When I browse blogs this time of year, everything looks polished: perfect mantels, carefully arranged vignettes, lovely swags, charming crafts and gorgeous holiday treats. It’s easy to feel like everyone’s home is airbrushed and ready for a magazine shoot. If your house truly looks like that, feel free to move on — this post might sting a bit. This is an Authentic Living moment: I am not Martha, and I don’t try to be.
I’m keeping things simple, I really am. Still, my house tells the story of real life: Christmas boxes are stacked in corners, drums sit in the living room (they actually look festive — silver and sparkly — and yes, the “Little Drummer Boy” thought crossed my mind), and yesterday my mantel swag crashed to the floor. Not because the hooks failed, but because I kept tweaking the arrangement until gravity had its say.
Don’t worry, you still have time.
I’d photograph the current state of my house, but you’ve seen enough glimpses to know how life looks behind the camera. Not every angle is pretty. Why? Because we live here. We host music rehearsals, meetings and dinners. Kids and guests come and go. Decorating isn’t always the top priority. Sure, I could crop and edit images to look flawless, but that would hide the truth. Chances are, behind that carefully composed shot there’s a pile of something real and imperfect.
I’m comfortable with that. I’d rather be true to myself and my family than present a perfectly staged home that doesn’t reflect real life. I have goals for holiday decor, but I’m just one person without a staff. I’m learning to progress at my own pace and stop beating myself up over little setbacks — even when garland takes a tumble. In fact, the fix I improvised after the crash turned out to be something I like even better.
My aim is to have the house decorated and tidy by next week. This week I’m still warming up and getting things into place.
I’ve managed a few cute projects I’m excited to share, including three simple crafts that anyone can do. I’m also nearly finished with a dining room update, and I promise to show the progress soon.
Also, I’m breaking a holiday rule and a family tradition this year — I’ll tell you about that once the boxes are put away and the garland is back where it belongs.
So, have you had any Christmas calamities?
Has your tree tipped over, a wreath blown down, or a swag landed in pieces on the porch? Or are you, like me, slowly working through decorations while wondering if it’s worth starting at all? Give yourself a break. Take a deep breath. There’s still time to get things looking festive.
{I truly enjoy holiday parties and admire everyone who’s already ready for Christmas — I’m just a bit slower this year.}
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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