Christmas decorating even when you’re feeling “bah humbug?”
Is it possible?
The older I get, the more I’m a little “bah humbug” about Christmas decorating every year. Is anyone else like this, or is it just me? I’m never “ready” for Christmas to be here, and by the time I am, it’s over. Sigh.
But this year, I’m turning over a new leaf, dragging the stuff out bringing out my beloved Christmas decorations because hubby enjoys the effort, and so do I once it’s done.
I’ve been doing a lot of cleaning out, discarding, and donating. Christmas decorations are up next, but here are a few faves I’ll be hanging onto.
Little Angel Display on the Hall Table~
My aunt gave me this set when I was in the 5th grade. They are very delicate and have never been broken in all these years. Do you see what they’re displayed on? The back of a CD! Yes, I collect CD’s…”junk CD’s”…freebies in the mail. (I couldn’t find the mirror I usually use.)
Vintage Postcards on the Sideboard~
We always enjoy my collection of vintage postcards. Here’s just a few of the Christmas ones.
Vintage Display on the Hall Table~
I cross-stitched this picture years ago and only bring it out once a year. Isn’t it darling? Well….I think so anyway. Displayed with it are my set of vintage brooches, and my pair of milk glass lamps.
Would you believe some of these were still at an estate sale on the last day?? There wasn’t nearly as much interest in estate sales back then as there is now. I couldn’t resist even though I’m not a jewelry person.
Which one is your favorite? I like the pink.
My Dining Room Table~
This display features my small collection of vintage Santas, a folding wooden sleigh I found this year for $1, and the two deer date from the 60’s. See more about the tablecloth below.
Did you notice the smallest Santa? He’s only 2″L, made of iron and has paint wear unfortunately. He’s been around forever.
My Grandmother did a LOT of needlework in her day back in the early 1900’s. I’m blessed to have two of these hand-stitched Christmas card table tablecloths.
For those of you who have been following me….you can see I finally cleared my dining table! We have been enjoying the change! I’ve managed to keep it neat for 2 weeks now.
You would never believe I’m really a neatnik, would you? I didn’t have anywhere to put anything, hence the ongoing clean-out.
Remember the Vintage Picker Off Limits Home Tour? My dining table looked like this most of the time…
And my Christmas Porch~
The garden gate was left over from my booth. Hubby kindly made the wooden stand so it sits upright. You can see my rusty angel on the white table to the right, and the lit Snowman to the left peeking out behind the post. The gate is a keeper.
Hope you can get some inspiration from Christmas decorating even when you’re feeling “bah humbug!”
What did you like best?
So what is the answer when you’re feeling bah humbug about Christmas decorating?
For me it’s making the effort. I keep it simple and decorate with touches, not big displays. I move things around a bit from year to year. I give myself permission not to put out a tree or every single decoration I have. Even though I’m downsizing, I often buy one new thing to inspire me.
Ideas? Thoughts?
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Florence
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Nice article Florence. It’s nice to know that it is ok to down size. I am not going all out this year either, just putting out things that are special to my family. Keeping it simple is sometimes the very best. Lynn
Thank you so much Lynn for making a comment! I’m loving keeping it simple! We did not put out a tree…just a short fiber optic tree which sits on a table.
i do think it’s the little touches that make me happy at Christmas. I love your brooch collection and vintage Santa’s!
Thanks Linda! So glad you see my viewpoint!
Florene this year I have been thinking my Christmas decor and have decided it is not necessary to take out everything including the kitchen sink. I know that in years past I would try to find a spot for everything. Well enough of that. I am giving half of it away because I don’t like it anymore. I think we really need to display things that make us smile. That is my criteria from now on !
You got that right Mary! Some of what I have I don’t even like anymore. So I will be getting rid of a lot of it, & what won’t sell in a garage sale will be donated.
Oh and I forgot to say how much I love your vintage Christmas card collection. And the broches are also lovely and certainly worthy of display. I pretty much like everything here that you have shown us.
Thanks…I also adore the old postcards, and the brooches I leave out all year round so I can enjoy them. Funny, I never wear them, but I enjoy looking at them.
I enjoyed looking at your Christmas treasures. I like the Santa collection and the needlework your Grandmother did. I did consider not putting up the decorations but I did and I am glad. Once they are up it is so enjoyable. Of course taking it all down…
I know what you mean Debra. I’m always glad when I make the effort, even though I usually don’t want to go to the trouble. Oh yes, and taking them down? Ohh, I breathe a big sigh of relief.
So glad you wrote this post. I thought I was the only one. Like you I enjoy all the trimmings once they are out and in place but getting there is slow going. I am scaling back for sure.
So GLAD to know I’m NOT the only one! Sharon, the treasures you displayed were so attractive!
Thank you for sharing at the Snickerdoodle Create~Bake~Make link party!
Thanks Sharon!
Florence, I love that you’ve chosen the things that are really special to you. The tiny angels are so sweet!
Thank you Cecilia! I sure enjoyed your displays!
You asked which brooch was a favorite? The pearl ones are wonderful – well they all are, but the pearl ones especially caught my attention.
I too, downsized my decorations this year, only pulling out what pleases me this year and leaving the rest in their totes for another time. Some years it’s just too much….
Colleen, gosh yes, it certainly is too much some years. I definitely need to get rid of a lot of my stuff. Glad you enjoyed the brooches!
I am so with you on this right now… we have been super busy with the hard knocks of life that I haven’t had a chance to drag it all out! Since I missed my traditional day of Black Friday decorating, I am having a hard time getting into the attic. 🙂 Giving you a feature today for Let’s Talk Vintage!”
Thank you so much Jill! My site has been down so this is a wonderful surprise! I’m with you on the decorating too. If I don’t get it done by Black Friday, I sort of lose my momentum.
I couldn’t agree with you more Florence. We’ve been keeping it simple for a few years now and I love it. We just bring out what makes us happy and makes us smile. We used to do the whole nine yards inside and out and we did enjoy it at the time, but we’re more interested in just chilling now and enjoying the season than decorating it away. Love love love the angels, and I can’t resist vintage brooches although I never wear them. lol.
You and I are cut from the same mold Tuula! Ha, I’m getting simpler every year, and though hubby and I enjoy what I do put out, it gets less. I like the brooches too, though I’ve never worn a single one. I’ve found I don’t really like to wear jewelry, but I DO enjoy looking at it. I was at a jewelry sale today & only bought stuff for resale…LOL.
We don’t celebrate Christmas. Cased closed…no frets, no cares, no stress! I figure everyone should do as much as they can or want to. Stressing about it makes the season not so festive.
Well, it would make life simpler for sure! To each his own. And stressing about things does make them worse.
Doing the decor is my favorite part of the holidays. Its the though of cooking that drags me out. I am enthralled with all your vintage items, the reindeer are so darling.
I would love to hear where each one came from and how long you have had them. Very pretty tour. Well worth the read.
Thanks for posting. Leanna
Thanks Leanna! I’m not thrilled about the cooking either. Tomorrow I start bread-making!
I’ll deny it if you tell anyone, Florence, but I’ve a bit of bah humbug in me, too! I actually enjoy the decorating more now that I’m a blogger since I’m always making new decorations and switching them out with old. But I also think going crazy with it all undermines my enjoyment of the “true meaning.” I enjoyed the tour of your special decorations and am glad you linked them up at Vintage Charm 🙂
Haha Diana! I totally understand! Don’t worry, I won’t tell, and no, I wouldn’t believe you had a little “bah humbug” in you!!
I love that idea of putting the old Christmas cards in a photo album. Cute way to display them!
Thanks Pam!
Florence, your Christmas decorations are beautiful!! I love the angel collection and the Christmas tablecloth! I enjoy decorating for Christmas for the most part. Even if I didn’t though, I don’t think I could get away with not decorating with my little ones around. Their excitement about the season is overwhelming and contagious. I like your strategy though, keep it small and give yourself allowances like not putting up a tree and every single decoration you own, very smart! I hope you and your husband have a very wonderful Christmas season!! 🙂
Ah no, you can’t get away not decorating with your little munchkins Keri! But having little ones makes Christmas fun, so I know what you mean about their enthusiasm being contagious! Wishing you a very happy Christmas also!!!
I know how you feel about simple…definitely have been paring down lately here as well. Happy Holidays!
Thanks for dropping by Janet & a very happy holidays to you!
I could look at your finds all day! I love junking is what i call it here in Coastal South Carolina. Being from the North it was hard to say Junking. but got used to it.
Maria
Thanks Maria! So glad others enjoy my finds! I’ve had to slow up on the finding till I clear a little out, but I do miss the hunt!!
Sometimes it seems like such a chore to get everything done and decorated. I do all the decorating but my husband helps with the heavy lifting so that helps a bunch. I try to keep my decorating simple and not too elaborate with just the tree and a few easy items placed here and there. Once I see the lights on the tree it makes it all worth it. And then when it’s time to take it all down and put it away the house seems just a little bit empty for a few days.
Your home is lovely I especially love the Vintage Christmas cards that you have displayed so beautifully.
It does indeed seem like a chore at times, but you’re right, when it’s all up, we do enjoy it. And yes, the house does seem a bit empty afterwards. Thanks so much for your comments, Toni!
Florence, I feel the same way the year. I put out less, but I actually bought a new treasure (or two) to add a little fresh sparkle. Your grandmother’s tablecloth is amazing. Amazing.
Thanks Kim! I actually forgot I had it! Everyone seems to be going simpler this year. It must be a trend.