Christmas around here so far....

Good morning, everyone — I hope this finds you doing well. Can you believe it’s the Friday before Christmas? Somehow it really snuck up on us… or at least it did for me.

I’ve been thinking of this Christmas season as a bit of a hodgepodge for us. Not being in our permanent home, not having full access to all of my holiday décor, and being sidetracked by some unfortunate family illnesses — it’s all made for a less-than-organized holiday. But I truly did the very best I could. And at this point, I’ve surrendered to the idea that what’s done is done. I even bought a flocked tree to put in the dining room which still is in the box. It never happened, it will move to our next house and for sure will get put up next year! For now- you walk in, you see the pretty tree, the candles are glowing, and the whole house smells like the holidays — and honestly, that’s truly enough for me.

I’ve ordered lots of gifts online that are starting to arrive, so I’ll be kicking off a full-on gift-wrapping marathon on Monday. After that, I think I’ll finally be able to sit back and say, okay… I’ve done what I can, and that’s enough. All that’s really left is setting the Christmas table and planning out Christmas dinner. I only have two gifts left to buy, so I’m feeling pretty squared away.

It’s funny — sometimes we don’t give ourselves enough credit. It feels like there’s still so much to do, but when you actually write it all down, you realize… wait a minute, I’ve done a lot. I think many of us put way too much pressure on ourselves during the holidays. Maybe I’m getting a little wiser as I get older. I am work in progress in that dept!

I do look forward to next year, when we’ll finally be in our forever home. I have a feeling it will feel like everything has come full circle. But for now, I’m truly pleased with how things have come along. I embraced the darker, moodier vibe in this house — could I have done more? Absolutely. But did I do my best? Yes. And that’s what matters.

So here’s a little peek at what I’ve done so far. I’ll share a recap next week once the table is set. I hope everything is going smoothly on your end.

I do love my tree though its still not 100% done, bows never made it to the top and couldn’t find my tree topper..oh well

Really do love these rusty velvet bows with their long tails

These pretty red cones were among the items I found in storage boxes so they fit right in

Center hall table as you walk in, put a big spray of faux greens and berries inside a favorite ginger jar, easy peasy

Found these old amaryllis and they worked for this coffee table

Lots of paperwhites in various stages of blooming which will guarantee several will be in full bloom on Christmas

Many of you noticed this pillow in the back of my car the other day, and yes we are soon going to introduce. beautiful curated collection of needlepoint pillows similar to the ones we once had. They were so popular but unfortunately that company closed. So another door opens…