“decorating covers up the dust” 🙌 I’m in an escape reading era. I’ll learn things again later, for now I’m devouring everything by Taylor Jenkins Reed.
I share many of these time-saving decorating strategies! Candidly, I often feel a little sad or ashamed that I’m not a better decorator around the holidays, and I love houses that go all out with lights and decor, but I recognize (and try to convey to my kids) that I’m much better and happier spending my extra time on other things - gift-giving, cooking, and other activities with them that hopefully make us all happier in our generally unkempt home.
We have a fake greenery wreath we use year-round. Out in winter, inside in summer. Last week I bought a real greenery swag at Trader Joe's and stuck it on top. Voila! Decorating finished. I'd prefer not to "celebrate" Christmas at all. I'm Buddhist, not Christian. I don't have any small grandchildren to buy presents for. I live on a limited income. I'd rather not exchange gifts period. Oh yes, there was a time I was "on top of it." It was the late 60s and early 70s. I lived in Alaska with my husband who always disappeared on temporary duty to someplace warm in the winter. I made Christmas gifts for all my family and friends, mailed packages to the lower 48 by November 1, made my own Christmas cards and mailed at least 100 every year. I wrapped gifts in ecologically correct wrapping (newspaper, comics, or fabric), tied with hand-made bows. I once spent a month of long days knitting a shawl for my mother-in-law who promptly put it in her cedar chest. The next year, I asked for it back and raffled it off for charity. I knitted scarves, hats, slippers, shawls, even a dress for my little daughter. I painted canvases. I maintained a gift closet year round and made notes of my family and friends' likes, wishes, etc in a book. A few things I made were appreciated. Most weren't. So far this year, I've bought exactly three gifts. Each will go to my daughter, and one I may put back for her birthday next month.
This post is a delight. 🤣 I’d write more, but I need to go gather some boughs for my mantel.
I am so glad you liked it, and yes do tend to those boughs.
You had me laughing out loud multiple times with this post!
Yay! Thanks for commenting.
“decorating covers up the dust” 🙌 I’m in an escape reading era. I’ll learn things again later, for now I’m devouring everything by Taylor Jenkins Reed.
Yes to Taylor Jenkins Reed's books! Maybe in Another Life was wonderful; I highly recommend it if you haven't already read it.
Going on this list!
I am so tired of learning sometimes
Love the summer decoration! 😂
Life is funnier than fiction
Love it!! I needed a reminder to keep my priorities straight.
Thanks for helping me keep my priorities strati.
Love the spirit!!
Omg I laughed my a$$ off. This is hilarious. Also loved the picture of the “distressed” wreath. So funny.
Yay! I’m so glad. I love making people laugh.
Also, Kim’s Convenience is a most excellent way to spend extra time! :)
So good!!
I share many of these time-saving decorating strategies! Candidly, I often feel a little sad or ashamed that I’m not a better decorator around the holidays, and I love houses that go all out with lights and decor, but I recognize (and try to convey to my kids) that I’m much better and happier spending my extra time on other things - gift-giving, cooking, and other activities with them that hopefully make us all happier in our generally unkempt home.
I have felt the decorating shame, the house cleaning shame too and the I’m not giving my kids the experience game. This post was meant to be funny but also maybe a little subversive. It’s a lot of pressure and most of that pressure still falls on moms. You might like this. https://open.substack.com/pub/celestemdavis/p/why-you-never-need-to-feel-like-a?r=qqbxq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
We have a fake greenery wreath we use year-round. Out in winter, inside in summer. Last week I bought a real greenery swag at Trader Joe's and stuck it on top. Voila! Decorating finished. I'd prefer not to "celebrate" Christmas at all. I'm Buddhist, not Christian. I don't have any small grandchildren to buy presents for. I live on a limited income. I'd rather not exchange gifts period. Oh yes, there was a time I was "on top of it." It was the late 60s and early 70s. I lived in Alaska with my husband who always disappeared on temporary duty to someplace warm in the winter. I made Christmas gifts for all my family and friends, mailed packages to the lower 48 by November 1, made my own Christmas cards and mailed at least 100 every year. I wrapped gifts in ecologically correct wrapping (newspaper, comics, or fabric), tied with hand-made bows. I once spent a month of long days knitting a shawl for my mother-in-law who promptly put it in her cedar chest. The next year, I asked for it back and raffled it off for charity. I knitted scarves, hats, slippers, shawls, even a dress for my little daughter. I painted canvases. I maintained a gift closet year round and made notes of my family and friends' likes, wishes, etc in a book. A few things I made were appreciated. Most weren't. So far this year, I've bought exactly three gifts. Each will go to my daughter, and one I may put back for her birthday next month.
Thanks for sharing so much of your story Sandra.