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.
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
I love what you have said!! It is so true. We have downsized a couple of years ago I miss my old house all the time but especially at this time of year!! I love looking at other peoples houses and seeing what they have done but you are right it can get you down a little. Just need to keep focusing on the real meaning of this holiday! Your house is so pretty and welcoming I love seeing what you have done to it!!!
Well said and well done! I think blogging has gotten completely nuts this past year, and I am considering packing it in (once again). One thing which totally chaps my backside is this formation of several “cliques”, the members of which seem to consider themselves the “leaders” of the entire blog world who are constantly giving tours of their perfect houses. Unless you spend practically every waking minute working at it — and some of them have a staff no less — there is no way to become a Martha Stewart-type magnate at just a simple little “visiting over the back fence” blog. This whole gig was a lot of fun and companionship when I first started, but then I got so disgusted with the competition aspect that after a while I quit for half a year. This year, some of my old favorites have quietly folded their tents and gone away — have you noticed? I started blogging again when I wrote a book and felt like the bloggers would be the people who might be interested in it. Next thing you know, I was caught up in the whole merry-go-round again. For the last year, I have been thinking that the whole concept has run its course. People are too busy selling things and trying to establish a “brand” to be nice any more.
HI, Scribbler, I’m sorry you have had a rough journey in blogland. I know it can be discouraging and I have seen many people quit from the stress. I don’t know your old favorites who have quit, but I wouldn’t be surprised. It has changed so much in my almost 7 years of blogging. I can’t say it’s always for the better, even though business wise it has been so good to me. I’m still grateful every day that I can do this as a business, but I never want to lose my perspective over it all. Thanks for your thoughts!
I have to admit that I didn’t know that there were decorating blogs out in cyber space until last year…I knew there were “blogs” but not these types. I started subscribing to many of them until I realized that so many of you go to the same Conferences, tout the same products and I began seeing a trend. The entire blog world makes my head spin and I actually have to turn it off and not read as much anymore…not that it makes me envious (I’m 60 and I am old enough to be thankful for my home, which wasn’t always the case when I was younger)…so I just don’t read FB or these emails. I do get decorating inspiration, but honestly, I don’t have the time or energy to keep up with it all…I think you’re on the right track when you finally realize what this season is all about and life in general.
Thank you for your thoughts on “Blogland” Christmas ; it had begun to come to mind as I viewed some of the homes , “how much have they spent on this-dollar wise?”. That is none of my business, and I have learned a lot just viewing all these Christmas tours – I would take any of them. But thank you for bringing us back down to Earth, where a Child was born, in the City of David. There in a barn with animals and straw where our King lay. The most simplest of Christmases. I love your home Rhoda! It is my absolute favorite.
I have a question on how you hung up the wreaths on the mirrors. If you used those Command Strips do they leave a mark on the mirror? Otherwise please share your trick in getting them up there. Thanks.
Nancy, those are hung with clear suction cup wreath hangers. I found mine at Lowes. They are great!
Thanks Rhoda! Also, the house looks great.
Your living room is beautiful, I have fireplace envy!! They always look so cozy.
I started reading blogs in a “serious” way last winter, so this is my first Christmas with all of blogland. I am so glad you wrote the post you did as I have been reading too many posts that start out with apologizing that their Christmas isn’t “good enough.” Most of these are young girls with babies and budgets and I feel sad they are feeling ashamed of something they should be so proud of. I have found myself deleting instead of reading many of the blogs I follow as it is too much Christmas and, to me, Pinterest is where I go to see images of magazine pictures. I am a firm believer that women have it tough enough in this world without being made to feel bad about something that is so unimportant. I love looking at pictures that have story’s and memories attached. Those women have something real to say.
I love your blog, it was one of the first ones I “found” and your story moved me so much. Thankfully, I am past the age where I feel the need to compete about anything and I hope your post gives some perspective to so many of the young women out there who work so hard.
Thanks for saying that, Debbie. I do think this affects younger women so much and I hope that they don’t get caught up in the competition. It’s hard for all of us to remember that!
So very well said Rhoda…..I usually hit the ground running in October each year, searching for more of the perfect Christmas decor…but I decided this year, enough…other than the garland around my great room tree, I am just using what I have this year…and actually paring down on the decorations (well as pared down as I can get 🙂 … less this year…Your home is beautiful Rhoda…you have done an amazing job in decorating your gorgeous living room…you are very talented Rhoda and I always look forward to your wonderful creations…Have a wonderful day!
You are so right! If you think it is tough for bloggers, imagine how tough it is for those of us aspiring decorators? It is overwhelming and it all begins to look the same. I wonder what happened to the idea of tradition in decorating for the holidays? Every year I put up the same decorations in the same places like the Santa collection and the Mitford Snowmen in with the ceramic Church collection. I would never miss putting up the village of glittery little vintage houses and my two beautiful manger scenes. One of them is 38 years old and still going strong! Whenever I try and change things up to much, I get an outpouring of disappointment from my children and grandchildren! Thank you for saying what we were all feeling and for reinforcing our instincts – what we think is right for us IS right for us!
Rhoda, I must I agree wholeheartedly with you. This year i have decorated much lless than I usually do. Just my tree, mantel and I made a deco mesh ribbon wreath. (love it).
and i feel so much less stressed this year than in so many past years. I have whittled down the gift giving and feel like I need to enjoy the “Reason for the Season” more.
Thanks for voicing what many of us are thinking.
Pat
Thank you for the things you said. I used to be intimidated by how a few others in my “social group” decorated their houses for Christmas. They seemed so well put together. Then, I found out they didn’t do the decorating at all but had hired it done! That was a real eye-opener for me and since then, I’ve stuck with decorating the way I like to decorate which is with a mix of the decorations my kids grew up with and new additions for the grandchildren. However, I can and do appreciate and enjoy how others decorate. It’s just when it comes to what we live with, we do it our way with no apologies.
I really enjoy your blog and loved watching hour house evolve with all the renovations over the last couple of years.
I’ve been reading blogs for about 3 years and often think I would like to start my own. I completely relate to your post. I don’t take good pictures and when I look around the many beautiful blogs I don’t feel I can compete. So unless I can change my way of thinking, I will just continue looking and nothing else! sigh
Thank you for sharing your heart, Rhoda. When I shared my home tour last week I knew completely the feeling of not being good enough. My home is humble and repurposed, full of things we love with people who live a real, messy life. And you know what? People resonated with that, just as they have with you. There will always be someone greater, better, nicer and just plain more. God asks us to be our best for Him, and that idol of comparison is Satan’s way of distracting us from our purpose. So today I appreciate your words, love your home and reflect on the beauty that begins inside of me. Merry Christmas!
Oh sweet Rhoda you know that we feel the same way as you do! It’s so important that we don’t all get caught up in the things that don’t really matter in the end. This season is about celebrating our Savior!! I love decorating my home and feel so blessed to get to be creative with it but when it becomes a competition it completely takes away from that! It’s all about our hearts and yours is so beautifully reflected as I look at these photos of this room all dressed up for Christmas. Warm, welcoming and so, so lovely!
Vanessa
Hi Rhoda, I DO think you have hit upon a real issue with the trend in blogging, but I don’t think it will ever go away. There will always be those that are over the top and people will continue down that road, but for myself….I have noticed that I delete them one by one. Also, as soon as all the ads and features on the blogs makes it hard to open, or bogs down my browser…boom, I delete it. And no doubt my age and preferences are showing, I tend to look for smaller, more approachable decorating ideas….and nothing terribly trendy, although I DO try to do one new idea a year. This year, it is a chalkboard on the front door with a Holiday message made from thrifted materials and CHEAP! SO, I fee like I am ‘keeping up a little’, but choosing for my house and life style. I don’t feel like I need to overdo, but can see why that would happen in the blog business….and I echo the words of others…it is all starting to look alike…and I, too, find myself whipping thru the home tours without even really looking hard. I love seeing YOUR touches, because they are approachable and doable….and know you have sponsors, but the projects are still geared for us DIYers. Have a beautiful Holiday Season, and a wonderful New Year! And hope to see more of your precious folks… 🙂
Beautiful home, beautiful you! Thanks so much for keeping it REAL. I completely agree with your thoughts. Merry Christmas to you and your wonderful family.
Sally
Rhoda, you could not have said it more perfectly.
I to am feeling overwhelmed looking at all the blogs that are showing up in my mail boxes. Such beautiful houses!! I does indeed feel like you are all wrapped up in a compition . But it might just be the daily blogs. I am wishing, I could get a blog with the same amount of info but only two to three times a week. The lovely homes have made it a reuse it year at my home as well. I have also cut back on the amount of decor to keep a peaceful environment.
I just wanted to add your house is stunning yet peaceful on the eyes. Thank you.
Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas,
Carolyn
Rhoda,
I’m sorry to hear you are a bit upset and don’t feel that you can “compete” with some of the other homeowners out here in “Blogland”. Some of these people live in million dollar homes and have unlimited budgets. Others/most do not. I think you have done a beautiful job renovating your home as well as decorating for the holidays. You often remind me of what’s important in life. I think many of us, myself included, can be a bit too materialistic or worry about “keeping up with the Joneses” at times. I’m returning a designer handbag that I bought on a whim recently and realized I don’t really need. I’ve been feeling sorry for myself and spending money frivolously in an attempt to be happy.
I have followed you for several years and seen your struggles and how you have come out on the “winning end” with such grace and dignity. I’ve had my own struggles as well and hope that I can overcome them and one day own my own home again too. You have a lot to be thankful for and I know you haven’t forgotten that. There’s no need to try to “compete with” or “compare” yourself to anyone. You are a unique and special person and I wish you and yours a safe and wonderful holiday season!
First of all I don’t think you need to worry about how much you decorate your home Rhoda, it is always beautiful! My home is no where near large enough to decorate like those in blogland but I still like to look at what everyone is doing no matter how over the top or simple, the idea is to maybe get one idea that I can incorporate into my décor or even just inspire me. Everyone is so nice and willing to share their ideas and how they did what they did and I love that about the blogs. I feel like everyone has some value to add whether it is how to decorate a mantle or just to inspire so I hope everyone continues to decorate, create and keep one another motivated!
Dear Rhoda . . . first, your home is lovely, absolutely lovely. I enjoy all of your attention to detail with holiday touches. Secondly, thank you for voicing these comparison concerns. It’s so true and it can truly be a ‘thief of our joy’. I nearly quit decorating as my decorations didn’t look a thing like anyone else’s I was seeing on the tour. Am I outdated? Am I too old? Am I too frou-frou? Ugh. Comparison.
Then I stopped, looked around my house, and appreciated what I have. I share with my readers. Share. This is me and I’m sharing with you. Some will like it, many won’t. And that’s fine. It assures a spot for anyone in our wonderful world called Blogland.
It just took me a minute to pause and remember that. So thank you for echoing my thoughts. We are a lucky, lucky bunch, this group called Bloggers. 😀
I gave away 2 big boxes of ornaments and trims again this year. I have gone from big and overblown to simple and pretty. I love a tree covered with collected ornaments and lots of fresh greens and some cardboard houses to set a peaceful mood. I don’t even do the house tours anymore. They do all look the same and use too many of the trendy things. I like your sentiments. People use TOO much stuff, I saw a good facebook picture with starvation on one side and a home filled with wrapped presents and too many decorations of the other. We don’t need to deny ourselves and our celebrations to feed the poor. We can do both with thoughtfulness and love.