Christmas decorating involves the same tasks as a move, with its countless boxes that have to be unpacked, evaluated and composed into knockout arrangements. The main difference is that once a move is complete, you’re done. Christmas cleanup has an approaching end date, add all the celebrating, shopping, wrapping and family time, a person can be seriously tuckered out. Once the New Year hits, it’s time to repack the holiday–and don’t forget the safeguarding of Christmas ornaments that have the fragility of spun sugar. Are you feeling the internal tremors build? To minimize an episode, consider simplifying Christmas this year. (We may not even get a tree, but stay tuned to see how that plays out with the family). The idea was spurred by the first holiday addition to the home, a simple advent calendar from Trader Joe’s, which has become more than my go-to for frozen taquitos and cinnamon rolls. Their novelty items have always delivered in nostalgic design, but this year’s advent calendar is leagues above the garish Santa scenes that epitomize the holiday staple that spurs children to wake early so they can prod open the day’s corrugated door for a bite-sized chocolate. The engaging North Pole scene, probably drawn by the same artist who illustrates Nantucket shopping destinations, is given added detailing with a “Christmas Tree” candle. (The scent of pine is so authentic, it became the inspiration for the aforementioned idea to omit a tree). Thus, back to our design philosophy in “styled living simply achieved,” create holiday vignettes, such as an advent calendar display, to keep the home from being invaded by unnecessary Christmas decor. The result may promote a restful holiday season.
A minimalist holiday trend with an advent calendar and Christmas candle. The result could be the answer to a peaceful season.
Resources:
Advent calendar: Trader Joe’s
Christmas Tree Minimalist candle: Brooklyn Candle Studio
Art: ducks goose
I love that. I’m more minimalist this season than before, which still seems like a lot (I love your simple version.) I used to gravitate towards full Martha Stewart (the Kmart version, not what she likely does in New York) but every year I remove a few things. Simple equates with calm in my mind, and who could not use more of that?
Agreed! It began with being exhausted from Thanksgiving and I wasn’t up for doing it over. Current idea is to get three small trees, decorate with the same ornaments, and already have pine and holly in vases that were collected from the yard. Simple with more time to decorate with the family without it being overwhelming, which equates to more joy time. Enjoy your process! xo