~ Christmas magic is silent. You don’t hear it, you feel it, you know it – you believe it ~
If you’re in search of a Christmas that whispers Jesus this year, start with your decorations. Maybe your life is a bit stressful at the present time, most of us are dealing with the same stress. Things around us seem out of our control and world events can bring on a heaviness – we all internalize. Sometimes an uplifting distraction is all you need…like decorating for Christmas! I get so many sweet comments left on photos I share every year of my home decorated for Christmas. I thought I’d share some of my favorite ways to bring joy into your home. Your home can be transformed into a gorgeous space that your family will anxiously wait for year after year. You don’t have to have “the knack” …..or “the eye for decorating”, it is easier than you think. You can do it. Start with a vision and let your heart lead the way.
My first suggestion is to make sure you display a beautiful nativity scene in your home. Make it a focal point of your family room, it certainly is deserving to have all eyes on it. After all, this is the true meaning of Christmas. The birth of Jesus. It doesn’t need to be expensive or a family heirloom. The one I have might have been under $20.00 and purchased years ago. I dress it up with greenery and berries and make the space as beautiful as I can. Also, incorporate faith into your decor. This is easily done with cross ornaments or words/signs like; peace, faith, hope, love, and believe hung on your tree. You can put anything into a Christmas tree, literally, anything. So grab some green twine from Lowe’s or Ace Hardware and twist your favorite sign into the branches. Adding regular ornaments with other decor pieces gives your tree such character and dimension. Go get creative! You have stuff laying around your home, I’m sure of it. Stick it in your tree and change things up a bit this year.
Christmas was always my favorite holiday growing up. The most magical holiday for us in our home. My mom went overboard with decorations (indoors and out). Those memories remain forever with me. She still does, her house is a winter wonderland. We both go all out….My mom taught me well. My Uncle Teddy would come down to our house (In Stoughton, Ma) every year and string up the outdoor Christmas lights. The entire house was lit like Griswalds. Everyone in town loved it because our home was on a corner and at a major intersection. To say we love Christmas is an understatement. We love it and the magic of the season. Actually, my whole family does. There’s always a running joke of who will put up their tree first. It’s funny, you either love the season and all it represents or you don’t. I choose to love it, all of it, and for as long as possible.
I always start decorating after Halloween every year. Yes, we still celebrate Thanksgiving and that holiday is not slighted in the least bit. I dress my Thanksgiving table with all things fall, pumpkins, and gratitude…..but, then after dinner, it’s all Christmas! The lights, colors, warmth, and coziness are just a feeling. Why not surround yourself with it for as long as possible and truly enjoy stretching out the entire season. My husband Mike grew up much differently. He and his family would put up their tree on his mother’s birthday, December 16th. I can’t even imagine.
I find a Christmas tree beaming in the living room to bring so much happiness. Decorations can come from elements you have around your home, both inside and out. You do not need to break the bank every year on decorations. I honestly haven’t bought new decorations in a few years. All my ribbon fluffs up perfectly each year and I reuse it over and over. I take it out of the tubs and it’s good to go. If you have natural elements outside, use them. When we lived in Massachusetts I would make homemade garlands and swags from pine trees and holly berries. My window boxes outside were stunning. Here in Florida obviously that is not an option, so I have to improvise. There is nothing wrong with artificial garland and wreaths, and they are very affordable. Well….maybe not his year.
This year I won’t have as much time to dolly up the place, because I’m headed to Italy with friends this week. I’ll return just 2 days before Thanksgiving and I needed it done beforehand. So I wanted a jump start on things and I’m excited I got most everything completed. I wanted a simple, elegant design this year. Following my own advice that yes, less can be more. My heart and soul seem to be so heavy still, grieving the loss of my dad just over a year ago now. His birthday is also in December so, decorating for me is always a very healthy distraction. It allows my mind to focus on details and it takes me from other thoughts that are heavy. I’m finding joy in the little details. The small joyous moments surrounded by the ones I love, thank God for Mike and the kids.
It’s always the most heartfelt moment opening up the Christmas decoration tubs from out in the garage. All those little moments that come flooding back, moments from the kids and things they made in school. Also, favorite cherished pieces passed on by my mother or grandmother. Every piece should tell a story. Let your home tell your story, years and years of Christmas memories. Even when loved ones are no longer with us, memories will never fade. Even if the memories bring tears, it’s ok. Remember where there was great love, there will be great loss. Loss hurts and grief is a daily battle. So, be kind to yourself especially during the holidays.
My Nana Del (Adelaide, my mom’s mom) was an angel on earth. Everyone who knew Nana both loved her and cherished her. She was the kindest soul and made all of us better being loved by her. She was a constant reassurance of unconditional love. We were so close and I miss her every single day. She passed on 11/21/2015. Her birthday was 3/20/30 and our zip code for our village in Italy is 02030 ~ I feel so connected with her all the way in Italy. It’s those little details from heaven reminding us that our loved ones are never far from our hearts. My absolute favorite Christmas piece was given to me by my nana. It’s a ceramic Santa kneeling before baby Jesus. It’s a loving reminder of what Christmas is truly about. The birth of Jesus Christ. I cherish this piece and it holds so much love and memories.
Another beautiful piece I have is a ceramic Christmas tree my mom made in ceramics class (back in the 70s). Every year I hold my breath when I open these tubs and unwrap these special pieces. Something so simple as a beautiful piece transforms your home for the Christmas season.
One of the least expensive ways to bring the Christmas feel to your home is by adding beautiful ribbons. You can purchase ribbons anywhere from Joanne’s Fabric, Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, or even Walmart. You’ll need a couple of rolls, so make sure you use the coupons at Joanne’s! The most important thing in selecting a ribbon is to ensure the ribbon has a wire edging. This allows the ribbon to hold its shape and create beautiful bows that will dress up any space. Making bows is so simple. If you’ve never done it, reach out to me and I can give you a quick how-to. Next, select your theme and purchase coordinating ribbon in 1-3 different patterns. You can’t go wrong with the classics. You’ll reuse them yearly and they are timeless. The black and white check or red with gold edging. White and golds are stunning.
Another simple way to bring Christmas magic through decorating is by adding indoor wreaths. I add them to both mirrors and windows all around the house. A simple inexpensive artificial wreath can be purchased at any of the home decor stores mentioned above. Simply take the wreath, add a beautiful ribbon and a small nail to hang it from. They just bring a little Christmas decor to any ordinary space. I add 2 to our large sliding glass door that leads to our pool. There are multiple ways you can hang the ribbon, play around with it and see what you like best. I’ve found looping the ribbon over a curtain rod or even the nail above a mirror works. Loop it, then gather the ribbon and tie a knot under the wreath. Now allow the tails to just hang. The ribbon with the wire trim will give you the ability to shape the tails nicely. Simple, elegant, and beautiful.
You can also add garland anywhere. You don’t need a staircase, though that does look beautiful. Our home in Florida is one level, so I add garland to our interior arches, in the kitchen and bedrooms for added beauty. I find it looks best if you take some of the ribbon and gather it on both ends, tie a simple bow and there you go! Gorgeous.
To flock or not to flock….that is the question. A few years ago I went on a flocking frenzie! I bought out Walmart’s flock section of Christmas trees. Ok, yes I was obsessed. They are so beautiful, especially the way the white coating hits the white Christmas lights. Be prepared though, they make an absolute mess. Don’t wear anything black if you are decorating with flock! And be prepared to vacuum daily. A simple rub against the tree will leave a blizzard below. They come in all different sizes and some are in burlap bags. So charming. Add 2 of these to your Christmas farmhouse tablescape! Get creative and place them in a wooden box or metal basket for added fun and charm. Mike actually made me wooden boxes from pallets and they were stunning! They give the trees added height and character. It’s a new spin on the old traditional Christmas tree skirt….don’t get me wrong, those are beautiful too! I just love the wood element.
So get creative and don’t let it stress you out. Decorating should be a relaxing thing. It doesn’t need to be overwhelming and burdensome. It also does not need to be expensive. Get your basics (wreaths, ribbon, garland, and of course your tree(s)). These are your staples and you’ll reuse them every year. Then, simply fill in. Fluff and make things pretty! Christmas decorations are so charming anyway, you can go with the “less is more” option and still find it beautiful. Adding 1 Christmas tree with white lights alone will relax you while watching that Hallmark Christmas movie we all love. Ps, what’s your favorite one? I love Christmas in Rome.
Don’t forget spaces like the master bedroom and bathroom. I add a simple wreath above our headboard with a coordinating ribbon. I hang a wreath from my bedroom window, add a 3′ flock tree on the dresser, and finally a cozy throw on the bed. That’s all you need to bring Christmas charm to your bedroom. Classic in color and style.
Don’t forget to put out photos of loved ones you’ve taken at Christmas time. Whether your loved ones have passed or are still alive, everyone loves to reminisce on past holidays. Especially ones of the kids as little rugrats growing up through the years. My mom has a Christmas tree made out of felt, it displays yearly photos of my brothers and I sitting on Santa’s lap. So fun to see those memories each Christmas.
I’m one to put up numerous trees, I think my record was 7. Yes, 7 trees! Why not, the more the merrier! I love adding photos to my 10′ tree. It’s so large, I could never fill it with ornaments. I prefer homemade ones anyway. I add things the kids made through the years and hang them along with photos of the family. I love it and the kids get a kick out of old photos too.
Another simple and inexpensive way to change up your home decor during the Christmas season is by changing your throw pillows. I’m not recommending going out and buying all new pillows just for Christmas, that is so expensive. If you have an IKEA near you, you can purchase pillow covers very affordable. They fit the standard size pillows and are under $10.00 each. I go with a moss green color. I find this carries me from fall through Christmas. Also, change out your curtains. I had purchased beautiful check material and made my own curtains back in Sandwich. It truly gave a cozy feeling to our familyroom.
Decorating for Christmas isn’t just some awful task we have to do in December… every year. I honestly find so much joy in doing it. For me it makes me stop and reflect on years past and loved ones in heaven. It reminds me of happier times in my childhood. It cheers me up when my heart may be hurting. It is cozy and comforting just knowing that Christmas does bring the magic with it. There is a sense of peace that should come over our lives. Everyone seems to be kinder during the Christmas season. Why is that? Why can’t we carry that feeling through the entire year? Perhaps we can. Maybe we can make a conscience effort to do so, all of us. Especially this year. Start within yourself and watch how it can spread through your family. Be understanding. Be approachable. Just be kind to each other. Believe that better days are coming. Believe, Trust and never lose HOPE. That is the joy of Christmas.
Many people who suffer from depression and anxiety are only more troubled during the holidays. Pay attention to your loved ones especially over the next two months. For some, the holidays are simply harder. Loss is felt more during the holidays. Our minds and hearts are flooded with memories and a void that will never be filled. It’s ok, you are not alone. Everyone is missing someone during the holidays. For some, this is a new pain, while others have experienced this loss for years. That does not make their pain any less. The pain of losing a loved one never goes away. There are also others who are dealing with strains in relationships with loved ones. That separation is hard. I’ve been there. It hurts, it breaks your heart, especially when it is out of your control. Just trust in God, Christmas is a time for miracles. Let this Christmas be an opportunity to mend relationships. Life is simply too short to not tell someone you’re sorry and you love them. What better time to do so than before the holidays so you can enjoy each other on Christmas day. Allow the light of Christ to fill your heart. Sometimes letting go of things we can’t control and giving it over to God ….. can and will bring peace and understanding to the weariest of hearts. This I know.
~ Bless us Lord, this Christmas, with quietness of mind; teach us to be patient and always to be kind ~
If you’re riding the struggle bus of stress, worry, anxiety, or depression, try putting up your Christmas decorations. You may be surprised how much joy you receive in doing so. After work put on your comfy jammies, pour a cup of tea/coffee, and sit by the twinkle lights. Reflect on past years while thinking about how you plan to make this year the best year yet. The happiest year, despite the chaos going on all around you. Search for joy, despite the sadness in your heart. Find joy again in your daily mundane moments this season. Knowing your heart may be broken from the loss of a loved one. Understand that nothing will take away that loss. Nothing and no one, but the love and comfort of Jesus. So try surrounding yourself with HIS presence and allow HIS light where everything else seems so dark.
I hope you enjoy some of my favorite Christmas decorations through the years at our homes. I hope I was able to give you some easy ideas to bring Christmas magic into your home. I absolutely love this time of year and always look forward to transforming my home into a beautiful space for family and friends. Make your home inviting and let the light of Jesus whisper when loved ones enter your humble abode.
You are a gift ~ Blessed is she.