This year, I tried to decorate with less at Christmas time. I have quite a few containers of holiday decorations, but this year I pick out a limited number of items to use to decorate my home. Many of the things that I chose have sentimental value to me.
I display this Santa mug every year. I think it is the oldest Christmas item that I own. It was given to me by my kindergarten teacher.
I normally put out a large collection of Santas, but on this shelf I chose just one. I think the simplicity of this Santa combined with the Love plaque that hangs here all year make pleasing, colorful decoration.
I put this framed Christmas card each year. The card was sent to me one year by my cousin who was like a sister to me. She is gone from this earth, but she is always with me, and especially in this way at Christmas time.
Our daughter is a talented potter. I used one of her bowls to hold this small Christmas tree on my kitchen counter. I love it!
I used artificial holly berry twig decorations that I already had as garland on my tree. I only hung nine ornaments! That is a first for me. Not only does my tree have a simple look, but it will be simple to take down and pack away.
As I packed away my items, I pulled out some decorations to donate to Good Will. I used one less tote to store my decorations until next year. It is hard to giveaway some things in my collection. But if I can do a little each year, I hope to get down to minimal amount of only the items that are sentimental and that give me a feeling of joy to see displayed during the holidays.
I used to be one who always went shopping the day after Christmas to purchase more Christmas decorations when they went on sale. Not anymore. If I need Christmas cards, I will buy those on clearance, but I no longer have the urge to buy more “things”. I am so glad that I have come to view shopping differently in the last couple of years.
If you have any ideas that have helped you to simplify your holiday decorations, I invite you to leave me a comment.
Happy New Year everyone!
