Holiday Decor When Less Is More Tis The Season 2023

The Scoop

Every year for decades I have pulled out holiday decorations and added more to the collection until I ended up with a mountain of totes. The last several years I would drag out our tree and put it up not really enjoying the process as much, until it finally seemed more of chore. Last year I donated that heavy old tree to Goodwill. And this fall I gave away almost all my decorations. It was time to try something new.

I wanted my home to feel lighter, more grown up. I wanted a touch of sparkle but not to be tripping over stuff for a month or more. I wanted a little more elegance. My son gave me the idea of using birch tree decorations. I got a garland for above the fire place and a couple of small trees for the table and a little forest of three trees. I took them out of the tiny boxes they came in, unfolded them and plugged them in and that was it! I love the clean elegant feeling they give my home. Just the right amount of festive vibe for us mature adults who have toned down our holiday traditions.

I set out my holiday bar, a few candles and pillows and that was it. A calm but festive home for the holidays.

Beads, pillow covers and signs.

Wine Bottle Covers and Holiday Stemless Wine Glasses

A New Style of Decorating

I have my favorite cake siting on my table. It is an upside-down cranberry pecan coffee cake. A tradition I will keep. Get the recipe here.

I kept my reindeer for the table to complete the center piece. I also put out my holiday dish towels and a few things like that. But it is nothing like my decor from years past. I am so happy with it all and at peace with the fact that things change. It is much easier to go with the flow than to hold on to past when it just isn’t my thing anymore. And I wasn’t exhausted after decorating!

My kids approve of the change and I see others rethinking their over the top situation. Don’t get me wrong I had my day and am glad I was lucky enough to celebrate that way. But this year seems like a good time to tone it down for us. My husband who loves the traditional lights and decorations also loves our new way of decorating. He really likes all the space we freed up in the garage!

My exact lights.

Pots and tea towels.

Thanks for stopping by!

Peace!