Many years ago, as my husband and I sat on the couch on a December evening flipping through the channels on the TV, we stumbled across the tail end of the Rick Steve’s European Christmas Special on PBS. We were immediately captivated and in those few minutes we felt like we were transported into another world. As soon as it was over I got online and ordered the DVD so that we could share it with our kids.
Watching it with them, not only did I just find it so fascinating learning about how Christmas is celebrated in various communities throughout Europe, I was also struck by something that I couldn’t quite put my finger on but that I knew spoke to my soul.
And, over the years, as we’ve watched it again and again, I finally realized just what it was that so captivated me.
Every single home was decorated so very simply, mostly with natural elements, and yet still so perfectly captured the spirit of Christmas.
And I wondered if maybe I’ve been doing it all wrong. You see, for several years now I’ve felt as though I was supposed to have loads of fresh and new and exciting and really, REALLY Christmas-y decor to share with you.
Or I’ve felt like I needed to have themed trees and a neutral, farmhouse-y look in order to fit in with the blogosphere.
But I think, deep down in my heart, I knew it wasn’t really ‘me’. What I wanted was something more simple, more traditional. Touches of the season throughout the house without it looking like Christmas exploded everywhere.
I didn’t want it to look ‘staged’ or like it came straight out of a catalog.
I wanted it to look real and warm and like we actually live here.
So, I didn’t pull out all of my plastic bins of holiday decor. In fact, I sold off two Christmas trees and other decor and donated bags and bags to the rescue mission.
And I’ve resisted buying any more ‘Christmas’ stuff as I’ve been out shopping.
Instead, I’ve focused on simply enhancing what is in each room all year round. No more clearing off entire surfaces so that I can replace every, single thing with something Christmas-y.
No more stressing about whether or not my decorations will be pin-worthy.
No more trying to have me and my home be something we’re not.
This year it was all about intentionally going into this season with less so that I can enjoy it more.
So, here’s what you can expect from me this year.
You can expect to see paper angel ornaments and family treasures.
You can expect ideas for meaningful traditions and homemade gifts.
And you can expect me to talk a lot about how to have more peace in your heart and your home.
I’m so thrilled to be joining some of my most favorite bloggers today for the Home for the Holidays tour! Not only will you find so many fantastic ideas to help you kick off the season but we have an AMAZING giveaway for you!
Monday
Maison de Cinq * My Soulful Home * French Garden House * Savvy Southern Style
Tuesday
So Much Better with Age
At the Picket Fence
Wednesday
Becky’s Farmhouse * Cedar Hill Farmhouse * Love of Home
Thursday
Little Farmstead * The How To Home * Our Southern Home * Celebrating Everyday Life
Friday
Housepitality Designs * UnSkinny Boppy * Stone Gable * Starfish Cottage Blog
Good morning Vanessa,
I can’t agree with you more. I too started donating to family and friends a lot of our Christmas decorations that I collected after 40+ years of marriage, and it feels good to just put out what means the most to me and my husband. We have also watched that special you talked about with Rick Steve’s. His show almost makes you feel like you are there with him. Merry Christmas to you and your family and enjoy all that makes your heart glow this season and into the new year.
Vanessa… you are so right!! I absolutely love your Holiday touches and the fact that your lovely home is being enhanced by the Christmas spirit while still remaining the family home that brings everyone together comfortably. You have created beautiful balance and I so admire that!!!
xoxo
Cynthia
It is all so beautiful Vanessa…and I can relate to the Christmas decor….I have given away trees and more…your home is truly a reflection of the love that lives there!!! Merry Christmas Vanessa!!
We love Christmas markets. I still miss going to them for wurst, gluwine and a little shopping. We have lived in Germany, Hong Kong and China. I love all the decorations we have from those places and other stateside place too. The past couple of yeaars we have been tossing nad passing. When I considered tossing the Nurenburg Christkindle tree topper my husband and kids gasped! Some things just are here to stay.
Love your beautiful Christmas decor & I couldn’t agree with you more! Such a wonderful post👏🏻👍🏻❤️
Your Christmas mantel decor is so beautiful and elegant, Vanessa. I love being on this tour with you!
Hugs, Jamie
Amen, amen and amen! I’m not overdoing it either. I thought I was only going to put up one tree, but then creativity took over so I do have three. One is small though. I hate when homes are over decorated and look like you should be shopping in it instead of relaxing in it. You go girl!
Vanessa, thank you for sharing your beautiful blog, keeping Christmas decor simple “speaks to my soul.” Thoughtfully, Penny
Vanessa, I just watched that special again too! It is so true, in Europe we decorate a little bit more simply, with natural things. Although I live in the states now, I still carry that tradition, of adding greens, pinecones, and citrus fruits throughout the house. When our kids were really small, I did accumulate bins of decorations too, but like you, I gave away a good portion of those.
Now I focus on embellishing what we have here at FrenchGardenHouse in a fresh way, but I do decorate a large tree. Your post is so beautiful, and written from the heart. I wish you a beautiful joyful Christmas, celebrating with all the people you love! It’s a joy to be on this tour with you. xo Lidy
I love your traditional and simple decor so much Vanessa! And while I did do a “theme” this year (for the first time, actually) I did get rid of tons a few years ago and make it a point not to have Christmas on every surface! I couldn’t agree more that sometimes simple is the best. And now you have me intrigued since I love Europe so much – I’m going to look for that video and see if I can rent it or stream it!
So glad to be “hopping” with you again sweet friend:)
Sheila
xo
YES YES YES Vanessa!! Absolutely spot on & absolutely beautiful !!
I totally get you! Simple and traditional is the best way to go. Best of all, it never gets old. Whenever I read blog posts that showcase a ton of Christmas decor, a part of me can’t help but wonder how much it must have cost (I am a very frugal person) and how much time it must have taken. I think the holidays are all about spending time with your family and friends. That’s the most important part.
Just discovered your blog today and this was my opening read, I love it. So calm, warm and inviting. I love how effective the Christmas palette is that you have created in keeping with your decor, beautifully done Vanessa