There are many small touches you can add here and there to your holiday decorating.
Just stick a Christmas floral pick into vintage bottles, as I did above, and you’ve got another Christmas vignette.
(Someone asked me about the SNOW decor with the cardinals above. A blogger sent that to me years and years ago. You asked what it is made of, and it seems to be carved wood.)
Many times it is the simplest of things that make all the difference. I am adding a bit here, a little something there.
Because I don’t want the small space I have to be so completely cluttered that I can’t focus on what’s there.
For instance, standing in the kitchen doorway I can see the twinkling lights in the patio door.
Sounds like a small and insignificant thing really. But it pleases me to see it. And that is what matters.
Or seeing the lights light up my red glasses. All of these things might not matter to some. They might not even notice it.
But if there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it is to pause and notice the small things that surround you. That is where the joy in life comes from.
All the little things that makes your space yours, and that makes you feel good about where you live.
Some of you wanted to know where I got the ornaments on my candy cane tree.
I have been gathering them over the years. But most of the time when I have bought ornaments, it has been at Hobby Lobby during their half-price sales.
I grabbed my scissors and went outside a little while ago. I was going to see if I could reach any of the small tree branches to cut down and somehow decorate. But it was beginning to rain.
And today I’m in the boot because I went out for a bit yesterday (never a good idea for me to go out two days in a row, it seems) and my ankle was painful all night.
So I decided getting on the step stool today was clearly a bad idea!
I will focus today on making a meatloaf and starting to put together an arrangement for my coffee table.
I am really enjoying this “one day at a time” Christmas decorating.
It is giving me time to pause and focus on each thing in a way that wouldn’t happen if I was trying to get it done as fast as I could.
This way I enjoy each small step. And I rest my ankle for goodness sake!
I am not rushing to get out a post for you in the early a.m. like I normally do. But instead I’m publishing a post when I get something done, and not trying to go by the clock.
Christmas decorating one day at a time ….. great idea Brenda!
Me,too, Brenda. I am trying to enjoy the little things and not get all stressed out over what needs to be done still. It's been a crazy year for me and I have enjoyed starting to slow down now for the rest of the holidays. Christmas shopping is all done (except for one gift) and I have a couple little things to do and then I can just plain ENJOY! I love all your sweet little touches, Brenda. xo Diana
Your home is so inviting and festive … and I really like your beautiful red glasses!
Yay! You put your red checked curtains back up!
Hi Brenda,
really like your blog. Very similar story in my life, big house, big life, stressful, not so happy, difficult divorce, much smaller, simpler, happier life. Love love your private little courtyard container garden! I have a tiny patio/container garden,too. Not as much privacy as your space. Envy that! Lovely photos, too.
I'm enjoying your posts so much. It is the little things and it brings such joy. I got my tree up and decorated. I'll move on to other spaces this week. Christmas lights make me so happy.
I normally have our home fully decorated by the end of Thanksgiving weekend, but this year I'm only about halfway done. I feel like I'm enjoying each room a little more without trying to do it all at once. I agree that the littlest things bring me joy, like the evening view of old colored lights on our garage that I can see from the kitchen and my perch in the living room. I hope your ankle feels better today, Brenda, but at least you can enjoy your sparkly view while you sit with your leg elevated. ;O)
That's what I always did before now. But then I typically got a little weary of it all before Christmas even got here. I love your home and can't wait to see it.
Brenda, everything looks so warm and inviting….so very cozy. Enjoy!
I surely am enjoying it! More so than when I used to try to do it all in a day or two.
I've been doing the same with my Christmas decorating – just little bits at a time every day. And I'm not being excessive; doing minimal decor. Just enough to add some pretty touches.
I guess a lot of us have smaller homes, or you probably wouldn't be reading my blog, as that's what's going on here too. And I know I like to read blogs that have homes that are similar to my own home. So too much excess, which yes, I have a problem with oftentimes doing, is just too much sensory overload.
I agree that slow and steady is the way to get it done…I love everything you have done so far…I am also happy to see your red buffalo curtains hanging again…I really like them better than the green ones…they are so bright and pretty!
Well, the problem with the red & white buffalo curtains, which I've never divulged, is that they're too short! I always try to hide the bottom. I want to figure out a way to fix this, but they're lined in a loose way, which presents some problems with adding something to the bottoms. And I've got the rods raised as low as they will go.
Brenda, I'm taking my time decorating too. A little bit at a time. I've a bad back, hips and knees now, all filled with arthritis. Like you, I have to take everything slow these days too. I live in a small space too, so a little bit will do. I love the red cardinals! Again, thanks for the Christmas decorating inspiration. I love your blog!
I guess us "older but better" gals just need to take it a bit slower. But slow and steady wins the race! (Is that how that goes???)
Oh, you made me laugh! I'm a decorating Advent calendar. And I walk and talk too!
I too love that snow with the cardinals…
Slowing down and doing it this way, you are becoming a decorating Advent calender 🙂
The shot with the tree lights reflecting in the windows is so pretty!
Just wanted to send a quick note to tell you I love, love ,love the way you are blogging right now! Little snippets of your thoughts, day to day, and your decorating ideas. I know I hardly have a comment, but I sure do enjoy your blog.
I struggle with health issues that limit my walking, standing, bending etc, so I feel your frustration at having to slow down. Its extremely hard for me to have to rest at times. But it gives me more time to savor your posts!
Comments are not necessary. I just love that you read my little blog! I want you all to know that you can always email me with suggestions of topics you want me to write about. If the snippets of my ordinary life pleases you, then that's what I'll do!
we are so alike.
I find enchantment always just in the simple. the small.
and always… the tiny sparkling lights.
I'm glad you're taking it slowly. more for you and us too to savor!
I live in 550 square feet and I wouldn't trade my own cozy little apt for all the mansions in the world! xo♥
Well, if we don't look at the glass as half-full, and see all the little things, life would get boring pretty quick. I live in 725 square feet, so I've got a little on you there. But it's perfect.
I have to learn to cut back on the holiday (and year round) decor for the same reason as you do. It's really hard to focus if it's everywhere in a small space. I've probably said it before, my house is not small but the many rooms are. Before I can really start to decorate I have eliminate a lot of unnecessary things and like you, just do a bit each day.
Love your tree! Hope your ankle feels better soon.
Jane
I've got Joanna & Chip on as I type. They're always knocking down walls. Maybe you should consider that???
Pretty tree!
All good things come to those who wait…..as long as they don't wait too long.
I couldn't seem to get my decorating mojo going there for awhile. Now I'm just taking it a day at a time and enjoying it. Otherwise, I'd get sick of looking at it too soon.
I love your decor and I too love the twinkly lights reflected in the door. So pretty.
I know it will probably be hard for you to enjoy much of the holiday when you're moving in a few weeks!
Brenda, your decorating approach sounds very enjoyable. And so far, the results are so sweet and pretty. The sparkling red glasses and the lights reflecting in the window are indeed little bonuses in your decorations this year. Thanks for sharing those touches. I'll make a point to look for such little surprises around my house.
Yes, I like that. Added bonuses. That I didn't even have to create.
You are brilliant…you have a fine eye for decorating!!
Well, I thank you for saying so!
I love the little things, too…and the lighting makes the biggest difference for me…I love the cozy feeling it gives. Hope the ankle gets some rest!
I bring it on myself. My "go" button gets on and I can't seem to shut it off!
Looking good in your cozy little house Brenda! I love the reflection of the lights on the doors and those awesome red glasses!
A girl just needs her some sparkle! And I don't mean fancy rings.
So…slow decorating….slow blogging? Love it! You are enjoying the season! 😉
Ha, I think slowing down in general. Part of getting older!
I follow that rule too. I post when I can and try not to stress over it. I like you new philosophy with holiday decorating as well. I try to live my life that way so as not to feel too overwhelmed with things. Remember the saying, "Tomorrow is another day". Sorry to hear that your ankle is hurting again. I know you've suffered so long with it! Your tree is very pretty. I love the red and white color scheme.
Well, I have to stress over posting some. As it's much of my income. But then, I love to write. So it's all good.
Brenda,
You've given me the push I need to do some decorating! I spend most of my days in bed because it's the only position I'm comfortable in. I have advanced osteoporosis and also wear a brace all the time. Seeing your home makes me want to decorate mine! I visit your blog everyday, you're like a lost friend to me. Please be careful on that step stool!
I'm so sorry about your osteoporosis. I've got arthritis all over my body, and feel like a worn-out old car that is eyeing the junk yard!
Brenda, it is all about the little things for me too! I spend a good deal of time making vignettes with things I have, and challenging myself to come up with something new. I guess it's because it's what my sister and I do at the antique mall, but it's also my way of using my vintage inventory while fostering it, maybe deciding to keep it, or letting it go. I otherwise don't buy a lot of stuff from year to year, maybe just an ornament from a trip or friend. Like you, there are certain things I want to see – like the lights lighting up the red glass (beautiful!). Enjoy your weekend, and I hope your ankle heals completely over time – soon! Merry December.
Rita C at Panoply
Same with me. Just picked up a couple of little things. Recycling the rest!
Love this Brenda. Enjoy your day. 🙂
Thank you, Stacey. I've been busy and haven't been answering comments for a few days. I know you're anxiously awaiting your new house to be built!