October 31 for me this year meant a quick trip to pick up discounted candy at Target (apparently our family has zero self-control if candy is purchased too far in advance of Halloween) and then a stop at Hobby Lobby to see what treasures I might find on the 1,578 shelves filled with Christmas decor. It had all been there since late July but, as much as I love the holidays, I staunchly refuse to even look at any of it until we are safely in the ‘ber’ months (September, October, you get the idea).
I saw beautiful trees and beautiful wreaths and so many things that I thought would make really fun additions to our home this year. I meandered through the aisles and aisles of ornaments, picking up a box or two only to stare at them for a minute and then put them right back on the shelf.
But after roaming the store for a little while longer, I FINALLY found something. Are you ready to see it?
That’s it, you ask? I said the same thing to myself as I was leaving the store! Out of all of those aisles and aisles of beautiful decor, all I bought was a fun new tree topper for my 12 year old daughter’s Christmas tree!
What is wrong with me?!
Well, I’ll tell ya.
This isn’t the first time this has happened to me in recent months. And what I’ve come to realize is that my commitment to simplifying and being a better steward of my resources (time, money, energy) has all led up to this moment in my life. I’ve told you before that my new mantra is that never again will I make seasonal decorating a complicated, elaborate (or expensive!) process. But, I’ve found that it’s something I need to recommit myself to over and over again as the temptation arises. And never is this more true than at Christmas-time. It’s kind of like committing to healthy eating right before the holidays. Resisting the temptation to dig in is increased a hundredfold when all of the goodies are paraded right in front of you!
But, when you realize just how great it feels to resist that temptation and to be mindful of how you are taking care of yourself (and that includes taking care of your home and your money!) it just gets easier and easier.
So, I’m heading into the holiday season this year with a mindset towards simplicity that has not only taken root and flourished since last year, but has really been cemented. I’ll be digging through my current stash (bins and bins and bins!) of Christmas decorations, selling and donating the ‘excess’, and making the most of what I decide to keep. I’ll watch paperwhite bulbs grow and spend just a bit of money on a fresh wreath for my front door and use the time, energy and money I save on ‘new’ things wisely as I invest it all of the things that truly matter this season. Being with the ones I love and celebrating the ONE Who makes it all possible!
Now, I want to hear from you!
Have you embraced a more simplified way of celebrating the holidays?
What are your favorite inexpensive ways to decorate for Christmas?
Let’s chat!
And, if you want to see how I simplified my decor last year, you can take the tour here.
Thanks so much for meeting me here today friends!
Starting last January, I have cut back in my buying for and decorating for any holiday or occasion. For fall, I did not buy one new item and actually gave away 3 bags of “stuff” that I just didn’t have a heart for anymore. I didn’t even buy one pumpkin, real or faux! I did buy 2 mums and planted them in pots, but that was it. It feels so good to get through a season or holiday and realize that I have enjoyed that time without spending a ton of money or spending a lot of time on decorating. It encourages me to keep it up! Thanks for your inspiration!
Yes!! Robyn I did the same thing this fall although I did buy a couple of small pumpkins. 😉 It really does feel wonderful to just taper back and enjoy what we have. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Hi Vanessa,
Bought your book when it first came out and have enjoyed it 🙂 where did you find the beautiful bell wreath on your door, and if you made it where would one find the bells? So beautiful and I have had a difficult time finding large bells this year. Thank you for sharing your heart and home!
Hi Michelle! I can’t thank you enough for buying my book and I’m so thrilled that you’ve enjoyed it! The wreath was made locally and then I added the bells to it. I got them on Amazon and here is a link you can use. https://amzn.to/2Chldz4 FYI it’s an affiliate link 😉
Thank you so much for stopping by and for your kind words!
Because our Florida home isn’t spacious, we put up a pencil tree which I really like. Fits easily in a corner and is quick to decorate. No new Christmas decor this year (except maybe a candle). P.S. Love the new tree topper for that special girl.
Your pencil tree is beautiful and so perfect for your FL house Mom! I think you should definitely spring for some a new candle or two. 😉 xoxo
I hardly ever buy anything anymore, my sons and my grandchildren have made and given me so many things to decorate with over the years that these are the things i cherish. I have about five sets of small nativity sets and little snowmen and bells of all kinds. Some of my bells were from my mom’s christmas when she died.
Those cherished treasures are definitely worth holding onto! I love that you have so many things that are personal to you and your family Marlene. Those are the things we need to have on display for sure! 🙂
Good for you staying true to this promise to yourself and your family.
I have been “downsizing” my own bins and bins and bins of seasonal decor big time the last few years. I am now at the place where I love and use everything I have kept – but I am promising to lose ONE more bin this year, so plan on being selective and brave in this last cutting off.
It is sooooo difficult when one is in those fav of places like HL, HG, P1, etc.!!! I made the mistake of going into a brand new Kirklands today……but came out with my first Christmas shopping, 3 bags of candles for nieces, sisters and daughters. We are big time candle people and their’s ROCK. AND got for 30% off – each for only $8!!!!!! Had I not been exhausted (first outing in almost two weeks from having flu a long time.) I coulda kept going on a normal day.
Anyway, I am impressed and proud of you. Especially must be difficult b/c you are a professional blogger. I cannot even imagine the stresses you must face each seasonal change. Especially Christmas.
I will be praying for you – your message is a good one for all of us.
Big hugs.
Bravo! I’m with you!
I suppose since I work at Hobby Lobby I am on a different page this year. After working many years in retail and only having a lighted tree with no ornaments and no other decorations I have decided I am going to do better. I am going to begin soon with some decorating around our home and after Thanksgiving I want my husband to put the tree up sooner than before. It will at least give me a little more time to put some decor on out tree. It is so hard to think about decorating anything when you are in the middle of all that buying. However, I believe that he and I deserve a bit more. I have always put up the Nativity with his Mother’s bible open to the real Christmas story beside it. I know that is the most important part of Christmas and we all need to cling to what is important. Don’t we? I wish everyone a most blessed Christmas season and let us all cling to what is important about Christmas. Happy Birthday Jesus.
I had the exact thing happen this week! I went to visit my Aunt and she lives by Hobby Lobby. I decided to go and told myself if I found something that I would treat myself. I walked the entire store, looking at everything. I came to the checkout area and had an empty cart, but decided to go ahead and get two bows that I had seen in that area. They were on sale. I couldn’t believe that I got through the whole store and resisted all the pretty things. I just didn’t need more. I was very proud of myself! 😀
This approach is everythjng👏👏👏 every year I get a little better at keeping it simple and focused on the true meaning!