The First Hints of Christmas Decorating

I started cleaning up the living room in preparation for putting up our Christmas tree, doing some Christmas decorating, and stringing up garland. As I did so I began collecting little things that felt cozy. I created a vignette around the piano, and while it might feel too busy once I string up the garland, I thought I would share it with you. It’s funny how something can feel really right in person, but then you take a photo of it and it doesn’t translate the same feeling!

It might feel too sparse, or busy, too small or to large… it can be tricky to get the scale right. Often times when I see holiday decor there are so many layers and pieces, it looks like a toddler accident waiting to happen. I just can’t have so many things laying around our home- so I might choose 2 or 3 surfaces to decorate.

Most days in our home there are toys on the floor, but they keep the baby busy so thats ok. Or papers, and crafts, lego creations and parachute men littering the counter tops. Decor might feel like it belongs when everything is clean, but when the house is more along our day to day- which often includes a basket of laundry and primary colored paraphernalia strewn about- the extra decor can be the thing that makes me feel overwhelmed.

The thought of bringing out Christmas stuff was a bit overwhelming to me in this season- behind our bedroom door there are a mass of tools and supplies to finish off the odd jobs- and our room happens to be the safest spot to keep them behind a closed door, away from a curious babe! A friend shared that she takes one thing out at a time, making no promises to anything else that it will come out… and just enjoys them little by little.

I quite like that idea. So I started with our stockings, which I know we will use. Some fresh greenery also felt cozy… so I guess we will see where it all leads.

-Miss ash