Have you seen the meme about mom busting it to make the holidays happen? I won’t say it’s only moms that make the holidays ‘THE Holidays’… (smirk and some side-eye), but it IS a lot… a LOT… for whoever is doing it.
If you’re like me, the anxiety is already creeping in. The worry that you won’t be able to get it all done… that you’re already behind. Do not fret! Here you can learn how to pave the way from planning to being present – a guide for not just surviving the experience, but actually enjoying it! No matter your style, your budget or your timeline, the tips here will help you make the magic AND experience it.
This focus is on DECOR. Of course there is much more to the holidays (events, gifting, get-togethers) but here we’re centering on setting the stage, so to speak. (The bonus is that we need these skills everyday – not just during the madness that happens October through January!)
Where & How to Start
“Begin with the end in sight”… the best outcomes usually begin with a plan. There are some fly-by-the-seat-of-their-crazypants people out there who thrive on the suspense that happens when you just figure it out as you go – and hey, as Cody Rigsby would say, “You do you, boo!”. However if you’re anything like me, I know life is going to give me enough last minute shenanigans to keep things exciting! Planning out the big pieces gives me a solid foundation and keeps me from getting knocked over when the unexpected comes around (because it will). Maybe it’s geeky, but it helps me avoid my own personal meltdown!
I have a fairly consistent approach to projects of any size and make no mistake, ‘the holidays’ is a project. Two questions I ask myself repeatedly (like a mantra) are – “Does it have a purpose?” and “Does it bring you joy?”
The concept comes straight from Marie Kondo, creator of the KonMari Method™ and author of the bestseller, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. And honestly, she could have been a therapist, because those two questions pack a powerful punch and they are applicable to more than just organization. (That’s some heavy stuff if you apply it to your life!)
Whether it’s September 15th or December 15th, start from the beginning. It’s so easy to jump right into the choices – ordering this thing, picking up that thing. Sure it’s on sale and so cute and you’re racing to do the thing, BUT when you make choices before you have a plan you have a HIGH risk of a ending up with a bunch of random stuff. AND when you purchase randomly, I can pretty much guarantee you’re wasting money and creating chaos in your life… I don’t recommend it.
So what should your plan look like? A powerpoint? A flowchart? No. Not unless that serves a purpose for you or brings you joy (*wink, wink*). It’s starts with a VISION – based on a FEELING. Take a bit of time – maybe in carline, during a middle-of-the-night feeding, or while brushing your teeth. Just daydream a bit. What do you want the holidays to look like – to feel like? Are they bright and full of activity and kiddo excitement? Maybe they’re cozy and glow with warmth of sugar cookies and peaceful puzzles. Or, maybe they’re sophisticated, glamorous and decadent. The key here is NOT to spend a lot of time on this. (Remember, we’re trying to be more efficient, not give you another thing to do!) What you discover in this daydream should be instinctive, nearly like a reflex. Once you have that snapshot in your mind, you have a foundation.
This vision will help keep you on track. It will help you turn your boxes of decor into curated collections and special moments in your home, but with more peace because you have direction. Dare I say it, your vision will create headspace for you to actually enjoy the process of decorating. It converts the task on the to-do list into a creative process that is actually fulfilling. Perhaps it will even let your mind wander down memory lane or reflect on the reason for the season.
What Are You Working With?
With your vision in place, next move on to the THINGS. Take a quick stock of what you already have. Let’s not pretend it’s affordable to make the holidays happen. You must leverage what you already own. You may discover you have a growing collection of something already. (I frequently find this scenario with clients. They don’t know they have a thing for glazed pottery until they see it all together and boom, they’re a collector!) It makes sense – you gravitate to a type of thing because you like it. Done repeatedly, you’ve created a collection – be it mercury glass, bottle brush trees, or vintage ceramics. When similar items are displayed together, they create greater presence. Separately, they may get lost – looking more like clutter (especially if they’re small in size). But TOGETHER, they become a singular statement to appreciate AND (because they have been collected) they provide memories. A collection of memories is more powerful that a collection of pretty things every time. (Surprise, surprise, your vision and your newly discovered collections probably have a lot in common.)
Let me tell you a secret… you do NOT need to display ALL your holiday decor. *Gasp* It’s true! Save some for a future season, or snag a few more pieces during post-holiday sales and unveil this new collection next year.
However, if you have a bunch of random stuff (even if the only connection they have to each other is that they are random) perhaps you could put them on the tree! (I love a good “Tree of Many Things” aka “The Kids Tree“. It has lots of names and showcases the old and crafted and loved. It isn’t traditionally “fancy”, but it is absolutely magical.
If you’ve read the children’s book, “Bear Stays Up for Christmas”, Bear and his friends decorate their Christmas tree with found, made, and gifted treasures. The result is wonderful – filled with good feelings and friendship and it’s beauty is undeniable. That is a Tree of Many Things.
Let me pause here to recognize that for many people, the holidays can be filled with memories that aren’t so good. Perhaps, the idea of the passed down or carried forward item feels… yucky. Return to my mantra… If it doesn’t serve a purpose or bring you joy, then it has to go. No matter what. Hold tight to your vision and manifest it for yourself. You don’t need to rush it – let it happen over years if needed. Start with a few things (maybe they’re not even things, but experiences), make new memories, and repeat. We should not be yanked around by guilt or expectations. The ultimate goal here is to find what makes you happy – get rid of what doesn’t – and be present for the experience you have created for yourself and your people. A fresh start and less-is-more approach may be the perfect plan for some of you. And – if you feel like you need some sort of permission to do the holidays the way you really want – then with my self-proclaimed authority and extreme encouragement, you have my approval. Life is just too short people!
The Final Step
This mindset is a tool for those of us who carry the load of making the holidays happen. I also feel the pinch of holiday execution. Last year (if you saw on my social media), I fought a few battles with our tree – and lost. Half of my tree decor – many treasures pieces – were IN pieces! Now I am searching for my own vision (because I’m definitely guilty of holiday box-checking). During this process, I have discovered that I love heritage pieces. For me, I envision a classic and timeless holiday vibe that is ethereal, warm and with pockets of nostalgia. Incorporating items from family members long passed on provides the feeling they’re still with us – and – I get to tell my kids the story behind the keepsake (in which they cheerfully indulge me again and again- true story). Bringing this discussion to the final step. You have identified your vision. You know more about what you like or what you would like to add to your collection (and you can snag it with confidence). Now it’s time to very deliberately decide what gets a yes and what gets a no. Is it going up or going back?
How does that decision look for me this year? My big focus (after last year’s quadruple tree debacle) is a new tree. Last year’s target effort was the exterior and front patio decorations. (Those are on ‘repeat’ for this year. They were designed in a bold, classic style that is high on impact and low on effort!) I will also have a smaller, “Many Things” tree and I plan to make a night of decorating it with the family. My mantle, nativity placement, some small touches in the guest bath and on the coffee bar are also on repeat – and I don’t feel bad about it! I will change to seasonal pillow covers and blankets in the living room. (I highly recommend investing in zippered pillow covers to make the most of your current pillows, storage space and effort.) THAT. IS. IT.
Balancing new efforts with sure-thing established decor (that I don’t have to think about) will allow me to actually ENJOY the decorating experience! (Which, let me tell you, is VERY different than last year’s full-out war with a particular Norfolk Pine!) You can bet I have a running list of future holiday projects and knowing that I WILL do them in the future– but not this time– feels like freedom.
I plan to start early and go as my schedule allows (without judging myself about it). I will involve the whole family as much as possible and I WILL BE PRESENT. (I will not rush through it like one of those shoppers on Supermarket Sweep!) It’s the holidays folks and I’m here for them.
A Few Bonus Tips:
Beware of the bargain bin. If you have a larger home, many of these items are simply too small in scale for your space (which is why they’re a deal). Either way, remember your vision and you’ll run the $5 gauntlet successfully!
Beware of the ‘new trend’. Often they are a flash in the pan (aka a waste of money). Again, remember your vision and you’ll be successful. (HOWEVER, if you’re one of those that just loves to do a whole new tree concept every year AND if it BRINGS YOU JOY – go get after it!)
Remember, think of your decor as experiences throughout your home – a collection here… a bold, repeated item there. When you create larger experiences maybe made of multiple things, it turns the volume up on your effort. It makes a bigger statement (and saves you money and time).
It’s simpler than it seems – even when the holidays are staring you down. First, find your vision. Next, take stock of what you have. Finally, decide just what gets a ‘yes’ or ‘no’. These simple steps will create brain space for you to actually enjoy “making the magic” of the holidays.
I feel better already! Don’t you?
Here’s to a better remodel (and Holidays): more beautiful & economical with less stress!
