I know that I am probably not alone when I say that this Christmas season has been a very different one.
This is normally my absolute favorite holiday and I usually look forward to it all year long. But with the recent loss of my Dad, I’m struggling to find cheer this year. If I weren’t a mom I would probably attempt a Christmas with the Kranks and try to skip the holiday all together. However I still want my little ones to experience the magic and after all that they have been through this year with the pandemic, they definitely deserve it!
So as I do every year, I pulled out all of our decor and set it up the day after Thanksgiving. I surprisingly found the process very therapeutic and the twinkling lights around the house has really helped lift my spirits a bit!
Front Room
I always enjoy decorating this room for Christmas, especially the staircase railing.
The entry table is pretty similar to how I had it last year, however I did make a few small changes.
I found this pinecone wreath at Goodwill years ago for like $2 and this year I decided to put it over this mirror. I also filled my wall planters with some festive greenery.
Our woodland themed tree sits in the bay window.
This year I’ve been wrapping presents as they arrive on the doorstep so that I’m not stuck doing a massive wrapping session!
On the end table you can spot my new baby fir tree. My cousin sent it to me the week my dad passed and I think it’s such a sweet sentiment.
I’ll keep it inside until spring which is when I’ll transfer it outside.
The coffee table set up turned out pretty cute.
I styled the thrifted cabinet next to the stairs with some greenery and a candle. My dipped concrete vase fit perfectly in this spot.
Living Room
This is the room that we spend most of our time in. You can usually find us sprawled out on the couch watching a cheesy Christmas movie together.
Our Santa themed tree sits in the corner as it has for the past few years.
But this space has a new addition this year! We built these picture ledges to display the pictures we took with Santa last year.
The boys are still enjoying the electronic train that we got last year.
The fireplace is pretty much the same as it was last year.
The coffee table tray is holding my cute little IKEA Santa that they boys love to admire.
This is definitely the most colorful space around here!
The side wall is also very similar to how I styled it last year.
Look how far up we are on the kids’ advent ribbons! This month has seriously been flying.
Behind the couch sits our “new” sofa table that I refinished this summer. It was tricky because I wanted it to look balanced but not perfectly symmetrical. I think came together nicely in the end.
Dining Room
I usually set up a more complex tablescape , but this year I was craving simplicity so I simply filled my dough bowl up with greenery, pinecones and bells.
Mudroom Nook
The mudroom nook is flanked with my thrifted frames and jars filled with pine branches.
This space is usually overrun with bags and coats this time of year!
Kitchen
And finally, one of the busiest spaces this time of year.
We’re usually in here fixing cups of cocoa, baking cookies and preparing family meals.
Can you spy the new addition this year? I got this cute Merry & Bright metal sign for the hood cover and I love how happy it looks there.
And finally, I set up our farmhouse style Christmas tree in it’s little corner.
I added a couple of new ornaments this year, but I think this tree is now completely full!
Well thank you for swinging by today, I hope you enjoyed this year’s tour!
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Laurie at Laurie's Place says
Hi Angela,
I’m sorry about the loss of your dad. The first holiday after a loss is always a hard one. I’m glad you went ahead and decorated and that it lifted your spirits.
I agree with you, this has been an odd year. Our family has decided not to gather for the holidays due to the high numbers of Covid cases in our area. My parents are both in their 80’s and we are trying really hard to keep them safe. My husband is in his 70’s so we’re trying to keep him out of harm’s way too. This has meant more phone conversations and less face to face meetups. I miss the face to face meetups and am eager for everyone to get vaccinated so we can get back to them again.
Your house is beautiful! I love your decorations. I liked reading about how you made your decorating decisions – kind of the story behind the pictures. 🙂 I am just getting into Cricut making and see a few things that look like they might be made with a Cricut in your space. It’s interesting to see how other people are using things that are made with a Cricut or which could be made with a Cricut.
MaryJo Materazo says
Your house looks lovely! Very cozy and inviting. Found you over at TFT. Enjoy the season!
XO- MaryJo
Joanne says
What an absolutely beautiful home.
Heidi says
Beautiful home! Love all your different themed trees. Merry Christmas!
Tiffany says
Your home is so magical and lovely, Angela. I was moved to tears when I read about your father’s story and how you made your home so beautiful and magical for your children when you were at your lowest. Thank you for sharing such a touching story. One thing this year has taught me is how fragile life is and how we need to tell those we love how much they mean to us while they are still with us. May you find peace and comfort as this new year begins.
Many hugs,
Tee @ Teediddlydee