It's Beginning To Look A Lot (Little) Like Christmas

The month of December has really snuck up on me this year, and I'm really struggling with the fact that this year is coming to what I feel to be, an abrupt end! That being said, I'm really struggling with how to decorate for our first Christmas in our beloved farmhouse. Usually when I move I know EXACTLY where the tree will go, what the theme will be, and can see it in my mind the day the contract is signed.  For many reasons I have not really thought about all of this until now which is 6 months later...So. Not. Like. Me. 

When we decided to start a farm, I don't think we had any idea how things would change our daily routine and how much time we would have to allow each day to do our chores.   Now, leaving for the day is not as easy and quick as it used to be.  Cows, chickens, and goats have to be fed and watered in addition to all of the other things that have to be done before we leave for the work.  Believe me, I am NOT complaining at all! I LOVE this life and would not change a thing! What I am saying is that the added animals have taken over some of the "free" time I used to have to devote to planning and decorating the house this time of year.  I would not change it, but if I could just please have one extra hour per day to get my decorating started that would be great. Thank you.🎄

When we moved 6 months ago, I went through all of my holiday decor and edited out anything I didn't LOVE, and anything that I could not remember where I got or who gave to me so what was left was truly cherished.  I went from about 10 tubs to 4, and you know what? I don't miss any of it! Sometimes we put things out out of habit and guilt, so I decided to not let my holiday decor guilt me any more! I have had much of my decor passed down to me by my parents, much was created by my children, and a lot was acquired in thrift shops. I didn't donate anything that was sentimental, just the stuff that was, well, stuff. This time of year, by the way, is an excellent time to snag Christmas decor in thrift shops because people are doing what I did last year and cleaning out. You know what they say about another mans trash...

So this is what I'm willing to show you thus far.  Yes, my trees are up, but not dressed.  Yes, my outdoor wreaths are up, but the lights are not. I usually spend a couple of days getting things just perfect. This year I'm not going to sweat it.  I have a cow. My own REAL cow who needs to have her picture taken with a wreath around her neck. Once I get that picture done then I will get the tree done and the lights up. I'm taking a little more ME time this season and doing the things that really matter to me, and taking the pressure off myself to have the best decorated house on the street.   In the grand scheme of life, it's not that important to me anymore.  I don't want to be known as the woman who always had a beautifully decorated home for the holidays.  I'd much rather be remembered as that woman who made other people's homes gorgeous, had calluses on her hands and paint in her hair from painting beautiful furniture for others, and took a great Christmas photo of her cow with a wreath around her neck. 

Cheers! Joanne

My collection of holiday memories