Before I get to sharing my Christmas décor with you, I just had something to say that’s been weighing on my mind and I have a feeling it will resonate with many of you too.
I’ve noticed something in blogland. It’s gotten crazy around here during Christmas. I just wanted to take a minute and give a few observations of my own about the Christmas season and blogging and how if we’re not careful, we can let that old ugly monster, comparison, creep up on us. I can honestly say this is the first year of my 7 years of blogging during the Christmas season, that it’s affected me. That clicking around blogland at all the beautiful home tours and feeling a wee bit depressed because my house can’t possibly compete with all of those?
How can it? I’m a pretty confident person and it still gets to me somewhat.
We all have different decorations, houses, styles of decorating, talent, skill, not to mention time to decorate our homes for the Holidays, so how in the world can every house be so darn beautiful? There’s such a multitude of talent out there, I see it every single day. So, if I’m feeling the pressure to perform this year, I know countless others of you out there are feeling the same way. I have never felt the pressure as much as this year in performing for Christmas and showing off my decked to the max Christmas home.
But, the problem is, I can’t compete. Everyone has their own style of gorgeous and putting it all together for Christmas festivities and it can be intimidating to the normal homemaker out there who just wants to create a pretty decorated Christmas home for their families.
So I wanted to take a minute to say, let’s all take a deep breath. There’s talent, beauty and amazingness out there. Some folks take better pics than others. That can be intimidating too. I’m still working on my photography, I’m not at all where I’d like to be (even though I improve every single year!) and find myself oohing and ahhing over those who do it better than I do. We all have to really take a step back. Slow down. Remember the season and why we are celebrating.
I (we) are celebrating a baby Jesus who came to earth, a savior who was born for us, who loves us just as we are. Beautiful home or plain home. We are all loved the same. I hope we will remember that this season, as blogland is scurrying around decorating and showing off all the beauty that is out there this time of year. There are home tours galore and blogland is positively exploding with them this year and I’m part of a big one too.Â
I, for one, have to step back and remember. This is not a competition. This is sharing creativity and festiveness for the season. Mine will never be the best or the most beautiful, but I hope you enjoy this season at my house. I throw in the towel and admit that I see so many MORE beautiful homes than mine. But, mine is mine and we all have to embrace our homes and spaces and create the most gorgeous Christmas home that we can…with what we have been given…big and small.
OK, now that we got that out of the way. That was just weighing heavy on my mind, because I know if it’s bothering ME, it has to be unsettling to a whole bunch of other bloggers out there. Not to mention all of you wonderful readers who read our blogs. You have to be feeling intimidated at times, wondering how your home stacks up in blogland.
So, let’s give ourselves a break, OK?! Don’t get hung up on who has the prettiest decorated house! Decorate for your family and enjoy this precious time of year and soak up all that this season brings. The meaning behind who, why, and what we are celebrating at Christmas. It’s not all about the decorations and we all certainly know that, right?!
With that being said, I’m ready to share my living room decorated this year for Christmas. I use most of the same things every year, so if you’ve been reading me awhile, you’ll see the same old stuff. But, I love my home and am still so grateful for every single thing in it!
Merry Christmas 2013!
Welcome to my living room.
I added the real wreath to the fireplace mantel this year and am so happy to have a mantel to decorate this year.
I’ve had these gold trees for over 10 years and this year used them with my white Southern Living urns. I went for rustic and natural on the mantel.
These white JOY letters stand out against the stone.
My living room decorated for Christmas this year.
Just a few greenery touches around the room, with ornaments and beads.
My black side table in the living room got a cloche with winter scene and I added some fresh greens cuttings along with feathers and gold touches.
Just a few touches around the room.
I love adding fake snow to my cake plate and putting out a winter scene for Christmas.
My nativity set that I’ve had for over 20 years, from Fitz and Floyd.
The coffee table got a few festive touches too.
I brought in my little white iron birdbath and filled it with snow and pretty gold and white ornaments. A few snips of fresh greens finishes it off.
Another cloche holds my vintage ornaments just found this year. Love these colors!
More blue baubles on an end table.
Simple touches on this side table too, with a white bottlebrush tree, I found at Target last year after Christmas, along with a simple boxwood wreath hung on the mirror.
This cute tree makes me smile.
Love this Silent Night handpainted sign from Beyond the Mossy Tree at the Woodstock Market.
The tree this year got some new ornaments from the Michaels Christmas tree challenge. My sister used part of the ornaments and I used the other half.
Since my old prelit tree died, I picked this one up last year at Lowes after Christmas sales. I love a tree in an urn.
Love the mix of green, silver, and white along with the burlap snowflake ribbon.
A big silver mesh bow, sparkly picks and feathers at the top make it extra fun.
All of these ornaments and ribbons came from Michaels this year. I love those cute white birds.
And that’s my biggest Christmas tree this year, just my size. I am not sure I’ll ever do a huge tree again.
The foyer table always gets dressed with my mercury glass collection and all things silver. I just love this mix and how pretty it looks. I added the zebra runner to the table this year and love that added bit of pattern.
The square boxwood wreath was a gift from Wayfair this year and of course, I love it’s natural feel. You can’t beat preserved boxwood. That 3 tiered stand in the middle was one of my World Market finds from earlier this year and is the perfect holder for these pretty ornaments.
The silver candelabra is a long ago yardsale find and I still love it, along with the silver tray on the left, holding the cute silver tinsel tree.
I’ve collected this mercury glass at all different stores, including TJ Maxx, Homegoods, and Target. Love all of these together and how sparkly and shiny they are.
A scripture white ball gives a beautiful message.
These sparkly words I’ve had for years too, picked up in an after Christmas sale: Joy, Hope and Wish, that describes this season to me. I added a few snips of greens to this vignette too, that always is a lovely touch.
The boxwood wreath up close. I added a jingle bell garland to the middle, along with a pretty silver angel and this Merry Christmas sign was a yardsale find long ago. I love it’s simplicity.
I sure am enjoying having a working gas fireplace now and have turned on the logs several times already this year. The warmth and glow add so much to my living room. Love it! The addition of the mantel this year and the gas logs are good ones that I’m so thankful for.
Mr. Cody joined me in my photo session and he’s been so much fun to have around this past year. He loves me and I love him! Cody and Rhonda have been great roommates the last year.
Come back tomorrow and we’ll head into the dining room!
Merry Christmas to all of you!
Wednesday will be my big home tour, where I’ll be joining 25 other bloggers (5 bloggers per day, Monday through Friday) who will all be sharing their beautifully decorated homes for the Christmas season, so you will have so much inspiration, you won’t know what to do! It all starts on Monday morning. Chris from Just a Girl is the host for this tour and you can see the first day’s line up at her blog on Monday morning, so don’t miss out!
If you’re not completely toured out yet, here are this week’s blogger home tours for Christmas. I’ll add live links as the days go on this week. And really, these are a talented group of ladies, so I know you’ll enjoy the inspiration!
Monday
- Life in Grace
- Not Just a Housewife
- All Things Thrifty
- Funky Junk Interiors
- Thrifty Decor Chick
- Storywood Designs
- Decorchick
- Southern Hospitality
- Our Fifth House
- Sand and Sisal
- A Place for Us
- Songbird
- Pretty Handy Girl
- Beneath My Heart
- I Heart Organizing
- My Blessed Life
- Emily A. Clark
- A Thoughtful Place
- Remodelaholic
Rhoda, so well said. Yes, there are lots of beautiful decorated homes in blog land and I love being inspired and finding new ideas from them. I like you will never do a large tree again. I love tabletop trees and yours in the urn is gorgeous. I know you are enjoying that mantel. I have used a lot of greenery and natural materials this year, too. Seems to be a going theme with a lot of folks.
On one hand, I love looking at all the beautiful decorations. On the other hand, they are all starting to look alike. Too much of a good thing, I guess.
But like a good box of chocolate, I can’t seem to pull myself away. 12 step program for decorating, perhaps?
Your home is beautiful and I couldn’t agree with you more. I grew up in a time when the only Christmas decorations in most homes were the Christmas tree and a nativity set. I enjoy looking at the over the top homes, but sometimes less is more and simple is best. Merry Christmas to you.
Well put. Also love the message that many of the bloggers are sending the message this year that less is more.
Thank you for saying what you said. I’m sure there are countless women out there thinking that their Christmas trees, table, mantles, etc., can’t possibly compare to what they’re seeing on the decorating blogs. There will always be people with more time and money and a greater inclination to compete. Let them. You, on the other hand, know what Christmas is about and have expressed it beautifully.
I won’t be putting up a tree this year. Visitors to my home will be hard pressed to even realize that I’ve decorated for the season at all. My rusted urn full of pine cones, my twiggy wreath and my two pots of paperwhites are so understated that most people won’t think that I’ve decorated for Christmas. And that’s just fine. Because I’m not trying to impress anyone. I’m just doing what feels right.
your home is lovely – I think many of us are having some envy issues with some of those big blogs that get all their decorations handed to them from companies…I too was feeling a little lacking in my decorating, so much so , that I even hesitated to decorate at all…What I need to remember is I’m just a little blogger using my own money to decorate my home…there are no freebies here from sponsors – that being said I am enjoying a more subtle approach to my holiday decorating this year.I have gone to smaller trees, less fuss and for me that is just fine I know that my home is more than good enough…
Your home looks beautiful, and I agree with you 100%. I’ve always loved going all out for Christmas, but I’m embracing the concept of simple this year. In addition to the tree, I want just a few candles, ornaments and greenery this year for decorations.
I’d have to say, though, that I loved the show-house that you showcased. I figure that’s a huge budget and a load of helpers who do that one…
Thank you for saying this…since I too have been feeling the same way. I have felt it more and more too, but especially this year, after a very difficult time for me medically. I realize I can never complete with them, and now know I really don’t want to . My home is small and I love it because it is. What I have been seeing lately is the “perfection” (if I’m choosing the right word) of decorating and over the top glam. So thanks, this year especially I want to celebrate it for what it is, Jesus birthday, my mantel will be done using my nativity set and churches, it helps me to feel closely to the “reason” to the season! Love you home and what you have done to make her shine!
Rhoda, your home is beautiful always! I love that you added subtle but such pretty touches here and there. In my mind, decorating for Christmas is about my family not about blogging pictures. That’s the order for me. 🙂
Thank you for writing this blog today. We always did the free tree the marines offer to all Christmas season and this year there will be no tree as we moved to a new state, got new jobs and our furnance system is completely broken so my husband and I are doing all we can to save and remedy the problem quickly. I’ve definetely had the envy giant lurking and been clicking past blogs dealing with the holidays on Bloglovin. Our kids (5&3) don’t get why there will be no tree, presents or normal things we have done in the past but instead we bought a space heater so on those low 20-30 nights we are warm. I’m so thankful for what we do have and may this season with all we are going thru have a positive impact on my little and show family is what’s important. It is so easy to feel that need to compete but Jesus is truly the reason for the season. Thank you again for a post that really struck my heart and your home is beautiful all dressed up
Hello Rhoda, Your blog is the very first one I read on the internet and I have followed you for at least five years. I know your life has taken many turns and bends in the road but you have always remained a shining example to your readers that you place God first in your life. That to me is greater than living in and decorating a mansion. God I am sure is pleased with you for giving Him the glory for all that He has given you this past year and what you have done with those gifts. I have enjoyed each blog showing all the improvements and renovations you, your Dad, and Mom have done to make this your home. I appreciate that you decorated predominately with treasured pieces and collections that have meaning for you. Not everyone that reads your blog lives in a huge home and yet you present ideas that would grace a home, large or cozy. It is after all, our family and friends that make our homes rich and beautiful whatever the season. The square footage found in the heart is beyond measure. I wish for you a loving Christmas and to all that celebrate it within the walls of your beautiful home.
Rhoda-Thanks so much for this post: your honesty (the theme of which I completely relate) and your gorgeous pics are inspiring! I love your Christmas living room. It’s beautiful, understated, and serene. Those boxwoods are perfect! Love the colors and the natural feel to it all. Thanks!
Thank you Rhoda for blogging about this…there is a ton of bloggy shows out there and yes it was starting to get me down but thankfully I clicked on your blog this evening. Jesus, family and peace are what and should be at this time of year.
I love your home it’s so tastefully and simply done also love the blues.
Have a very Merry Christmas.
Rondell
Thank you for saying that, Rhoda. Christmas is my least favorite holiday because of all the craziness. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, but now that people think their Christmas decorations have to be up by then, I feel as if it is slowly vanishing. Do I put up Christmas decor and a tree? Yes! Is it up yet? No! Am I worried? No! Our house is the dessert leg of a three-house progressive dinner this Thursday night, and 75 people have RSVP’ed, so I know I have some decorating and a lot of baking to do between now and then. It will get done, and I will keep my sanity and do it my way.
Beautifully said. I agree wholeheartedly, and appreciate your heart. Your home is beautiful, and love your decorations- I hope you have many wonderful times with family and friends this season.
I so agree with you. I wish it would go back to the way it was when we started. However, with money being made now, I don’t think that will happen. I have noticed my visits are way down. I live in a Mobile home….I certainly cannot compete….but, the Lord gave it to us…so I am thankful!
Your home and decorations are wonderful. I am so happy with how my simple decor looks this year also….enjoy the season!!
So well put Rhoda!! You know I am a huge fan of your beautiful home and style and your Christmas touches just make it even more cozier! Everything looks so pretty!
Rhonda……I am not a blogger but I thought as a follower I would express my thoughts. Truthfully, I was getting over whelmed by all the excessive & overly decorated rooms that I just quit reading the posts. I talking some over the top decorating. Before I retired I downsized to a smaller home and believe me not decorating the exterior of my home with lights anymore is a burden I do not miss. There is no blogger out there whose house is lit to the hills could change my mind about that, lol. I do enjoy reading my favorite blogs because of their design content and inspiration but I do not feel the need to decorate my house as the bloggers I follow. I learned a long time ago, stressing around the holidays to get everything done is not the reason for the season. It is a time of celebration and joy. Have a blessed day!
I think your house looks lovely and you have every right to be happy about it. I am not a blogger so I hope my comments are welcome and do not offend anyone. As an outsider I can see how the participants in these decorating tours are looking very shallow and materialistic. Throwing out last year’s decorations and buying new ones in order to go along with the latest blogging trend is wasteful and sets a bad example. It would be much more interesting to see homes decorated in their own style with their own items instead of having to decorate in a certain style because of things given by a company they are beholden to. The decorating this year is very bland and boring. We non bloggers look at blogs to be entertained and to get ideas and yet there are few new ideas because everyone is doing what everyone else is doing. I appreciate your focus on the reason we celebrate Christmas. I hope bloggers will soon realize how silly they look trying to outdo each other with the same theme on every blog. Thanks for letting me vent but I am certain that I am not the only reader who is quickly getting disappointed with the way blogging is looking. Merry Christmas to you and all!
Dear Rhoda, thank you so much for this post. First of all, your living room looks absolutely lovely. But mostly I thank you for the words you started with. I agree with you that the one-upmanship seems to be even greater this year than ever before. I found myself feeling a bit dispirited last week as I worked on my own Christmas decor. Then I remembered that my family and my friends are delighted by Christmas decor, and that’s much more important than producing a space that wins in the social media game. What’s more, I hope my decor and my spirit are honoring to the One whose birth we’re celebrating. Yours certainly are, and I’m grateful for you! Bless you!
Richella,
I wholeheartedly agree with you. Blogging has become a social media game. I used to really enjoy Dear Daisy Cottage for the simplicity. It was a beautiful respite from the busy frantic world that we live in. She now has a photography blog that is small but amazing. It’s definitely changed drastically just in the past 3 years.
Oh Richella, thank you for chiming in sweet lady!