I love how full and warm and inviting our home feels around the holidays, but this year since Oscar’s passing, Christmas just feels different. In the midst of grieving, things I normally look forward to like decorating, buying gifts, even baking my famous sugar cookies just feel… overwhelming, empty, and conflicting. But I know no matter what any of us are going through, the season still deserves to be celebrated, even if it looks a little different this year. And as a mom, I still want the holidays to be just as magical and special as they always has been for the kids.
After a lot of soul searching, I’ve come up with 6 simple, stress-free ways to decorate for the holidays this year so we can enjoy this wonderful season. If you’re struggling right now, whether it be with grief, finances, divorce, fertility, strained relationships, addiction, or any one of life’s hardships – I hope this message finds you when you need it most. Let’s start with…
ADD A WREATH
Instead of setting out little decorations on every available surface, try adding a wreath to a wall where you normally have artwork or a mirror hanging. It instantly makes the room feel festive without taking up any table space, and you could even layer the wreath over the artwork or mirror by hanging it from a pretty ribbon. Don’t forget to add a wreath to your front door as well!
This wreath hanger is adjustable and a beautiful antique brass. But I’ve never seen a wreath hanger like this – it also has a holder for a candle in the center!
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SIMPLIFY YOUR TREE
Over the years we tend to collect tons of ornaments, garlands, and all kinds of tree trimmings, which can feel overwhelming at times. If you’re having a hard time pulling out all those boxes, try a more minimalist tree this year with just your favorite ornaments. I like to focus on larger ball ornaments that take up more space and don’t require as many to make the tree feel complete. Then layer on a simple garland or use your favorite color ribbon to tie dainty bows on a few branches. Allowing more of the tree’s natural beauty shine through creates such a calm, serene feeling.
If you need a safe place to store your ornaments at the end of the season, this container has adjustable dividers to accommodate different size ornaments.
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USE GIFTS AS DECOR
If piles of boxes are going to be sitting on your floor for weeks, you might as well make them part of your decor, right? I actually love putting a little extra attention and detail into the packaging when I give someone a gift because it makes the entire experience feel more special. Even if it’s just a card with money or a gift card – I’ll put it inside a box, wrap it in paper, and tie ribbon around it with a bow. If I’m feeling really crafty, I’ll add a special name tag and maybe even a sprig of greenery (rosemary works great for this) or a couple bells hanging from the bow. It doesn’t even need to be that fancy though – my go-to wrapping paper for any holiday or birthday is basic brown kraft paper (you can get a huge roll for really cheap) and whatever spare ribbon, twine, or yarn I have in my craft supplies. The best part is you can give you tree and holiday decor a completely new vibe each year with the wrapping paper you decide to use for your gifts.
Don’t forget your wrapping paper cutter!
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SWAP OUT SEASONAL STEMS
Take any flowers or everyday greenery you have sitting around in vases, and swap them out for some evergreens or poinsettia stems. It’s a two second switch that instantly makes the house feel more like a winter wonderland. I linked a bunch of artificial options that are available in stores right now, but don’t forget you can also go outside and trim some yourself for free!
Tip: groups of odd numbers look best for styling – so plan to get at least 3 or maybe 5, depending on the size of the stem and your vase!
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ADD WARM, COZY LAYERS
Once the temperature outside drops, you want the inside of your home to feel extra warm and inviting. Set out a few blankets in the living room with thick, cozy textures like fur, cable knit, sherpa, fleece, etc. Those fabrics make great throw pillows for the winter too! You can drape blankets over the arm or back of your sofa or even hang them on a blanket ladder.
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TWINKLE LIGHTS + CANDLE LIGHT
Nothing is more magical than a Christmas tree all lit up at night. It’s hard to explain the nostalgia, the flood of memories, the silent peace and beauty that you feel when the house is dark and quiet and with only the light of the tree. Whether you completely cover the outside of your house National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation style or just add a little strand of fairy lights to a wreath or garland, never underestimate their simplicity or beauty. Bonus tip: get a yummy Christmas candle too that smells like cookies fresh out the oven.
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