'Tis the Season

It's the holiday season, and my home is beginning to not only look like Christmas, but feel like it, too. I have to say that my organizing adventure actually started off with my holiday decorations more than 10 years ago. I have a lot of decorations that I have collected over the years, and many with sentimental value. Because of that, I needed to find a way to best organize my holiday decor.

It was actually a fairly easy task. I simply purchased enough storage totes to hold my decor. Each tote holds a different area, or grouping of decorations, making it easier to decorate for the season, then put away when the season is over. No fussing or mussing. It all works out perfectly. And to be honest, it is so easy to do. 


Now, when it comes to the minimalism aspect of Christmas decorating, I'm sorry, I'm not the one to look to for that. You see, I like the warmth and value of a home that is warm and cozy this time of year, and nothing to me says that more than a fully decked out fireplace mantle, and a hearth full of joy and love. The tree is magnificent with a eclectic array of differing ornaments and red and white poinsettias filling in the gaps. 

My fireplace in all of its glory

Plush holiday decor surrounds my rarely used fireplace hearth

The mantle is my favorite, with greenery, lights, bulbs, stockings, and figurines

My coffee table

Before I go on with the rest of the decor, I have to admit right now that I do collect one thing: snowmen! There is something absolutely playful and fun about snowmen that draws me to them. And they go with practically anything over the holidays. And, due to their versatility, they last all winter long, too. Even my coffee table is decorated with three snowmen figurines, with one being a candle holder. 


The focal point of my home is my tree. I have an 8' tree (it may be 9', I can't remember) to compliment my cathedral ceiling in my great room. I used a hodgepodge of ornaments that I've collected over the years to make it my own and special. I placed decorations that are plastic and not as easily breakable toward the bottom of the tree, with the more delicate ones toward the top. I have decorations that date back to 1976 that my mother had given me when I moved out on my own. Those are the most precious ones I own.

But once the season is over, I'll pull out my storage bins, fill them up with the appropriate items, then store them in the back of my guest room closet, ready and waiting for next year's event. I love this time of year. It means a lot to me and brings my heart to be thankful for all that I've been blessed with and am able to bless others with, as well. The reason for the season gives me much pause as I contemplate the birth of Christ. It gives me hope and a reason for living. God grants us so much in this life, and we should never take it for granted. 

I hope you all have a most wonderfully blessed and joyous holiday season!

Merry Christmas to all!