Now I know this seems SO early for many of you and I get that, really I do. We usually wait until after Remembrance Day here (November 11th for you American folks), but for so many reasons, I found myself itching to pull it all out a bit earlier this year.
With the uncertainty and stress we’ve all faced through most of this year, I’m sure I’m not alone in my cravings to surround myself and my family with feelings of comfort & nostalgia. I’m also sure it’s no surprise to anyone that in their quest to create those feelings of comfort & nostalgia, quite a few people (myself included) are digging out all of their coziest Christmas decor, just a bit earlier than usual this year.
Pulling out the decorations early isn’t the only thing we’ll be doing differently this year. Usually it’s all hands on deck to make sure that each and every festive piece finds its rightful place in our home and all in just one very productive and exciting day.
Outside Brady would be hanging all of our outdoor decor while I search out the perfect spot for everything inside the house. Carson usually bounces in and out between us – he loves that Brady lets him climb onto the porch roof to help with the lights up there, but he can never resist popping into the house to help me dig out all of his favourite pieces from the Christmas bins so that he can find the best spots in the house for the most nostalgic ones (the dresser in his bedroom being his favourite place of course!). We usually save trimming the tree for last, listening to Christmas music, sipping hot chocolate and filling the branches with all of our most special ornaments together.
This year though, we’re planning to take things a little slower around here.
Prompted by the unseasonably warm temperatures last weekend, we managed to get most of our outdoor decor hung. Every year we add a few more strings of lights and an extra decoration or two and I just love the collected feel it brings to our home through the holidays. My hope is that one day our house will rival the Griswold’s impressive light display (though I’m not sure Brady’s convinced just yet)!
Inside the house, we’ve mostly just unpacked a bit of greenery. So far, I’ve added some garland over our kitchen sink window, fireplace mantel and my favourite each year, our stair railing (see all of my favourite faux greenery here). I also couldn’t resist getting our new tree all set up and even without a single decoration, it’s every bit as beautiful as I’d hoped it would be.
It was Carson that prompted this stretching out this slower set-up of Christmas around the house this year. As Brady and I worked on the outdoor decorations last weekend, he begged to put up the new tree (which had been sitting in a box in the middle of our basement, admittedly begging to be put up). My initial response was that it was too early for a tree just yet, but to his credit, he quickly talked me into it with multiple arguments of reason and most all, promises of snuggling with me in front of it as we watched a Christmas movie that night.
It was also Carson that suggested unpacking things a little more slowly this year, working on a bin of Christmas decor each day until we’ve worked our way through them all. I have to say, that sounded like a brilliant idea to me too. I’m totally onboard with this slower start to the Christmas season this year. Everything’s felt a bit slower and a little more intentional this year I think, why shouldn’t the holidays be that way too?
Have you started decorating for the holidays, or are you planning to wait for a while yet?
Now, don’t forget to check out the other cozy living ideas linked up below:
Hymns and Verses / Making It in the Mountains / It All Started with Paint
A Stroll Thru Life / Sincerely Marie Designs / Town and Country Living
Finding Silver Pennies / Creative Cain Cabin / Duke Manor Farm
And, just in case you’re looking for more holiday inspiration…
Last Year’s Holiday Home Tour | My Favourite Faux Garlands and Wreaths
Wishing you SUCH a lovely day my friends!ย
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I love how Carson is such a good negotiator, sacrificing himself to snuggle and watch a Christmas movie ๐.
Hahaha, right?! He sure knows how to twist my rubber arm!
Love your garland on the stairs and the kitchen window, so pretty. I agree with you, the tree is gorgeous with just the lights. I am starting really slow this year too.
Thanks Marty! I think drawing out and soaking up every special moment of the holidays is just what we need this year.
Kristi, it’s all just perfect. I enjoy the simple greenery look over lots of baubles and color any day and this is just the look for early winter. Beautiful my friend ๐
Thanks so much Dawn!
Such a beautiful start! Can’t wait to see everything you do this year! With just the greens, it’s already so cozy and inviting! I think we are all longing for Christmas cozy this year!
Thanks so much Doreen! I agree, Christmas is going to feel cozier than ever this year I think.
I love a slow roll out of Christmas! I think I may try that too this year … and maybe it can help me to better organize my bins (they’re a mess!!!). I love that faux garland. It’s so lush and perfect and am off to check out your link! ๐ Linda
Thanks so much Linda! And I hear you, our bins could use a good organize too!
So pretty Kristi! I love the simplicity of greens against a white background. I’ve already got two trees up this year! I started earlier so I could take my time and not be rushed and stressed. Love your decor!
Thanks Jennifer! I think we may just make this slow start to Christmas a yearly tradition!
It all looks so magical! Wow! Love your tree and all the greenery xx
Thanks so much Danielle!
it’s never too early to decorate for the holidays…especially this year! You never tree is so pretty. You may want to check your tree link.
Thanks Laura!
I just love all of your Christmas touches. They’re elegant and understated. I can’t believe how real the garland looks! I need to check that out. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much Amanda!