When I browse blogland this time of year, I see flawless Christmas mantels, picture-perfect vignettes, beautiful swags, charming crafts, and tempting holiday treats. Everything looks polished and airbrushed. If your home looks like that, you can move along now—this post might sting a little. It’s time for an Authentic Living moment. I’m not Martha, and you probably already knew that.
My house tells a different story. I’m trying to keep things simple—I really am—but holiday boxes are still stacked in corners, there are drums in the living room (they actually look nice at Christmas because they’re silver and sparkle—plus, who doesn’t love the Little Drummer Boy?), and yesterday my mantel swag crashed to the floor. Not a Command Hook failure; I was fussing with the arrangement and overdid it.
Don’t worry, you still have time.
I could take a photo of the current state of my home, but if you’ve been here before you know my house often shows signs of real life. It’s not perfect from every angle. Why? Because we live here. We host people. We hold music rehearsals, meetings and dinners. Life happens, and decorating isn’t always the top priority. I could crop and edit photos to hide the mess, but that wouldn’t be honest—you can probably imagine the pile of something-or-other sitting just out of frame.
I’m comfortable with imperfection. I’m working on holiday prep, but being true to myself and my family matters more than putting on a flawless display. I have to move at my own pace—I’m one person, not a team—so I try not to be hard on myself when things go awry. And when the garland fell, I actually ended up with an arrangement I like even better.
My goal is to have the house decorated and mostly in order by next week, but for now I’m warming up to the task. Progress, not perfection.
I have managed a few cute projects I’m excited to share, including three simple, approachable crafts (yes, really easy) and my nearly finished dining room. I’ll show the progress soon.
I’m also breaking one of my usual holiday rules this year and skipping a Christmas tradition. I’ll explain once I’ve finished putting away boxes and rescuing the garland from the floor.
So, have you had any Christmas calamities?
Has your tree toppled, has a swag fallen, or has a wreath ended up in a pile on the porch? Maybe your decor is moving along slowly like mine, or perhaps you’re still deciding whether to start at all. Cut yourself some slack. Take a deep breath—you still have time.
{I love holiday gatherings and I admire those who are ready early; I’m just slower to get there.}
More Christmas Posts:
Easy DIY Mason Jar Jingle Bell Craft
Christmas Decorating with Bits & Pieces
A Touch of Christmas in Every Room
Decorating a Christmas Mantel
Creative Christmas Trees and Stands
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