Does Anyone Else Have ‘Decoration Guilt’?
I don’t have my tree up yet. There, I said it.
A couple weeks ago, driving home from Thanksgiving weekend, I couldn’t believe how many windows were already lit with the glow of huge Christmas trees. Was I the only one who’d spent the day driving up I-95 with a car full of leftovers and my slightly cranky family? I thought I had at least another week to shift into Merry Mode. I felt the first pangs of my annual Decoration Guilt — and quickly took a breath. Not this year, I remembered. We’re skipping that tradition.
Decorating is not my strong suit. I’m good at other holiday stuff. Every December, I make huge batches of cookie dough to stick in the freezer, so we can bake fresh ones every night. I keep a running list of gift ideas in my phone, updating it throughout the year. But when it comes to decking halls, I simply lack the skills: My wreaths fall down, my tree lights wilt, and I’m always a couple weeks behind everyone else.
When I moved in with Harry — my then boyfriend, now husband — he suggested skipping the tree entirely. Harry was born in Soviet-era Bulgaria. He liked Christmas fine; he just didn’t get the fuss about decor. “Wouldn’t it be less stressful without all that?” Yes, I told him. And if he ever suggested a tree-free Christmas again, I would break the lease and walk out. We went to the tree stand that very day, and I did my usual sloppy job of stringing on lights. The next morning I came out to find that Harry had discreetly adjusted them, evening out the strands so they lay in perfect distribution across the boughs.
“Thanks,” I mumbled. This guy grew up in a country without Santa, and even he was better at decorating.
I always felt sheepish about my decorating prowess, but I never felt guilty until becoming a parent. Once our daughter, Margot, was born, holiday festivities weren’t just for fun anymore; they were about making memories and filling her childhood with magic. When we went tree shopping that year, I nabbed the biggest fir that would fit in our apartment. I didn’t even ask about prices before they wrapped it up. And that is the story of how I accidentally spent $400 on a Christmas tree. Plus tip. For a newborn.
I’d like to say that moment shook some sense into me, but alas, the urge to merry-make only got more intense. I learned to check prices, but I still felt driven to buy twinkly stuff each year — or, better yet, make some. Last year, I stayed up past 1 a.m. on a weeknight, waiting for the orange slices I was slow-drying in the oven to dry out enough to string into a garland. In the end, all but three slices turned out burnt or sticky or both. I’m not Marmee, I’m just mom!
I consoled myself that I was good at other things. But I still felt bad that all the decoration we had was a small (albeit affordable) tree, with no garland. Meanwhile, Harry, despite his lukewarm feelings, was killing it on the holiday-magic front. On Christmas Eve, he spontaneously designed a mailing label from the North Pole, and transformed Margot’s present into a package from Santa.
Can you believe that guy? By hand!
So, when fall rolled around this year, I braced myself for another season of decoration guilt. I’d pretty much resigned myself to feeling like seasonal failure, when — believe it or not – an Instagram reel snapped me out of it.
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While scrolling one day, I landed on this reel from Chelsea Fagan — a writer best known for her financial-literacy content — on the difference between festivity and decoration. I was stunned; it suddenly felt so obvious. It was like one of those optical-illusion pictures, where you tilt your head and the rabbit turns into a duck.
Wreaths are not festivity. Wrapping paper is not celebration. Twinkle lights are really pretty, but they are not what make the memories. People do that — in a million different ways, for a million different reasons. For some, Christmas is about family and togetherness, and for others it’s about faith and worship, and of course, for many others, it’s someone else’s holiday.
From now on, instead of guilting myself over decoration guilt, I will focus on all the magic we’re making together. I think my daughter will remember making messy cookies with me on school nights. She’ll remember the three of us twirling around to cheesy Christmas pop tunes, and watching movies in a cozy pile on the couch. You know what she definitely won’t remember? That $400 tree. But we’ll all remember the story.
And I’m not here to poo-poo decorating — just the guilt. Decorating is festivity when it’s done in a festive spirit. One of my favorite memories is decorating Margot’s second Christmas tree. She’d just turned one, and was climbing everything — so eager to “help.” It was chaotic and hilarious and messy, and I think back on it every holiday season. But it’s her on the step-ladder, looking back at me, with her baby curls and round cheeks, that make the memory for me. Yes, the lights are really pretty. But they’re not the magic part.
P.S. 10 holiday rituals, and the funniest, simplest game to play before dinner.
Comments
136 commentsI liked this post. Christmas is many different things to different people, and I think it’s important each year to tune into what matters to you. Yes, it will change from year to year! Some years you need it to be quiet and contemplative because it’s been a rough year. Others, you’re up for parties and gatherings. Kids really change everything, so give yourself some grace. All I want for Christmas is a good night’s sleep!
Wow this seems oddly harsh on yourself!!! Sounds like you’re doing great and just need to adjust your perspective.
I have a one year old this Christmas, as well! She was equally enthusiastic about helping with the tree. I AM a decor gal, and I have a large collection of ornaments that I love, but we decided we’d just do lights and the topper until she becomes less grabby. She’s been decorating it herself, in fact, pushing her stuffies into the low branches. Baby and toddlers don’t mix super well with decorations, but I have found a couple of solutions, such as holiday throw pillows and snowflake window clings. High up candles also do the trick to help create a vibe. Our fam likes pine during this season.
What made the biggest change for my stress levels was embracing the season of Advent and the season of Christmas. Advent starts 4 Sundays before Christmas and ends Dec 24th and is the time to prepare for Christmas. We decorate and Christmas shop throughout the whole season. Then the Christmas season starts December 25th and lasts into January. That’s when we celebrate. It has made a world of difference!!
Yes! I relate to so much of this. Hot tip for a festive feel with zero effort – light a crackling wooden wick candle. I picked up one of these on a whim at Trader Joe’s and love it
Preach girl! Our tree this year has lights and just a few decorations- most of them are still in the box. I thought it looked a little sparse, and then I realized that the lights are the part I like the most anyway, and the kids don’t care. But! My son got a pack of gliders for Hanukkah last night and after the kids had put all 10 together, they flew them into the tree, and they actually look really good resting on random branches. When I don’t force the magic, it comes in unexpected places ;)
I dread putting up Christmas decorations. But once they’re up, I absolutely love it! I can sit and stare at my tree for hours. This year, my mom came over to help me decorate the house. We even made ribbons and bows out of garland since ribbons were trending this year—thanks, Pinterest! My mom is 82, and while I hope she’s around forever (her mother lived to 108), I know our time together isn’t endless. So, I’m soaking up every moment—the hustle, the bustle, and the joy—because I won’t get this time back. My advice? Do whatever brings you joy.
Sometimes a Christmas candle and holiday music is enough. Be present and do what feels good for you.
I grew up in a Jewish household. We didn’t have a tree, lights, or any decorations other than our menorah, and one banner that aid Happy Hanukkah. I was just fine! And I feel very nostalgic about those cozy winter days when we spent time together as a family. The idea that kids somehow need all of that decor to make the holiday meaningful is just not true! And most of it ends up going to the landfill anyway. You aren’t bad at decor, you are environmentally conscious, and you should be proud of that!
Beautiful essay, Kelsey, and I totally relate.
I totally get this. We downsized this summer and let friends come over to take whatever we didn’t need. Our Christmas decor is down to one big box with special ornaments, stockings, paper trees, and a nativity. I realized that the most important thing to me was making our home feel cozy and nostalgic, so I bought a bunch of battery operated taper candles and placed them all over the house. I can turn it all on with a remote and it instantly feels glowy! On another note, we decided not to do outdoor lights this year because it can be a lot of work and we only see them when we are coming and going. I’m feeling mixed feelings about it because I love seeing lights when we drive around our neighborhood. I’d probably feel more pressure to do this if my kids were younger, but we are focusing on time together- puzzles, prayer, Christmas movies- and so I’m just letting it be and I’m mostly feeling good about it.
Same!! We skipped outdoor lights this year too- it was on the list and just didn’t get done, and I felt a tinge of guilt- but our sons didn’t really ask, notice or care about it! And best of all, didn’t have to take them down :)
Same!! We skipped outdoor lights this year too- it was on the list and just didn’t get done, and I felt a tinge of guilt- but our sons didn’t really ask, notice or care about it! We leaned into decorating gingerbread houses this year instead- which was memorable and messy! And best of all, no outdoor lights to take down later!
We don’t put up our tree until the day before the “big” celebration. (We do pick it out and purchase it early but it sits outside until the day before) The tree also comes down so that we can burn it on New Year’s Eve for our chilly bonfire. Burning the tree is a big part of our celebration and is a group activity where we list all of the funny things that “warmed” us over the past year! Other than a tree we have stockings and an advent calendar. I also put out fresh candles for this time period and frankly that is about it. Funnily enough this feels like more than plenty and we love keeping it condensed so that it feels special and fun! All in all decorating takes me very little time, energy or clean up. I think it is completely ok to let the guilt melt away and only do the things that you find magical for you and your family. If it doesn’t feel like an add what’s the point anyway? This article was one of my favs because the human acceptance felt like a good reminder for me in so many areas!
This is the most relatable thing and my heart is also bursting I feel so relieved. Even if it’s not specific to decorating for the holidays, this general sentiment is something I feel *so hard* in other areas. And the line about her husband/partner not growing up with Christmas a big to do and still being “better” at it than her? AGH, that got me. I have felt that exact same thing – so. many. times. Gosh, so grateful for this community and Kelsey’s willingness to share about her experience. When we share, we make others feel less alone, regardless of whether or not we ever know it.
THank you for posting this. My mom and grandmother were both stay at home moms, and they decorated absolutely everything to the nines, made elaborate Christmas Eve spreads, and it was so magical and festive and fun. I feel really guilty these days as a working mom that I don’t provide even close to that for my kids. We have a beautifully decorated tree full of ornaments we’ve collected on our travels, a wreath — but our (cluttered) house looks pretty much the same otherwise. I just don’t have it in me to have ooodles of holiday decor — much as I would love to.
Now that I am a wise, perimenopausal crone, I have come to realize that the rat race is not one I want to win. The worldwide human need for light and warmth at the darkest hour is the framework that culture conspires to hide with stories spun of glitter and gloss. What if we were able to quiet the noise and get back to the heart that beats in all of us? What if…
Yes. Christmas is nothing to do with competitive decoration, getting your tree up early and keeping up with your neighbours. Light, warmth, good cheer and extending generosity and welcome, that’s what we really need. As for that damned smirking elf, he can shove his belled cap right where no lights can find it.
We also have a pretty scaled back Christmas and I love it! It’s also important to me that we aim for as eco-friendly a holiday as possible. What that looks like for us, in case it inspires anyone else: – We buy fresh wreaths from Trader Joes (and then let them dry out over the course of the entire year – I am trying to tell myself that dried florals are in??) – We prop up our skinny “pencil tree” style pre-lit tree with all the ornaments from our childhood. – We hang our non-matching stockings that each have a story on also mis-matched ornament hooks found at the thrift store. – I swap my normal mugs for vintage Spode Christmas mugs, also found at the thrift store. – We pop some wintry art on our Frame TV and call it good on decor! – For sweet traditions, My kids each get a Christmas book every year with heartfelt note written inside, plus new jammies on Christmas Eve (which I used to think was wasteful until I had kids and realized they actually need new jammies because they’re growing like weeds! We adults wear the same festive jams every year.) I usually get the jammies from the previous year clearance rack and the books usually come from ThriftBooks or our local library sale. – We also create our own advent calendar each year using an old Starbucks advent calendar with little drawers that someone gave me in college! I print out quotes, fun wintry activities and ideas along with Hershey kisses. I loved my mom’s 12 totes of Hobby Lobby decor and our 12 foot tree as a kid, but as an adult, I have found the magic of Christmas to come in a really different package for my little family and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Speaking of eco-friendly, I am famous for re-using wrapping paper, tissue paper and ribbon. Train kids to unwrap carefully instead of tearing to shreds. Fold it flat and store it in a grocery bag. I don’t know the last time I bought wrapping paper! Just trim up the edges and it’s ready for reuse. Frugal use of tape is also encouraged, and definitely no stick on bows. It is another bit of cozy nostalgia to see the same wrapping paper year after year.
Julia, reusing is the best. When you mention trimming up the edges of the saved wrapping paper, I pictured buying gifts each year that are smaller than last year’s gifts to accommodate the diminishing size of the wrapping paper pieces, and it made me laugh. :)
This year when I asked my husband if we should put up our minimal decorations for Christmas he just said no. He is dealing with some health issues and doesn’t have the energy. I just got back blood tests that say I am pre diabetic, so no sugar for me. Decorating and baking were our main Christmas emphasis. Now it is time for us to realize that the magic of Christmas doesn’t have to come from those things. Some favorite Christmas music, a nice dinner we make together and thinking about the real reason for Christmas will be enough.
To give you another perspective: as far as I know in most German speaking European countries the christmas tree traditionally is not put up until Christmas Eve. Most households still adhere to this tradition, even though I also know of people having adopted an American way of putting it up in early December. People will put up a bit of decorations, but it‘s more like little accents and not going all out and having boxes of decorations (eg. People would have an adventskranz (advent wreath decorated with for candles and a cristmas tree)). Would other central/Western Europeans agree?
Yes, it is the same in Hungary. The angels bring your decorated tree on the 24th – picture the parents hiding a pine tree and all the decor in a small apartment and trim the tree in secret! My Father did that while we went to church that day and locked the door to the room. Hungarians open their gifts after Christmas dinner on the 24th. We used to have minimal decoration otherwise. Shops did not sell much decor anyway. We made popcorn garlands and paper decorarions.
Same here in Czechia, the tree goes up on the 24th and comes down on New Year’s Day. Although I do think some younger people are starting to put it up earlier, but for my Czech husband and my Czech in-laws, it’s the morning of the 24th.
Totally agreed , the Christmas tree is brought by the Christkind (baby Jesus) on the 24th and stay’s until Candlemans February 2nd and the Adventskranz,a bit of Christmas lights and candles and that’s it.
It used to be like that but I think that the rise of fake trees has changed things since they can go up any time. As a real tree fan, the later, the better or you are left with twigs. In the past few years, trees have been appearing at the end of November here in UK. It perplexes me that people cannot wait for things to come in their proper time.
Growing up, we put the tree up on Christmas Eve (German on my father’s side), and left it up until the Epiphany, when the three wise men supposedly arrived on January 6. My parents would purchase the tree in advance, and keep it in a bucket of water in the garage. When I had kids, that seemed like too much last minute pressure, so I adjusted a bit to putting it up the weekend before. I don’t get putting it up early. To me, it loses its magic by the time Christmas arrives!
Thanks all, so interesting to hear about the different traditions!
Yes, in Finland the tree is brought in and decorated Christmas Eve and then taken down at Epiphany when the Christmas season ends.
What a great article. I left over half my Christmas decor in the boxes this year including my quirky wooden Christmas tree collection that I spent several years pulling together. Turns out I don’t miss them much at all. I kept thinking I would get them out but I realized last weekend that it wasn’t going to happen and I didn’t care. I got the tree up and a wreath on the door and we are done! I gave up Christmas cards a few years ago and kept this year’s cookie baking to a couple of very small batches since my husband was diagnosed with diabetes this year.
You don’t have to be everything. Be cookie dough person! Enjoy the holidays!
We have a live tree in a pot year round and a decent collection of decor. I think part of it is I’m unwilling to buy new lights, even if they’re more sparse than I’d like, chasing some perfect ideal. We had a culling of glass ornaments early on (I have some fine motor issues) and then a culling of everything that tested positive for lead. Most of our ornaments are from Elizabeth harbour, and the favorites are just made of silver card on ribbon, since they reflect the lights. I try to symbolize something each of my kids are into each year, or a trip we had. My son’s favorite ornament is a skippy peanut butter, a cousin was getting rid of some « mini brands » and we just tied a thread on it. Christmas decor is something we give each other as gifts, but we’re also so minimal in our gift approach!! Main decor is an edible display at the entrance, nuts in shell and different dried and fresh fruits, chocolates and honey nougat. It’s a riff on the 13 desserts of Provence, and my kids joyfully snack on it through advent in a nice balance to the cookies. And I put out Christmas books on the shelves, my small collection of advent books and journal among them. I add to it each advent. Like a five year journal, but only this time of year! It’s a reflective time. I think the thing is I remember some stuff fondly from my childhood christmases but I remember my dad being so crazy stressed doing it. We say no to elf on the shelf, matching pajamas, advent calendars, and yes to candles and mass and being generous to our community.
During Covid, like most people, my husband and I stayed home for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Honestly, it was heaven. We always felt so overwhelmed at the family gatherings (we are both 60+ and childless). So now, we visit with family and friends throughout the year and stay home, just the two of us, on both holidays. At first I felt guilty. But, this feels right for us.
We own one box of Christmas things, but our home is always festive. Last year I had my husband drop me off in a ditch and come back in a half hour; there was no shoulder on that road, but there were lots of snowberries, and I cut a bunch to take home for wreaths and to stick around the base of the candelabra that lives on the dining table. This year I dried orange slices, threaded them on gold thread, and hung them in the windows. The year we were getting rid of as much of our possessions as possible to run off to sea we bought a 10″ potted fir the day before Christmas and hung my earrings and necklaces on it. When we were on the boat in Mexico we filled the 3-tiered hanging basket with limes to make a green triangle and strung it with lights. I find improvisation so joyful, so sincere, and so festive! And you never have to stress; you just do what suits the time you have.
Dahlia, you sound like a fun person! Xo “Last year I had my husband drop me off in a ditch” is a real attention grabbing line and the rest of your mini stories met expectations!
I love to read your comments Dahlia, they fill me with a sense of calm and vitality and the joy of life. Thank you for sharing xo
My holiday-based guilt is that I wish I didn’t have to spend any of it with extended family and all holidays could just be my little group of four doing whatever we want. Maybe someday.
It’s kinda now or never. All we really have is The Spectacular Now.
I think you should definitely find a way to make space for your little family! My husband and I both come from huge families. We love our extended family to pieces, but we spent so many years hosting everyone multiple times around the holidays. We would always end up having these little arguments from the stress of it all. Now that most of my kids are in college and a couple are about to get married, I’m wishing that we had carved out a little more space for our own family traditions or traded off between the big celebrations and quieter ones. Both are beautiful, but I do sometimes wish I hadn’t spent so many years stressed out trying to fulfill so many expectations and had instead found a way to cultivate more peace during the holidays.
Oh my gosh, I am so very obsessed with the idea of creating custom Santa labels to elevate the magic there, I hopped into Canva and made a quick template – merry makers, feel free to use! https://www.canva.com/design/DAG74o7999U/qDZ0nZfCkiH8Lj1r0wuQfg/view?utm_content=DAG74o7999U&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=preview
Thank you so much for sharing, Lynne! I used your template for my two kids.
I came to the comments to ask for a template for that adorable label and lo and behold, here it is! Thank you so much, no more disguising my handwriting this year!
Thank you for sharing this – most of the cute ones were not free, so I really thank you for creating and sharing!! Will be using for 2 little kids experiencing their first Christmas in America and my 4 yo old girl, just to give you a sense of who will be benefiting from this magic you made!
I hosted Thanksgiving this year and wanted it to be Christmasy, so I skipped the fall decorations and went straight to Christmas the week before. Christmas decorations bring me so much joy, I joke that my tree is my baby. Nothing makes me happier than when my husband and I are sitting in front of the fire and he takes a look at the decor, the pretty garland on the mantle, the tree, and says “Man, you really make this room sing.” I get it from my mom. She grew up with a mother who was ambivalent about Christmas and she went the other direction when she had kids. Christmas movies, music, writing out cards, seeing my friends, Christmas Eve at my mom’s house, Christmas day just me and the husband and the dog…I love all of it, despite the stress. Conversely, my one girlfriend asked her 14 year-old daughter if she could skip the decor this year and was told “Mom, it’s fine, don’t bother!” And she did! And she felt guilty anyway and I told her absolutely not miss lady. Do whatever makes you happy!
I wonder if my parents, mom mainly, did it out of guilt because now that we kids all are out of house, there is virtually no sign of Christmas anywhere in their house. Its been 15years where they haven’t wanted to get together, let alone decorate or do seasonal/holiday related things and what we grew up with was so wildly different, decorations for days, cookie baking, regional seasonal activities, big family get togerhers…This is a new light to shine on it as maybe, it truly was just for us or what they thought they *should do* with kids. Just good perspective. I on the other hand, love most of it, for myself and having kids adds to it. Some years are lighter or stronger depending on what I can do. Last year I was a holiday elf with the energy of a thousand suns starting Nov 1 and carried it all the way through. This year, Im down and out with pretty stubborn morning sickness and fatigue with baby number 3, so our cookie mix came from a bag mix, evenings are in pjs and simple. I don’t feel guilty, more just leaning into what I can and can’t do.
I am one of those parents who stopped doing almost all Christmas stuff. I absolutely did love doing it when my kids were young, and love the memories of it. People do change and priorities change. I am just putting my efforts into other things now.
Oh gosh, I feel this post so much! I love pretty Christmas decorations, but I have no desire to do the decorating. I also have multiple sclerosis, and fatigue is my biggest symptom. This year, the tree is up, and I put lights on it. Then I was exhausted, so I stopped. Weeks later, the box of ornaments is still sitting next to the tree. I have no desire to finish decorating it after a long day at work. It looks pretty with just the lights, and my Jewish husband does not care. We also do not have kids. At first, I felt guilty for not really decorating, but why?!
Great article and loved the video about festivity and overconsumption. I have put up Christmas trees when my son was younger and even have nativity set and af ew other holiday decor that i take out if I feel like it. But I have not bought any decor stuff in years. I have some friends who go all out for parties ( spend like upwards of 10K for a 50th bday party or 5K for a 16th/18th bday party), buy bunch of cheap, plastic decor from Temu and Amazon and dont even want to repeat them for future celebrations because they have pictures with the backdrop! I am glad to note that I have never shopped from Temu and hopefully never ever will. I guess being on socialmedia pressures some folks to show how different their set-up/ decor is etc etc.
“I always felt sheepish about my decorating prowess, but I never felt guilty until becoming a parent.” Wow, you could substitute “decorating prowess” with all kinds of things here! (For me, it would be lack of cooking ability, among other things!) There’s so much pressure on us as moms to make everything perfect. I’m barely on social media anymore and it’s still there! I’m in a bit of a different spot because my daughter is 10 and sometimes pushes back when I want to tone down Christmas/magic-making for my sanity’s sake. This is the first year she doesn’t believe in Santa (which is it’s own very huge thing) and yet she’s expressed disappointment almost daily that we aren’t moving the Elf of the Shelf every night anymore. I didn’t think we needed to, now that she knew it was us moving it! So then there’s the guilt/tension of wanting to keep the magic alive for her and also not wanting to have one more thing to do every night. I just wrote my own newsletter about this, how we all need to identify and honor what makes the holidays magical *for us* and maybe also teach our kids as they get older to do that for themselves, too! At least my family can all agree that Home Alone is the first movie of the season, and “Santa Baby” should be kicked out of the Christmas music canon lol.
This year I started thinking of my Christmas “plans” as more of a “menu”. The local events, the movies, the decor, the cookies to bake. Just lists of things to choose from for what fits into my life.
Yes! You just put into words what I’ve been doing this year and it’s working really well. I actually did make a list of the things we usually do or sounded fun and then I scheduled the ones I know I want to happen and then everything else fits in if/when we have the time and desire.
No guilt. I listened to a wonderful podcast about releasing ourselves from the trappings of the holidays and focusing on one or two special things. For those of us with kids, choosing one or two traditions and working them out with love and intention builds stronger memories. Our tree is up. No lights outside. No Christmas cookies (yet). I’m ignoring text messages about plans. We’re just doing the next right thing.
So many good comments here. Adding my two cents (sorry so many words): Several years ago, I got very nerdy about Christmas and read books like The Battle for Christmas (Stephen Nissenbaum) and learned about the origins of decorations, gifts, etc., which really influenced how I view this time of year, and helped me realise that there actually is NOTHING one NEEDS to do (either for festive or religious reasons) in December (so one can do as much or as little as one wants). I guess previous to that, I had thought of it as something one just does at this time of year, as well as hoping for some kind of “magic” by doing the “right” thing. There were also a couple years we spent travelling during Christmas (away from the hoopla), which were some of the most enjoyable Christmases. I don’t have kids, so I realise that it’s easier for me to make decisions around all of this (plus a spouse who doesn’t care much either way), but for me, it’s all about an entire season (focusing on what brightens up Dec and Jan) not just one day. If I go to see a lights display on Dec 8, that is just as important (and usually more!) as whatever happens on Dec 24 – 26. Also, there are so many lovely community events and sights (I appreciate the hard work from everyone involved in these), that, doing more of these, instead of putting all the effort into our homes (and buying gifts), seems worth considering. I wonder if one way to introduce change to reluctant people is to to frame it as “for THIS year …” (so they don’t panic that things are now changing forever lol), and then see what the reactions are (at least some people might realise they like the changes better!). Anyway, just my long, convoluted addition to this convo. :) Much love to everyone, however you’re feeling and whatever you do.
I am not a holiday fan. I find this time of year incredibly stressful and I don’t enjoy the things that most people seem to but I’ve tried to do the decorated tree thing for my son since he’s gotten a lot of joy out of the lights every year. He’s 11 but autistic and doesn’t fully “get” Christmas. Last year, after spending three hours on a Saturday that I didn’t have decorating the tree by myself, I vowed to not do it again after he didn’t look twice at it the entire holiday season. This year, we didn’t put up the tree (and ultimately donated it and a pile of decorations) but I’ve been waiting to see if he mentioned it. Not a word — instead he’s enthralled by our neighbor’s tree that he can see decorated and lit up out our own living room window.
Aw, I am with you. Blessings to your son (and to you!)
I love to decorate but really only for Xmas and Halloween. But I’ve collected things over the years so I don’t buy a lot every time. I do have a tradition of buying the star and snowflake ornament every year from the Met and buying Diptique holiday candles. Otherwise nothing!
I don’t have any seasonal decor for any holiday. I’ll put a bouquet of winterberry on the dining table, but that’s as far as I will go. Christmas music is really all I need to get in the holly jolly spirit…and maybe some gingerbread cookies.
I’ve only put up the lights on the christmas tree this year – the box of ornaments still there. Considering the holiday is less than a week away – don’t think it’s going to happen…even with hosting family. The past few months have been about showing up as I am and not overstressing to make everything perfect – seems like this year’s tree is the perfect symbol of that…I’m still very sparkly being me without all the adornments! Sending you all love and sparkle!
We hosted a huge party every year for 13 years on Christmas. We lived in a 4 unit building with friends and would invite everyone we knew and open the whole place. It was a THING. One year we picked up the tree a few hours before the party, strung it with lights, and set out paper, markers, and scissors and let folks go to town. I still have a couple ornaments that were made that year in my one box of Christmas stuff. You can do it however you like!
I used to live down the street from Rosie O’Donnell and one year she kept her Christmas tree up until March! I’ve always wondered if she was too busy to take it down or just really loved Christmas.
Haha. We have definitely been those people
Hey Kelsey! Our 8′ tall Christmas tree barely fits in our tiny apartment. I LOVE stringing together orange slices that I’ve spent hours monitoring on low heat in the oven. I will make paper chains and handmade ornaments and snowflakes with the neighborhood kids until the cows come home. But! You could not pay me enough money to bake cookies. We have never told our child that Santa is real. And I will never spend hours preparing a holiday meal when takeout is perfectly fine. All to say: do what you *actually* enjoy, and leave the rest behind! It’s the key to joy! HAPPY HOLIDAYS, EVERYONE!!!
Hahaha, right back at you, Julie! Enjoy!
Love this!
For the last few years I’ve felt overwhelmed at the holidays. One, it’s been my busy season for making little custom felt pets, I’ve been making hundreds between October and January, the stress of getting them made in time so that folks would get them by xmas. I LOVE making them, but also, it’s been a lot. Just feeling frantic. Then last year our baby grandson was born, right in the middle of holiday season, and then his parents decided to move to a new house, all whole my daughter was pretty seriously ill. So that was A LOT. Trying to sew while I held the baby and tried to direct loading boxes or cleaning. A few years back my dad died in September, and I feel his absence…. and then our sweet dog got sick in November and we didn’t understand what was wrong (he died in February), so now this season is colored by that grief. But this year feels different. We are doing a gift exchange (so way way less gifts to manage). I didn’t advertise my felties at all and business is just a trickle. I’ve been making my grandson a stocking and lots of fun felt ornaments, dinos, and bats, and a panda and reindeer, and little scenes with tiny dogs gazing into the sunset. Things are slower and calmer and I’m trying to actually enjoy this sweet toddler and our new puppy. My husband and I will spend xmas morning all by ourselves, and it’s going to be wonderful. We’ll drink coffee and eat baked French toast and gaze at our tree with nothing but white lights. And then take it outside for the birds because the darn thing is on its last leg lol. Merry holidays to everyone.
https://headingprints.com/ And, under the “heading” of buying yourself something pretty this season,I highly recommend these beautifully made scarfs, bandanas and scarf rings from the friendly Maine creatives. Guilt-free.
Harry’s Bulgarian?! Why does this make me like you guys even more! Amen to having one small bin of Xmas items (ornaments, lights, etc.) I’ve collected over the last three decades. No one needs all that new junk. My partner bought some shitty ornaments at the hardware store this year, and it actually made me mildly… irate. :) Loved this essay!
I agree that the holidays are the most fun when you lean into what you enjoy and leave the parts that are stressful (to you) behind. I love decor, baking and entertaining, so I lean into those! My tree went up first weekend of November (so I can enjoy it as long as possible) and I’ve been doing different cookies every weekend, attending parties and I will be hosting our Christmas. BUT I find cooking large meals to be a huge drag and it makes me so grumpy. When it’s my family’s turn to host Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve dinner, etc., I get it catered (like buying it prepared). Started this 5 years ago and I’ve never looked back. As my wonderful MIL said the first year I took this approach, “now we can ALL enjoy the holiday!”
Catered/prepared holiday dinners are the best. :)
Congratulations on having such a supportive mother-in law!
When we bought our first house, we determined that he would buy and put up the exterior Christmas lights however he wanted, and I would buy and decorate our interior Christmas decorations however I wanted. We’re on year seven of our second house after five years in our first house. We live in the Pacific Northwest. This year, the husband tells me, “I officially give up on decorating the exterior wirh Christmas lights. I can’t figure out how to do so without them shorting out every year because of the rain.” Oh, my community– this breaks my heart a little. I love exterior Cgristmas lights! But you’d be proud of me– in the moment, I shrugged and grabbed the exterior Christmas lights and hung them all around the interior of the house instead. Saving the marriage, one suppressed gasp at a time. Choosing my battles here, and I choose not to grump about Christmas lights.
“Saving the marriage, one suppressed gasp at a time.” Feeling very seen here Kate.
My husband is 72, so we pay someone else to put up the exterior Christmas lights! Last thing I need is him falling off the ladder. But I do enjoy them while they’re up. I’m also in the beautiful PNW, and when it’s gray outside all day, the lights stay on morning to night, all December. No inflatables, no chaser lights! But you do you.
I love decorating for Christmas, but this year has been ROUGH. I’m working 9-10 hours a day plus weekends, my husband has been quite sick, and I’m just worn out. I do not have a single festive piece of decor set out, and it makes me feel a bit sad–but I just don’t have the spoons to put them up OR take them back down. So this year, I’m giving myself the gift of grace. No guilt, enjoying the neighborhood decorations without feeling badly about my own lack thereof.
I had a lightbulb moment 20 years into my marriage that feeling guilty about any holiday was not worth an often times distracting, annual tug-o-war to my heart. At that point, our son would have more than noticed the awkward decision making and he didn’t deserve the holiday angst. The decorating was never stressful, we always created an atmosphere we could afford, enjoy and share. What caused the guilt were the demands of my husbands extended family over gift giving, hosting, and rarely understanding that my family lived in multi coasts/countries and I wanted to celebrate with my own family too. Today, we have better boundaries over holiday visits because we are all older and ironically finally get it as each family grew. But those early years were hard to navigate. My advice, no regrets.
We’re going to host a brunch party in January or early February next year instead of our annual Christmas bash. The thought of trying to add one more thing to our December schedule was daunting and while I love hosting, I knew trying to organize something would turn me into the worst version of myself (e.g. stress cleaning my house while quietly resenting my husband for not doing the exact thing I want him to at any given moment). So instead, we’re going to have a “Winter Doldrums” come-as-you-are party with brunch mocktails for the adults and silly games for the kids. Hopefully a fun pick-me-up in the middle of an often long and dreary period.
I really love this idea. January and February get so long (from another Beth, up in MN).
The only thing I buy “new” every year is a tree – from a local church that donates the proceeds to continued post-hurricane relief in my home state. All the decorations I own are family hand-me-downs – so many more snowmen than I ever imagined, but all these decorations remind me of my great big, scattered, delightfully quirky family.
We have a lot of decorations that came from my parents or grandparents houses and I’ve felt a weird guilt to put them up every year. I’m usually a minimalist and I realized last year that I was feeling claustrophobic in our house around Christmas because of all the things on every surface–not the happy holiday feeling I was going for! This year half the decorations stayed in their bins and only the most special feeling ones are on display and it feels so freeing! A bonus of paring down is that my son’s holiday crafts have gotten a place of honor on the mantel this year and his pride when we saw them gave off all the magical feelings in the world :)
Decorating takes us about 2-3 hours (with everyone helping). I thought about upping the ante but my after Christmas self thanks me for the restraint. It gets dark at 4 pm here so the items with little lights are definitely worth it! My daughter likes things decked out so I let her decorate her room how she pleases ;)
My mom always made the biggest fuss about decorating our home for Christmas. I’m talking special themed throw pillows, new festive curtains, at least 50 little Christmas village houses strewn about. Polyester filling artfully pulled and draped over surfaces to look like snow. Special holiday plates. The whole SHEBANG. A perfectly decorated tree. Y’all, we aren’t even Christian. It was stressful for our whole household, and financially not sound for our struggling middle class family. Later on, I realized she threw herself into decorating to offset her unhappiness in her marriage to my Dad, and to make it seem like we had much more than we did. All for it to crash down pretty much every Christmas when my parents had epic fights. As a grown up with my own little family, I’ve tried to place more emphasis on traditions, and less on decorating. We do put up a tree early, just to add some extra cheer on the longer, darkening, days. But everything else I take my time with, and keep it pretty minimal. It’s magical in its own way, but most importantly, meaningful. Don’t stress about the details. Our kids just want to connect with us, and they will absolutely remember and cherish that more than anything else.
we have a christmas ladder. its an oldschool wooden ladder. i tie on some greenery and lights, and set the ornaments on the steps. gifts go below. we all love it and do not miss the tree thing at all.
I would to see this, sounds perfect. :)
Confession…..I have not made or ordered Christmas cards this year. I keep saying I will but here we are on the 18th and they will never get to people on time.
I unofficially release you from card purgatory! Send new year ones! Or don’t send any at all. We all will survive and anyone who thinks you must do them is focusing on tiny bits of paper more than your love for each other
I never do! Christmas paperwork? No thank you, please.
We do an email newsletter that we make with Canva!! Costs nothing but our time, and we include a lot of pictures of the kids from the year, which I think is nice because we don’t otherwise post pics of them online. It’s especially helpful because we can easily send it to a TON of people. We moved recently and have a lot of people we’d love to stay in touch with, but that probably wouldn’t “make the cut” on a mailed card. Also the timing isn’t an issue either. I usually like to send around Thanksgiving, but it’s looking like it will be a “Happy New Year” message this year by the time I send – oh well! Highly recommend!
My friend holds an annual wreath-making party, where we all bring clippings from our yards (boxwood, pine, arborvitae, whatever) and make wreaths or garlands with Little Women playing in the background. Turns decorating into a communal, no-cost, creative event.
I did not grow up with Christmas – it was not celebrated by my family (or any other holiday) and my first Christmas experience wasn’t until I was in my teens. It’s my husband’s favorite holiday and in the earlier years we have gone big. This year… and even last year we haven’t felt quite as festive and the typical big outdoor extravaganza was much less and inside I found myself not emptying the bins like I have done. I thought I should feel guilty, but I don’t think I do and I think I’m going get rid of more bins of decorations. It just felt like so much work this year and unnecessary work at that. I love my light strings because they help keep my seasonal depression at bay, and the tree as well, but I think I’m ready to let go of the expectations of an over the top festive house.
My friend started a tradition when her kids were in middle school and she was so overwhelmed and busy at work she thought her head would explode — they would only do Xmas every OTHER year. In the off year, there is no decorating and no gifts and no cooking. Instead, they spend their money going somewhere as a family for a week. they give each other a handmade gift or something from the location where they are (driftwood, chocolate, etc). Once she realized that for the amount of money she spent on presents and food, they could go on vacation — well, that was a game changer. And the kids were old enough to be happy about it. We started doing it too — and never looked back!
I have been touting the idea of every other year for years! I am so glad to hear it is taking hold. Also, I would like to say that federal office buildings, such as the Post Office should not be decorating for a Christian holiday.
Fantastic idea!
Gosh I love this.
There was a trend I saw on Instagram where parents would ask their kids what was your favorite Christmas gift last year? Kids could rarely answer, they couldn’t remember. They would then ask them what was your favorite trip or experience we had this year and they always had an answer and answered with excitement. This has stuck with me this season. I love your take on Christmas celebration
I appreciate this, Kelsey! I’m the youngest in a family that made a pretty full-on commitment to holiday decorating until I was 13. After? My parents told me that all those extra frills were for kids. And that’s how I realized I felt the same way! Every year since, we’d have a nice meal, play music and exchange one gift each. I’m 39 now, and I’m confident the happy tradition will continue as long as we’re all still around. It’s even more special since my siblings aren’t around anymore. There are no grandchildren in the picture, but what I didn’t expect to switch up a very effective tradition was the arrival of my partner. He loves a traditional-looking Christmas, so absolutely, he needs a tree. And snow! I feel like a Grinch from comparison sometimes, but I know it’s just that everyone’s priorities and skills are different – like you and your baking. It definitely sounds like your daughter will be rich in festive memories, but perhaps, many years from now, she’ll be content just to focus more on the cookies than the tinsel, too.
We create our culture (like Christmas traditions and must-dos) and then we suffer if we fail to obey. It’s our own doing! Isn’t the benefit of becoming adult being able to discern and stop creating our own little hell? I only want traditions that matter and are meaningful to me. Yes, at first it’s a bit scary to “disobey”, but life feels truer when i follow my voice. And i have energy for what matters to me.
Thanks for this. Such a good reminder. I struggle with the pressures from society and family to make all the magic happen including elf on the shelf which I absolutely despise to the excessive gift giving. I am not a gift person so I try to honour the feelings of people in my family who feel love through gifts but it just feels so wasteful.
My father died at the beginning of 2025 and my mother passed in September. To say my motivation for anything holiday this year is low would be an understatement. But…one of the beautiful things that has come from this season of life is the complete and total permission slip I’ve given myself to not push myself to do more than I am able, in any way. And even more lovely? My 18 and 20 year old daughters stepping in and saying either, “Mom, don’t worry about it, we will take care of it,” or “Let’s just skip that this year.” Even though it’s been a tough year, I also feel rested, loved, and at peace with not having what some would call a “picture-perfect holiday.”
Sending the biggest hug, Andy.
I have very few Christmas decorations in our house, because my husband and I are teachers and we celebrate at my in-laws, who have piles and piles of decorations. I can’t store them all, and I don’t like the cluttered feeling. I think this is another one of those “good for her” moments. I have a tough time with all of the consumerism during the holidays so I try to keep my head down until January! :)
For several years I HATED the season of Christmas. As the magic maker for my family the time period was just impossibly trying to finish a seemingly endless to do list and cramming in “festive” should do moments. I shared this thought with my wise 90 year old grandmother who coincidently my children called Grandma Jingles. Her reply was “It’s because you’re trying to buy in to what commerce and retailers want. The spending of money, when you should be focused on the spending of quality time together. As a child we didn’t even decorate our tree until the 24th and then we spent the full 12 days of Christmas (Dec. 25-Jan. 6th) celebrating. There were sing a longs, crafting circles, ice skating events, snowman building contests and the food, oh the food. Breakfast, lunch and dinner parties. Savor the season dear one. Savor it.” From then on I shifted my mindset. Christmas for this magic maker begins on Dec. 26th. I plan a special experience every single day. Sometimes it’s simply an afternoon with a cup of tea and a good book. It has changed my perspective completely. I look forward to my Christmas as a reward to the magic making for my family.
I agree with this 100%! Originally Christmas *started* on Christmas Eve. I’m Catholic, and while there is plenty to malign about the Catholic Church I do love the celebration of the 12 Days of Christmas. In my house, with 3 kids and 2 adults with careers there just isn’t much time to do anything before Christmas anyway!
I love this!
Wise Grandma Jingles. Taking this to heart.
This is what we do now too! I love embracing the Advent season as a restful time and we slowly roll into Christmas. We put up our tree (just with lights) sometime in the middle of the month, light Advent candles every night, and listen to Advent music. Then we fully decorate the tree house and hang stockings Christmas Eve. My children open one special present on Christmas morning, along with their stockings. We feast and have fun as a family during the 12 days of Christmas that follow and everyone opens another gift on the Epiphany (Jan 6)!
Yessss. The constant influx of perfectly curated everything (holiday decor being just one part) is so damaging and for even the most resilient minds can fall prey to the comparison trap and feel like “am I doing enough? Why does she have it more together? Why can they afford that? What am I doing wrong??” Let us break free of these artificial expectations!!!
I have dramatically scaled back over the years, and it’s so freeing. My sweet spot is a wreath on the door, plus a 2-foot artificial tree, pre-lit. I used an Etsy shop to get tiny ornaments of my favorite books made, and this simple little tree offers plenty of twinkle and joy. Cheers to wrapping up the year, whatever it looks like (because what it feels like matters so much more).
Nailed it. Love this ornament idea too!
For those of us who plan ahead – could you please share which Etsy shop produced this magical gift? [The tiny book ornaments!]
Happy to share! It’s the shop below. The seller sends a preview to make sure the covers are the right editions, which I appreciated. :) https://www.etsy.com/listing/1531310080/12-pack-of-mini-book-ornaments-you?show_sold_out_detail=1&ref=nla_listing_details Also, apparently there is a big market for tiny book replicas? So if you want actual little (blank) books instead of just the shape, they’re out there!
We celebrated Christmas last year for the first time so that our German au pair didn’t feel sad. (I grew up Christian but my family wasn’t big on Christmas decor; I’m agnostic now.) My takeaways from celebrating for the first time is that 1. My 5-yr old, who hadn’t been trained to want all the Christmas hoopla, couldn’t care less about Christmas. 2. Producing Christmas and all of the traditions around it are so much work that I can’t help but think it’s a scam perpetuated against women. Would we have more elected women officials, more political power, more control over our bodies and our rights if we weren’t distracted producing holidays for our families all year long? Or if we weren’t putting so much thought and energy into our appearances? Or chasing someone else’s idea of perfection and beauty?? These are the questions I ask myself all the time.
chasing someone else’s idea of perfection and beauity – you said it, sister! Now that is a REAL scam!
#2, yes!!! It’s SO VERY thoughtful of you to celebrate it b/o your au pair!!! The efforts that you took blow my mind 😍.
Embracing the spirit of Advent which is a period of waiting, helped me be okay with postponing putting up our tree until after my husband’s birthday. It goes up on December 12. I don’t rush to put anything up, but I get a hot chocolate bar going and get out my vintage nut bowl and buy nuts in the shell and that creates a cozy atmosphere to which we slowly add stockings, nativities, wreaths, and candles. We also always have an amaryllis which takes waiting too. In the meantime we read books and play games amidst the coziness.
Oh love this so much, Katie. Takes off the pressure, and makes it even more special and personal. (Also, nuts in the shell — *chef’s kiss*)
Katie, I’m a December birthday just like your husband. I grew up in a family where there was no rush to put up a tree and decorate. Some years, it was Dec 10th, others it was the 23rd. My husband grew up in a “put the tree up right after Thanksgiving” family and was always very anxious to get it up. I’ve never been pressed about it, but it took me awhile to figure out that I just want to wait til after my birthday at least! We’ve landed on decorating during the weekend after my birthday and it’s just fine! (We also don’t rush to take down the tree) In the end, it’s not how it all looks – it’s connecting with memories. Putting up meaningful mismatched ornaments, vintage ceramic trees we inherited from grandparents, and homemade pillowcases from my MIL. Also lots and lots of lights and candles around the house to cozy up the dark. But you can connect with memories and traditions in different ways. Who says it has to be decorating? Kelsey’s cookies sound amazing! I’m also realizing that I’ve forgotten to get nuts to go in the nut bowl so far this year. We go to a friend’s holiday concert (same program every year!), and I’m also a big fan of making hot chocolate and driving around and seeing Christmas lights. No right or wrong way to do things!
Holidays have always been a stretch in more ways than one for me. This holiday is even more of a stretch. I am now suffering from a chronic medical condition and I literally have no energy at all to do it, even if I wanted to. I only half want to, the other half wishes I were in a warm island environment for the full of winter. We have one large storage bin of Christmas decorations- including for the tree. We didn’t even use them all this year. My tall husband hasn’t hung up the mistletoe, which now sits abandoned and forlorn in the windowsill. Part of me thinks, “Cool, my kids are old and mature enough not to believe in any fanciful stories of the holidays.” The other part remembers the awe when they were tiny and wished I had spoiled them even more than I did. My kids are 10 and 11.
Oh man, I’m sorry, Kim. Holidays can be so strange when you’re navigating big, hard life stuff at the same time. I’m thinking of you.
This is pure genius – thank you, Kelsey!! Both for the much-needed perspective and the Chelsea Fagan info. I’m excited to check out her content. And, BTW, all kids prefer Mom to Marmee : )
Aw, thanks for that, Susan!
I grew up in a house where Christmas was a BIG deal, and continued that tradition with my now ex-fiancé. My mom passed away last year and I’m now single and live alone. It’s been a rough go the last few years and at the end of November I realized I was just too exhausted to decorate for Christmas – I was barely able to do laundry or feed myself. At first I felt really terrible – I am already alone and now I’m not going to have any festivity at home? But it wound up being unexpectedly liberating and joyous. Yes I don’t have a spouse or kids to enjoy the magic of the season with – but I can leave my home to take in the Christmas lights or enjoy a festive movie with a friend and then come back to my calm, cozy, tidy house where I won’t have to put anything away in the new year.
Wow, sending a big high five and a hug to you, Aly. Festivity with friends, personal freedom, a cozy, tidy home of your own — those are joys indeed. It’s not always easy to notice that when you’re weathering a hard season. I’m so glad you’ve been able to relish the joy this year. ❤️
The Christmas season is a time where we. an choose our own adventure. Everyone is busy, snugging down, doing their own thing. And we can choose to spend that suspended time any way we wish, a real blessing!
I appreciate the effort that other people put into decorating their homes but I just know its not me and if Im honest I love the minimal effort we put into our home. It all means something which is important to me. Our little tree (its about 5ft and very narrow) is filled with christmas baubles we have bought from our various travels or when something momentous happens and it is lovely to open them every year and remember happy times. We have a few snowman ornaments in our living room and a couple of Santa’s that again mean something to us and that’s it. I think living in Scotland does help as although people are making more and more effort every year I don’t think we have reached the same level as our friends across the pond just yet! I do really love wandering round our neighbourhood and seeing who has put lights in their windows and gardens but I just know its not me and I am ok with that.
Love this! Also, I’ve spent a few Christmases with family in Scotland — I think your country is magical as is. Twinkle lights have nothing on the beauty of Scotland!
Does anyone have suggestions for a nice not real tree that you can re-use? Ideally not plastic, easy to decorate and if it could be just a giant thing on the wall and made out of would that would be perfect! I love Christmass trees, but feel toomuch environmental guilt to buy one – if you get one, no problem! Now that I have kids I feel like I should get something (next year, when they are 1), just feel like if there is a nice alternative solution I would love that for myself
I sewed a cone of festive fabric that I stuff with hand towels. Wrap it in twinkle lights and you’re done!
Courtney Adamo recently did a post on her Christmas decorations and shared the wooden tree they use. It packs up neatly and looks great. https://www.demelzahill.com/shop/branch
Years ago I painted a Christmas tree on a piece of pegboard and stuck lights through some of the holes. Then, I hung ornaments on the others. It took up very little room in our tiny apartment and I stored it flat against the back wall of the closet.
We have a cardboard Christmas tree that has surprisingly lasted 5 (I think) years at this stage. It’s a flat pack, slot together thing. It was plain cardboard when we got it and my kids painted it – which was a fun activity in itself. And when it eventually gives up the ghost it’s recyclable.
I have 3 ideas for you and they all came from my Granny Walston’s brain during my childhood: 1)She made a very large paper tree attached, somehow, to the cedar planks that were her living room walls. Just a flat 2D tree, but it went floor to ceiling and was covered in paper ornaments that she also made. Admittedly, as a little kid, it was extremely disappointing to me and I burst into tears at the sight of it, but as an adult I’m impressed. 2)Cut a large tree branch and have it somehow attached to a nice wooden base. This branch was as tall as the adults and had several smaller branches. Decorate with lights and ornaments for christmas, and hang little birds and moss from it the rest of the year like my Granny! Another highly disappointing tree for me as a kid, but honestly kudos to her as an adult. 3)One of those little ceramic trees that lights up. I don’t know what decade they’re from, but my Granny had her’s when I was a small child and it’s her current tree in her teeny house. They give me 60’s vibes. I covet it hardcore and hope to inherit.
That is awesome, Anna. I love the idea of stuffing with hand towels or another everyday item so you can fold it up and store easily the other 11 months of the year!
One year when I had a couple of kittens that would destroy a tree, I made a giant triangle out of spare lumber I had from a project. Strung it with lights, and voila! I secured the top to the wall so the kittens wouldn’t knock it down. You could even hang ornaments from the wires.
You could decorate a potted tree that you keep indoors in the winter (for example a little citrus tree or ficus). My mother-in-law has a large manzanita branch (she lives in CA) that she puts in a vase and decorates; you could also hang something like this on your wall.
Most of the year I have a little evergreen growing in a pot outside. Then in December, it comes inside to decorate.