thanksgiving arrived. Why so early, you ask? Because we need a little Christmas, right this very minute! Though I resent the capitalization of practically every holiday and it drives me crazy when right after ‘Back to School’ displays come down, it’s full on Halloween for two months, I’m not ready to start thinking about Christmas in October. However, this year, as we navigate our way through a global pandemic, I am clinging to any signs of hope and cheer. Enter pre-Thanksgiving Christmas decorating.
I lean towards subtle but festive decor. I have a collection of Christmas decorations and ornaments but I like to switch up the overall look so I pick and choose what will come out of storage and adorn the house from year to year. I also like to pepper in a few new additions which are usually gorgeous ornaments and decorations purchased at the previous year’s after Christmas sales.
We’ve moved things around the house and repurposed spaces to accommodate distance learning and working from home. Since I don’t want the house to feel crowded, I’m being particularly thoughtful about what decorations I choose to give maximum effect without maximum tinsel and jingle bells. The mantel seemed like an obvious place to start.
I wanted to make use of my dried hydrangea blooms from the the garden and was thrilled to find this DIY garland by David Anger on CB2. It is perfect. Though we don’t have a grand staircase this will be great for the railing outside.
Next up is the tree itself. I’m so happy with our tree this year! It’s tall and has a lovely shape. Perhaps it’s where we placed it this year but it fills the room with holiday cheer without being obtrusive. We got a good one.
My decorations range from lovingly handmade ornaments purchased at holiday markets over the years to random things from Homegoods, Target and Anthropologie. I also have a ridiculous amount of handcrafted ornaments from Germany that I bought when my sister lived there. That was a long time ago but I have many great memories of traveling in and around Germany. A story for another day! Additionally, we have ornaments and decorations that the girls have made as well as things that I made in my youth. All in all, we have amassed quite an assortment of decorations in many styles and colors.
This year my goal was simple, elegant and joyful. I’m not hanging greens and holiday decor all around the house. Since we’re home most of the time I want the house to feel cheerful and festive but not like Santa’s workshop! No offense Santa.
How are you approaching holiday decorating this year? Are you going all out both inside and out or keeping in super simple? Regardless, here’s to a happy and healthy holiday season!
FIONA FINDS 