Jane, first let me say, "Me too!" The more I have to do the slower I go. Why? We are overwhelmed...I know that.
Elsie is a beautiful baby.
Enjoy your holiday moments and I hope you will get back to show us your decorations. I haven't posted mine yet either except for the little kitchen snippet from the Texas tour.I might get to it but I might not. :)
Jane. As usual there are so many moments when I'm reading through your post when I think you could be talking about me. Oh boy can I relate. Yes I know what you mean about going slower this year, pulling fewer decorations out and getting happily distracted on the littlest things. And your pig with the Santa hat? I love it...! Elsie's beautiful...enjoy your parties and don't wo about being behind. I just started my shopping today hahaha and I no longer sweat it. I'm always a late shopper and it always gets down. Merry Christmas Jane I'm so happy to call you my friend. Love and peace Leslie
Merry Christmas, Jane!!! Christmas will come whether we are ready or not! I just finished decorating on the 12th and that's the latest EVER I have done! I told Louis Dean not to expect me to take it take anytime soon! It may stay up until Valentine's Day! Our bedroom will for sure and certain! I think I am a little crazy to do as much as I do - but I am who I am and more is always better is my motto! When I am no longer physically able to it - then I will have to scale it back! But when that time comes at least I will have no regrets that I didn't do what I wanted to do when I COULD! I wish you peace in your heart and contentment in your spirit..... You are lovely just the way you are!
December 17, 2015 at 12:53 AM
Anonymous said...
I totally get this Jane! I too am so behind you have no idea. I have bought a total of 5 presents and I have so much more to buy it's not even funny. It's making me nervous and I feel like I'm running out of time. I really hate that feeling because it takes away from all the holiday cheer. Christmas is supposed to be about appreciating time with family and friends but the rush is just so stressful. Then once it passes it's like a disaster zone with all the Christmas stuff to put away. That's why I agree with you less is more! Take it easy Jane and don't be so hard on yourself! Your house looks great and your tree will be perfect I'm sure!
I know how you feel:) It is one of those years where "simple" is working for me! Have a blessed rest of the week, do what you can and put off 'til tomorrow what you can't get done! It will be OK:) HUGS and Merry Christmas to you and your family!
When life gets hectic sometimes less is more. No matter what you do, I know your family will enjoy your lovely holiday decor and gifts. Wishing you and all the members of your family a wonderful Christmas.
December 17, 2015 at 6:43 AM
Anonymous said...
I sense a little sadness in you this Christmas, I hope that you have a wonderful happy Christmas, you have a wonderful approach, calm and lovely,, all the best to you and yours,,
Morning Jane, love that Jingle pillow, so sweet. Your presents look so great, I do the same with brown paper. Try and enjoy the magic of the holidays, goes so fast!!!! Hugs Francine.
Elsie is so sweet...first Christmases are the best!! :) I purged a lot this year, made the holiday decor simple, so I could just enjoy the season. Of course, the kids' schedule is no simpler and try as I might, I can't get ahead either. So much for planning. I totally get the way behind thing. Your tree is super sweet. And I take little plants home knowing that I cannot keep them alive...but they are pretty for a while and I do try! ;) Good luck with yours!
I am sitting here nodding my head in agreement as I read Jane. I have so many plans to decorate and then reality and all the other things I have to do steps in and it's the week before Christmas and I look around and say good enough. I had a Christmas tour to get ready for this year or I wouldn't have gotten anything done. Even so, it was all pretty much last minute and less than inspired. I think it is so much harder after the kids leave. There isn't that drive to make things beautiful so they have a magical Christmas. I'm guessing as your grandkids get old enough for their eyes to light up at the sight of decorations you'll get inspired and motivated again. I have also been getting rid of a lot of old decorations, I feel my style changing a bit and after 35 years of "collecting" those things just seem a little tired. I would encourage you to get those lights on the tree, you know you LOVE to turn those on at night and enjoy the glow don't you? The lighted tree is one of the few things that really makes me feel like it's Christmas anymore. So light that tree, so you can relax with a nice glass of wine at night and let everything else non-essential go. You are going to love Christmas with the kids and grandkids, they'll make their own magic this year and maybe it's time for you to enjoy their efforts :) Your Little Elsie is beautiful. Have a very Merry Christmas! I'll see you again after Christmas!
I have the tree up and a small amount of decor, not at all what I really wanted to do either, but then I think it is good enough. Enjoy the season, not the decorating. Merry Christmas
I love that Christmas card of your granddaughter!! My son is working at a local farm/nursery selling Christmas trees and they are having the opposite problem. No one is showing up to buy the beautiful trees :( They ended up selling a bunch for cost for whole sale. You think you are behind, but it sounds to me like you are enjoying a lovely holiday season, Jane. Enjoy the time with your family (the most important part!). Merry Christmas!!
Your home, decorations and gift wrap are gorgeous! Perfect! I think we see so many things in the stores and on other blogs that we feel this pressure to "measure up" or to have more and more for the season. I have found that when I take a deep breath, forgive myself for not "measuring up" to some system that is not even visible, then I enjoy what I have and what's around me AND what is most important!! The simple things in life, and in decorating, are truly the best. Time spent with family and friends is much better than time spent stressing over what we haven't accomplished in the decorating department. Jane, you are such a treasure and I am so thankful that we met in this crazy blogging world! Your comments and your blog always bring a smile to my face and I enjoy our chats! Elsie is beautiful, just like her grandmother! I hope you and your family have a most wonderfully blessed Christmas and experience all of the peace He brings! Merry Christmas sweet friend! Love and hugs to you!!
Jane, Your question ... How does it go? Well ... An email is needed. I also have the jingle pillow, I purchased last year from Pottery Barn, very festive. Jane I think your house looks pretty, Merry and bright. Love the little photo card with Elsie's first Christmas. Jane stop beating yourself up - you keep it real and why I adore you. xoxo, Vera
You are creating a beautiful Christmas one step at a time. Simplicity in decor is an option I have chosen often. This year, not so much. Hope that tonight is the night for lights on your tree...does it smell as heavenly as I imagine?
Jane! I related to so many of the things you said. The older I get, the longer it takes me to do everything! I can linger over the simplest thing for hours. I have so many ideas and plans in my head that I keep putting off until another day. I kept my decor simple this year. I used what I had and just stuck stuff everywhere. I think it all looks pretty though. Because it's stuff I bring out every year, the memories make it special. You'll pull it together Jane and what you don't, it'll be fine :-) Family, fun and good food! Happy Christmas! Hugs!
Jane! I related to so many of the things you said. The older I get, the longer it takes me to do everything! I can linger over the simplest thing for hours. I have so many ideas and plans in my head that I keep putting off until another day. I kept my decor simple this year. I used what I had and just stuck stuff everywhere. I think it all looks pretty though. Because it's stuff I bring out every year, the memories make it special. You'll pull it together Jane and what you don't, it'll be fine :-) Family, fun and good food! Happy Christmas! Hugs!
You can tell from your comments that you are NOT alone Jane. I wonder if we, as bloggers, feel the pressure more than most? As much as we tell ourselves less is more, it's hard to fully accept that when we are bombarded with near perfection constantly.
I do believe that there are stages in life, and right now you may be in between the stages when you really want to go all out. When your beautiful Elsie is a little older, and can appreciate all the glitz and glam, maybe you'll feel differently. If not, it's all good. In the end, it's really just 'stuff' after all.
I had to smile about the 'anything worth doing' quote. Sarissa gave me a fridge magnet that says 'anything worth doing is worth hiring someone else to do it'. That's my girl lol.
Well your not alone Jane, I decorated the tree and mantle and that's about it. I haven't wrapped one present yet. After babysitting all day, I come home completely rung out and done for. I love your gift wrapping and pretty Christmas touches around the house. And that little girl is a doll! I hope things are going well, I have a new cell phone number,I will text you soon. Merry Christmas dear friend, Cindy
I'm knackered by the time I arrive home from school. We've had some very full weekends and I've just dragged myself through this week. However, I'm done school until January 4th! So I hope I get some energy to bake and wrap gifts. Luckily they are all purchased.
Oh Jane, I think your decorating is wonderful, I didn't get everything out either, I'll be thankful when I put it away for Christmas! I've been wrapping for days now but only a little at a time so it hasn't been to bad. I hope you have a great Christmas with your wonderful family and hubs!
Jane the tree you got looks beautiful. That is sad about the tree place not getting trees this year. Glad you could find one. Your little grand is adorable on the Christmas card. So sweet. My Christmas this year is less is more and very peaceful and serene. Nothing real elaborate for me this year. I am liking the soft and less approach to enjoy.
I had to get going on the decorating with company coming, but I scaled it back this year and have enjoyed the simplicity. Elsie is adorable! Blessings, Cindy
Blondie, Your little one is so sweet looking in her photo....gotta love her to pieces. I loved your decorating. I almost felt like crying about the tree lot..I am an old softy. I am wishing you a pleasant weekend. xoxo,Susie
Well, just look at that sweet little Elsie! So pretty! I totally hear you on the busy part of the holidays. Sometimes I feel like I just need to come up for air with everything that has to be done. Thank goodness the boys are almost out of school for Christmas break. That'll give me some extra time to get things done. One thing that helped was that I did all my Christmas shopping online this year. I didn't set foot in the mall. :) I'm sorry to hear about that tree lot. It's a shame that they missed out on the business this year. Hope you get to relax and enjoy the rest of the holidays! xoxo
Aww, Jane, first of all, you've got the most gorgeous baby girl in Elsie! I love pillows and throws too, and I think if there were no other decorations, those and cuttings from outside would be the best. You said it best when you said that the fragrance is intoxicating! Christmas, to me, is celebrating family, and whatever else you do doesn't really matter - enjoy your time with them. No need to answer to the home tour siren, and certainly no need for apologies. I would like to see a Hallmark intervention on your friend's tree lot, though. Merry Christmas, dear Jane, and cheers to a happy, hopeful new year! Rita
Hi Jane, Your wonderful home looks decorated to me! I went all out on the front of the building and didn't have much time to do the shop except for feather tree and lights in glass jars. Always some issue for me to take care of with this old building. Your nest looks cozy and bright and your blog is a favorite because I'm just like you! Ginene
Elsie is so darlng in her Christmas picture! All your vignette shots are so pretty, Jane --- from your table, to the bath, from the presents to the pillows! I love it all. I think the fact that the world full of unrest and uncertainty is making us all feel a bit "off." I look at and enjoy (too) many blogs. I do love seeing how others are "making and managing Christmas" at their homes.(Although you know I don't decorate anymore.) Seems like most are simplifying and scaling back a bit. Maybe anticipated credit card debt, more aching backs (and worse, aching hearts), friends and family who are missing this year, and that unrest all over the world --- allaffect us more as we get older. Seems to me the younger folks are sailing through just as we did at their age! But, on the night of the 25th,( as happens every year), I'll probably think to myself: "Christmas came and went so fast. Darn---I missed it again!" :) xxTrudy
I love the simple cypress and oranges photo ! And Elsie is just so precious. You'll get what needs to be done, done ....and if some doesn't happen that's fine too :)
I think your simple arrangement with the lemon cypress tree and clementines is beautiful! Sometimes simple arrangements are the best. And I *love* that fruit...I've been eating two of them every morning with my breakfast. I didn't know you had another full bath - don't remember seeing that one. Love the plank walls. And that pig with the Santa hat is too cute! Where is this bathroom in your house? We have two full baths also - one in the hallway and one off the master bedroom. Well, that one only has a shower so I guess it's a 3/4 bath. Your granddaughter just keeps getting cuter and cuter! And the Christmas card is so sweet.
Agreed. Less is more. I have hardly decorated. A few tiny trees here and there. Greenery on the mantle and lots of twinkle lights and flameless candles.
i really enjoyed your post as always dear Jane and it looks like Christmas is truly merry and bright at your home. That sweet Elsie is adorable! We don't always need to go over the top with the decor - I too didn't empty all my storage boxes this year - and each year probably do less - which is quite alright. There's a shortage of trees this year in many areas I believe - even here in NC where a huge percentage of US Fraser Firs are grown. However, here in Raleigh we still have plenty sitting on corner lots - wish I could wave my wand and send them to your friend! Thanks for another lovely year of stories and pictures - hopefully we'll catch up again in person before too long. Love to you, Alan, and your wonderful family from Bob and me - love you. Mary XX
HI Jane, Elsie is a cutie patutie! So cute and love their card! My house was in shambles when we left for Christmas with family...so I feel your pain...there is just not enough time to get it all done! I loved looking at all of your Christmas touches, warm and inviting and beautifully decorated! Have a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends! Hugs, Kimberley
Hello, Merry Christmas, Enjoy the Christmas season, my blog buddy. I do know what you mean it comes and goes so fast. Each year I try to slow down to just enjoy. It can be hard to find the time. I am doing better this year. I did have coffee by the tree the other morning, just me and the tree. :-) I love looking at the lights and thinking of Christmas pasts. Merry Christmas, Carla
I hope you have a blessed holiday. That little baby girl is just beautiful. I have been in your shoes several times at Christmas. I tend to lean more towards simple and easy these days. After a big move, this year it seems like Christmas is easy, hah. Take time to enjoy and don't stress over what doesn't get done. Hugs
Your Christmas house looks perfect to me... I love simple...I haven't put out nearly all my decorations and as I unpacked a few, I started a bag for Goodwill... I am going to do a few small oranges with cloves tonight...nothing fancy...just going after the fragrance, like you. I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas....xoxo
p.s....Christmas sneaked up on me, too and it doesn't seem like Christmas..we think it's because our weather is still warm...it's supposed to be around 70 today and Christmas weather is supposed to be cold and snowy...:)
Hi Jane, your home is decorated so inviting for Christmas. It just seemed to come on quick this year. I too went simple this year and did not put out nearly what I used too. I gave bag fulls to Goodwill for someone else to enjoy. Thank you for being such a dear blog friend and wishing you a very Merry Christmas. Blessings to you and your family in the new year too. xo
Less is more and simple is lovely Jane! I enjoyed your post, it looks calm and bright there....and how adorable little Elsie is! Wishing you a peaceful and joyful Merry Christmas! Helen xox
Hi Jane, I enjoyed your post and thought....so, I am not the only one feeling this way.... I love what you did do, sometimes just a little bit is enough! And I love little Elsie. What an adorable child! Enjoy every moment....time is going so fast, before you turn around they are off to college like my granddaughter next summer. Thank you for thinking of me and leaving comments when I blog. I appreciate it very much. Life here has gotten very complicated, but we are trying to make the best of it. Sending you wishes for a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year. XXXX, Evi
Each year I find that I do less and less when it comes to decorating for Christmas. Not much goes on here anymore as the girls have made Christmas their own and the hubby could care less about things looking like Christmas. During the season I put on a happy face, but part of me feels a little blue. That will likely change when se set off on a Disney cruise with one of the daughters and her family with 3 little boys. It will be fun to share their delight. Merry Christmas, Jane, and I look forward to what we share next year.
Hi Jane, everything that you do is just so gorgeous! Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a fun filled festive period. Take care my lovely xx
Hi Jane, Well, it's Christmas eve here in Vancouver, 5:00 pm in evening, and I'm finally done. Sitting with a glass of wine, frickin' finally. And the weird thing is that I started early this year!! I still haven't bought presents for my sisters and brother in Ontario. But I decided a couple of weeks ago that I was going to do what I could do, and try not to worry about the un-done stuff. I look at instagram almost every day and I love love love the pics of your house. I want to crawl into the picture and curl up on one of your couches. I wish you BIG JOY, HUGE FUN, and BUCKETS of LAUGHTER over the next few days Jane. xx Nancy
Happy Day after Christmas, Jane. I hope it's a wonderful season for you. I hope you have decided that it just doesn't matter if you make 50 kinds of cookies and have everything perfect - I think it's time to lower our expectations. I was lucky i bought and wrapped gifts for everyone this year. I started back in October so that helped. I never finished the afghan for my daughter but I'll do that over the next week or two. I'm not 35 anymore and I've decided not to kill myself. instead I enjoyed all the special moments I got to share with family and friends. And because I didn't put out tons of decorations, It won't take me forever to put everything away. I think I like making life simpler - it's definitely become my style. Happy, healthy New Year to you and yours, Jane. And try to take it easy. xoxo
Jane, I had to laugh reading this. You are SO like me. I always seem pressed for time now that I don't work (funny how that happens), and when I have urgent things to attend to, I somehow find myself doing something totally unnecessary, but enjoying every second. I love all of your simple decorations. Hope you managed to get everything done in time...I'm guessing you did! Hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas!
I think those little lemon cypress trees are doomed! Oh, and be careful if it does die, the leaves seem to turn into little razor blades! Haha, hope you had a very Merry Christmas Jane!
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Ho Ho Ho. How does it go? I am so, so behind the eight ball and I'm not kidding. I joke about not being able to do a home tour but I'm very serious. And yet, while I really love to see every decorated home and porch and vignette on blogs and IG, I no longer feel I have to speed things up to post pictures. This year I'm slower than usual. I've been in a sort of slump. Not feeling very creative and also in the dumps for many personal reasons. I mentioned that we brought the bins of Christmas decorations up, we even bought our tree last Friday. Hmmmm...is it already Thursday? lol! The other day I was at the grocery store and I saw this precious Lemon Cypress and it jumped into my cart. I know without a doubt it will most likely succumb to my brown thumb with houseplants in a few weeks. For now it makes me happy. And I picked up a little crate of orange 'cuties'. I love to stud them with cloves. Limes, too. I no longer have time for fancy designs, I just poke them in for the lovely scent. So that was that for my dining table. Beyond simple but so happy. Yet there are years when I like to pull out all of the cute decorations and treasures I've accumulated over 30 years. My home is small but I sometimes make huge vignettes of snowmen, angels, sparkly anything...a fever dream of It's A Wonderful Life and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. Seriously. But not too often and not this year.
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Lesson learned, we can surround ourselves with 'happy' by surrounding ourselves with what we love, no matter what season or holiday, no matter how big or small. Sometimes the less elaborate, the better. I see so many simplistic ideas for Christmas homes, small trees barely decorated. Clean uncluttered counters and islands with a few natural touches. Mantels and tables with real greenery, pinecones and fruit. I love it all. Over 20 years ago I would cut branches from the evergreens in our backyard. The scent of them on my mantel and window sills was intoxicating. I had simple battery operated candles in every window and I added fruit; apples, pears, pomegranates and limes on top of the greenery on the mantel. The old is new again.
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In order to fit our tree, which by the way looked so small at the garden center, into our living room, we have to rearrange furniture and a piece usually goes into our bedroom. Space is tight there as well, but The Husband loves a cozy little space to read. I find him here early in the morning with the sun coming up. He's an early riser and well, I could sleep until noon if I didn't have an alarm clock (cell phone setting). I don't spend a lot of time adding anything to our room, it's really tough to keep it uncluttered as it is with all of our books, magazines, framed pictures and personal stuff. Nope, if a room is on the small size you have to keep things minimal. More on that further down.
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We have two full baths which is a luxury in an old and small house in the city. I love this particular bathroom especially since Abby is no longer here to turn it into a disaster zone. Truth be told, I'd rather have her here than a tidy little bath. But its fun to decorate with the white wood planks and light gray walls. I keep things neutral and simple, it's just the way I like the room no matter what the season. That little grapevine wreath on the right spells out 'Merry Christmas' on little tags. I made that last year...me and all my thumbs. ;-D
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The bathroom we use the most and the one off the hall near the living room and kitchen (as in guests use it, too), gets a little more attention and personality. Right now I have a yellow floral shower curtain and yellow accents. Very spring-like so I'm going to switch that out with a blue ticking stripe curtain and pale blue towels. I'm going to use what I have and I think this will be nice for the winter. In the meantime, I have a homemade mason jar candle holder filled with faux snow and a whimsical little piggy with a Santa hat. I think this confirms that I'm somewhat weird.
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The only holiday-ish thing I have in our master bedroom is a wreath with berries in the window and I love how our neighbors lit up stars shine through as a back light. I also have a poinsettia
plant and that's it. Restraint is usually hard for me but for now I just keep rummaging through the bins and containers, picking and choosing a few things here and there for each room. My favorites are pillows and throws I've accumulated over the years. They are fun and serve a purpose. I almost hate to pack them away in January but it makes it a little more exciting to pull them out in December. :)
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I've been so, so slow! It's very typical of me and I have no idea why, but the more behind I am on something, the slower I move. Go figure. I'm so determined to enjoy the process, of anything and everything. When we are getting ready for a night out on the town, I spend way too much time on my makeup and hair, picking out my clothes and jewelry no matter how late it's getting. I come home with groceries and while the the milk gets warm and the ice cream melts, I clean out the refrigerator and organize the cabinets. I'm just nuts. So I have all this stuff to do and here I am everyday spending hours not just wrapping gifts but precisely arranging the tissue paper, making every folded corner perfect and then embellishing each present with all sorts of string and ribbon and tags...little jingle bells and snowflakes. It never ends. I love the motto, "Anything worth doing is worth doing right." When my kids were young I was like a factory worker getting the gifts wrapped in record time. Christmas Eve I would slap bows on them. Of course their tiny little fingers didn't care about any of this. Now I love to put time and creativity into it. Still...I have so many other things to do and I'm wondering if I should give myself some slack.
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Emily was telling me she knew a gal who wrapped her gifts in a different paper for each recipient. And I've seen where people use wrapping paper and ribbon to coordinate with their holiday color scheme. I couldn't do this if I tried. I pick out paper according to my mood, what appeals to me at the time. I was sort of proud of myself for sort of sticking to some paper and tags in the same color scheme but otherwise I'm all over the place. Great idea but I'm just me. My tree is filled with a myriad of ornaments going back to the little handcrafted treasures my kids made to my periods of loving nature one year and bling the next. What a hodge podge I have and my gift wrap is the same. I will tell you, the Target dollar spot had the most insane tags, I found everything from tiny chalkboard wood rounds to little birch squares. And I can't tie a bow for the life of me so I used a lot of jute twine which didn't require anything fancy. I had tons of wrap and ribbon and tags from last year as well so this was quite an inexpensive endeavor. I wish time was so aplenty as well.
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Friday The Husband and I went to the nursery we've always gone to for our tree. I think I've posted pictures and stories of it many times over the last 6 years I've blogged. It looks so beautiful at night and the shop has beautiful plants, wreaths and decorations---you name it. So when we got there late Friday afternoon I mentioned how deserted everything looked. And then once inside there were probably a total of 15 trees. I know the owners and employees quite well, I get my flowers and plants here in the spring and summer. I was told that their tree supplier failed to come through and this (the remaing 15 trees) was all they would have. I almost cried. This has always been a Christmas tree wonderland. I thought about the barrenness of it all, the loss of business in the shop, the employees out of work, the huge loss of profit. My brain was scrambling for ideas...could they possibly hook up with a Wisconsin Christmas tree farm with a bumper crop? Buy out a corner parking lot just to bring people into the shop for business? I felt like we needed a Hallmark movie intervention. Well, it is what it is.
The tree in the forefront of this photo is the one we chose.
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Our little Elsie's first Christmas and Kevin and Mary Clare's holiday card. Is she not beautiful? Our kids do make perfect little ones! We love all of them so much.
My tree is still sitting naked as a jaybird. The Husband and I keep planning to put the lights on each evening and then after dinner we look at each other and say, "Nah..." Tomorrow definitely. I have dough frozen for cookies, recipes for candies and all sorts of holiday baking to give as gifts to extended family. I have more shopping to do online and a brunch menu to plan for Christmas morning (and to shop for). Emily is having a pre-Christmas Eve party for one side of the family, son Jeff is having the other side over for Christmas Eve. We will have Christmas dinner at Kevin and Mary Clare's home. I want to help with appetizers and desserts. We have a dinner with friends on Saturday. I know all of you think I'm busy as heck but this time you are right. I'm ready for a nervous breakdown!! lol! Next year I vow not to have such lofty ideas or I will start doing all of my holiday stuff in August.
I probably won't get back here until after Christmas, not sure why. Ha! And in spite of all of my lamenting and complaining, I really do rejoice in the true meaning of Christmas. That and the love we feel for family, friends and mankind is reason enough to push ourselves to do and be our best. So I'm wishing all of you and yours a very happy and blessed Christmas. Many thanks for your support and love each and every year. I hope I've returned that, all of you ladies are so incredibly wonderful and I'm so proud to call you friends. That said, love, peace and joy to all !
Jane xxx
posted by Blondie's Journal at 12:04 AM on Dec 17, 2015
"A LITTLE CHRISTMAS DECORATING"
66 Comments -
Jane, first let me say, "Me too!" The more I have to do the slower I go. Why? We are overwhelmed...I know that.
Elsie is a beautiful baby.
Enjoy your holiday moments and I hope you will get back to show us your decorations. I haven't posted mine yet either except for the little kitchen snippet from the Texas tour.I might get to it but I might not. :)
December 17, 2015 at 12:19 AM
Jane. As usual there are so many moments when I'm reading through your post when I think you could be talking about me. Oh boy can I relate. Yes I know what you mean about going slower this year, pulling fewer decorations out and getting happily distracted on the littlest things. And your pig with the Santa hat? I love it...! Elsie's beautiful...enjoy your parties and don't wo about being behind. I just started my shopping today hahaha and I no longer sweat it. I'm always a late shopper and it always gets down. Merry Christmas Jane I'm so happy to call you my friend.
Love and peace
Leslie
December 17, 2015 at 12:34 AM
Merry Christmas, Jane!!! Christmas will come whether we are ready or not! I just finished decorating on the 12th and that's the latest EVER I have done! I told Louis Dean not to expect me to take it take anytime soon! It may stay up until Valentine's Day! Our bedroom will for sure and certain!
I think I am a little crazy to do as much as I do - but I am who I am and more is always better is my motto! When I am no longer physically able to it - then I will have to scale it back! But when that time comes at least I will have no regrets that I didn't do what I wanted to do when I COULD!
I wish you peace in your heart and contentment in your spirit.....
You are lovely just the way you are!
December 17, 2015 at 12:53 AM
I totally get this Jane! I too am so behind you have no idea. I have bought a total of 5 presents and I have so much more to buy it's not even funny. It's making me nervous and I feel like I'm running out of time. I really hate that feeling because it takes away from all the holiday cheer. Christmas is supposed to be about appreciating time with family and friends but the rush is just so stressful. Then once it passes it's like a disaster zone with all the Christmas stuff to put away. That's why I agree with you less is more! Take it easy Jane and don't be so hard on yourself! Your house looks great and your tree will be perfect I'm sure!
Merry Christmas to you and yours my friend,
Silvana
December 17, 2015 at 3:30 AM
Your presents look so pretty! Have a wonderful Christmas with your family!
December 17, 2015 at 5:00 AM
Just your sweet loving personality is all it takes to decorate a room.. I do like the simple holiday touches you've added..
a very Merry Christmas to you and all your family..
xoxo
Sonny
December 17, 2015 at 5:30 AM
I know how you feel:) It is one of those years where "simple" is working for me! Have a blessed rest of the week, do what you can and put off 'til tomorrow what you can't get done! It will be OK:) HUGS and Merry Christmas to you and your family!
December 17, 2015 at 6:33 AM
When life gets hectic sometimes less is more. No matter what you do, I know your family will enjoy your lovely holiday decor and gifts. Wishing you and all the members of your family a wonderful Christmas.
December 17, 2015 at 6:43 AM
I sense a little sadness in you this Christmas, I hope that you have a wonderful happy Christmas, you have a wonderful approach, calm and lovely,, all the best to you and yours,,
December 17, 2015 at 7:05 AM
Morning Jane, love that Jingle pillow, so sweet. Your presents look so great, I do the same with brown paper. Try and enjoy the magic of the holidays, goes so fast!!!! Hugs Francine.
December 17, 2015 at 7:10 AM
Elsie is so sweet...first Christmases are the best!! :) I purged a lot this year, made the holiday decor simple, so I could just enjoy the season. Of course, the kids' schedule is no simpler and try as I might, I can't get ahead either. So much for planning. I totally get the way behind thing. Your tree is super sweet. And I take little plants home knowing that I cannot keep them alive...but they are pretty for a while and I do try! ;) Good luck with yours!
December 17, 2015 at 7:21 AM
I am sitting here nodding my head in agreement as I read Jane. I have so many plans to decorate and then reality and all the other things I have to do steps in and it's the week before Christmas and I look around and say good enough. I had a Christmas tour to get ready for this year or I wouldn't have gotten anything done. Even so, it was all pretty much last minute and less than inspired. I think it is so much harder after the kids leave. There isn't that drive to make things beautiful so they have a magical Christmas. I'm guessing as your grandkids get old enough for their eyes to light up at the sight of decorations you'll get inspired and motivated again. I have also been getting rid of a lot of old decorations, I feel my style changing a bit and after 35 years of "collecting" those things just seem a little tired. I would encourage you to get those lights on the tree, you know you LOVE to turn those on at night and enjoy the glow don't you? The lighted tree is one of the few things that really makes me feel like it's Christmas anymore. So light that tree, so you can relax with a nice glass of wine at night and let everything else non-essential go. You are going to love Christmas with the kids and grandkids, they'll make their own magic this year and maybe it's time for you to enjoy their efforts :) Your Little Elsie is beautiful. Have a very Merry Christmas! I'll see you again after Christmas!
December 17, 2015 at 7:38 AM
Merry Christmas, Janie. Everything looks great!
xoxo,
Robin
December 17, 2015 at 7:39 AM
I have the tree up and a small amount of decor, not at all what I really wanted to do either, but then I think it is good enough. Enjoy the season, not the decorating. Merry Christmas
December 17, 2015 at 8:36 AM
I love that Christmas card of your granddaughter!! My son is working at a local farm/nursery selling Christmas trees and they are having the opposite problem. No one is showing up to buy the beautiful trees :( They ended up selling a bunch for cost for whole sale. You think you are behind, but it sounds to me like you are enjoying a lovely holiday season, Jane. Enjoy the time with your family (the most important part!). Merry Christmas!!
December 17, 2015 at 10:47 AM
Having your darling grand baby around will provide any missing elements. Such joy.
We are keeping it simple this year.
Fondly,
Glenda
December 17, 2015 at 1:49 PM
Your home, decorations and gift wrap are gorgeous! Perfect! I think we see so many things in the stores and on other blogs that we feel this pressure to "measure up" or to have more and more for the season. I have found that when I take a deep breath, forgive myself for not "measuring up" to some system that is not even visible, then I enjoy what I have and what's around me AND what is most important!! The simple things in life, and in decorating, are truly the best. Time spent with family and friends is much better than time spent stressing over what we haven't accomplished in the decorating department. Jane, you are such a treasure and I am so thankful that we met in this crazy blogging world! Your comments and your blog always bring a smile to my face and I enjoy our chats! Elsie is beautiful, just like her grandmother! I hope you and your family have a most wonderfully blessed Christmas and experience all of the peace He brings! Merry Christmas sweet friend! Love and hugs to you!!
December 17, 2015 at 1:56 PM
Jane,
Your question ... How does it go? Well ... An email is needed. I also have the jingle pillow, I purchased last year from Pottery Barn, very festive. Jane I think your house looks pretty, Merry and bright. Love the little photo card with Elsie's first Christmas. Jane stop beating yourself up - you keep it real and why I adore you.
xoxo,
Vera
December 17, 2015 at 2:45 PM
You are creating a beautiful Christmas one step at a time. Simplicity in decor is an option I have chosen often. This year, not so much. Hope that tonight is the night for lights on your tree...does it smell as heavenly as I imagine?
December 17, 2015 at 5:13 PM
Jane - You sound like me. I can't get motivated this year - don't know why. But, I know it'll all get done in time and what doesn't, won't matter. LOL
Judy
Merry Christmas if you're not back before Christmas.
December 17, 2015 at 5:46 PM
Jane! I related to so many of the things you said. The older I get, the longer it takes me to do everything! I can linger over the simplest thing for hours. I have so many ideas and plans in my head that I keep putting off until another day. I kept my decor simple this year. I used what I had and just stuck stuff everywhere. I think it all looks pretty though. Because it's stuff I bring out every year, the memories make it special. You'll pull it together Jane and what you don't, it'll be fine :-) Family, fun and good food! Happy Christmas! Hugs!
December 17, 2015 at 5:47 PM
Jane! I related to so many of the things you said. The older I get, the longer it takes me to do everything! I can linger over the simplest thing for hours. I have so many ideas and plans in my head that I keep putting off until another day. I kept my decor simple this year. I used what I had and just stuck stuff everywhere. I think it all looks pretty though. Because it's stuff I bring out every year, the memories make it special. You'll pull it together Jane and what you don't, it'll be fine :-) Family, fun and good food! Happy Christmas! Hugs!
December 17, 2015 at 5:48 PM
You can tell from your comments that you are NOT alone Jane. I wonder if we, as bloggers, feel the pressure more than most? As much as we tell ourselves less is more, it's hard to fully accept that when we are bombarded with near perfection constantly.
I do believe that there are stages in life, and right now you may be in between the stages when you really want to go all out. When your beautiful Elsie is a little older, and can appreciate all the glitz and glam, maybe you'll feel differently. If not, it's all good. In the end, it's really just 'stuff' after all.
I had to smile about the 'anything worth doing' quote. Sarissa gave me a fridge magnet that says 'anything worth doing is worth hiring someone else to do it'. That's my girl lol.
(I like your pig. And yes, I'm weird too).
December 17, 2015 at 7:27 PM
Well your not alone Jane,
I decorated the tree and mantle and that's about it. I haven't wrapped one present yet. After babysitting all day, I come home completely rung out and done for.
I love your gift wrapping and pretty Christmas touches around the house.
And that little girl is a doll!
I hope things are going well, I have a new cell phone number,I will text you soon.
Merry Christmas dear friend,
Cindy
December 17, 2015 at 8:02 PM
I'm knackered by the time I arrive home from school. We've had some very full weekends and I've just dragged myself through this week. However, I'm done school until January 4th! So I hope I get some energy to bake and wrap gifts. Luckily they are all purchased.
December 17, 2015 at 8:15 PM
Oh Jane, I think your decorating is wonderful, I didn't get everything out either, I'll be thankful when I put it away for Christmas! I've been wrapping for days now but only a little at a time so it hasn't been to bad.
I hope you have a great Christmas with your wonderful family and hubs!
December 17, 2015 at 8:29 PM
Jane the tree you got looks beautiful. That is sad about the tree place not getting trees this year. Glad you could find one.
Your little grand is adorable on the Christmas card. So sweet. My Christmas this year is less is more and very peaceful and serene. Nothing real elaborate for me this year. I am liking the soft and less approach to enjoy.
December 17, 2015 at 8:54 PM
I had to get going on the decorating with company coming, but I scaled it back this year and have enjoyed the simplicity. Elsie is adorable!
Blessings,
Cindy
December 18, 2015 at 4:04 AM
Blondie, Your little one is so sweet looking in her photo....gotta love her to pieces. I loved your decorating. I almost felt like crying about the tree lot..I am an old softy. I am wishing you a pleasant weekend. xoxo,Susie
December 18, 2015 at 9:21 AM
Well, just look at that sweet little Elsie! So pretty! I totally hear you on the busy part of the holidays. Sometimes I feel like I just need to come up for air with everything that has to be done. Thank goodness the boys are almost out of school for Christmas break. That'll give me some extra time to get things done. One thing that helped was that I did all my Christmas shopping online this year. I didn't set foot in the mall. :) I'm sorry to hear about that tree lot. It's a shame that they missed out on the business this year. Hope you get to relax and enjoy the rest of the holidays! xoxo
December 18, 2015 at 12:44 PM
Aww, Jane, first of all, you've got the most gorgeous baby girl in Elsie! I love pillows and throws too, and I think if there were no other decorations, those and cuttings from outside would be the best. You said it best when you said that the fragrance is intoxicating! Christmas, to me, is celebrating family, and whatever else you do doesn't really matter - enjoy your time with them. No need to answer to the home tour siren, and certainly no need for apologies. I would like to see a Hallmark intervention on your friend's tree lot, though. Merry Christmas, dear Jane, and cheers to a happy, hopeful new year!
Rita
December 18, 2015 at 2:02 PM
Hi Jane,
Your wonderful home looks decorated to me! I went all out on the front of the building and didn't have much time to do the shop except for feather tree and lights in glass jars. Always some issue for me to take care of with this old building. Your nest looks cozy and bright and your blog is a favorite because I'm just like you!
Ginene
December 18, 2015 at 7:11 PM
This comment has been removed by the author.
December 19, 2015 at 1:01 AM
Elsie is so darlng in her Christmas picture! All your vignette shots are so pretty, Jane --- from your table, to the bath, from the presents to the pillows! I love it all.
I think the fact that the world full of unrest and uncertainty is making us all feel a bit "off."
I look at and enjoy (too) many blogs. I do love seeing how others are "making and managing Christmas" at their homes.(Although you know I don't decorate anymore.)
Seems like most are simplifying and scaling back a bit. Maybe anticipated credit card debt, more aching backs (and worse, aching hearts), friends and family who are missing this year, and that unrest all over the world --- allaffect us more as we get older. Seems to me the younger folks are sailing through just as we did at their age!
But, on the night of the 25th,( as happens every year), I'll probably think to myself: "Christmas came and went so fast. Darn---I missed it again!" :)
xxTrudy
December 19, 2015 at 1:09 AM
I love the simple cypress and oranges photo ! And Elsie is just so precious. You'll get what needs to be done, done ....and if some doesn't happen that's fine too :)
December 19, 2015 at 10:12 AM
The pig with a Santa hat is my new favorite decoration. I want to be like you when I grow up!
December 19, 2015 at 2:39 PM
I think your simple arrangement with the lemon cypress tree and clementines is beautiful! Sometimes simple arrangements are the best. And I *love* that fruit...I've been eating two of them every morning with my breakfast.
I didn't know you had another full bath - don't remember seeing that one. Love the plank walls. And that pig with the Santa hat is too cute! Where is this bathroom in your house? We have two full baths also - one in the hallway and one off the master bedroom. Well, that one only has a shower so I guess it's a 3/4 bath.
Your granddaughter just keeps getting cuter and cuter! And the Christmas card is so sweet.
December 19, 2015 at 3:31 PM
Agreed. Less is more. I have hardly decorated. A few tiny trees here and there. Greenery on the mantle and lots of twinkle lights and flameless candles.
Your granddaughter is adorable!!
December 19, 2015 at 10:49 PM
It's okay to slow down and savor the season. Cute granddaughter........... Wishing you and yours and wonderful Christmas.
December 20, 2015 at 2:44 PM
i really enjoyed your post as always dear Jane and it looks like Christmas is truly merry and bright at your home. That sweet Elsie is adorable!
We don't always need to go over the top with the decor - I too didn't empty all my storage boxes this year - and each year probably do less - which is quite alright.
There's a shortage of trees this year in many areas I believe - even here in NC where a huge percentage of US Fraser Firs are grown. However, here in Raleigh we still have plenty sitting on corner lots - wish I could wave my wand and send them to your friend!
Thanks for another lovely year of stories and pictures - hopefully we'll catch up again in person before too long.
Love to you, Alan, and your wonderful family from Bob and me - love you.
Mary XX
December 20, 2015 at 11:30 PM
HI Jane,
Elsie is a cutie patutie! So cute and love their card!
My house was in shambles when we left for Christmas with family...so I feel your pain...there is just not enough time to get it all done!
I loved looking at all of your Christmas touches, warm and inviting and beautifully decorated!
Have a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends!
Hugs, Kimberley
December 21, 2015 at 10:34 AM
Hello,
Merry Christmas,
Enjoy the Christmas season, my blog buddy. I do know what you mean it comes and goes so fast. Each year I try to slow down to just enjoy. It can be hard to find the time. I am doing better this year. I did have coffee by the tree the other morning, just me and the tree. :-)
I love looking at the lights and thinking of Christmas pasts.
Merry Christmas,
Carla
December 21, 2015 at 11:11 AM
I think simple is great. I don't think I have all that much Xmas decor, I just have a small space so it looks like a lot!
Brenda
December 21, 2015 at 12:00 PM
I hope you have a blessed holiday. That little baby girl is just beautiful. I have been in your shoes several times at Christmas. I tend to lean more towards simple and easy these days. After a big move, this year it seems like Christmas is easy, hah. Take time to enjoy and don't stress over what doesn't get done. Hugs
December 21, 2015 at 8:11 PM
Your Christmas house looks perfect to me... I love simple...I haven't put out nearly all my decorations and as I unpacked a few, I started a bag for Goodwill...
I am going to do a few small oranges with cloves tonight...nothing fancy...just going after the fragrance, like you.
I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas....xoxo
December 22, 2015 at 5:44 AM
p.s....Christmas sneaked up on me, too and it doesn't seem like Christmas..we think it's because our weather is still warm...it's supposed to be around 70 today and Christmas weather is supposed to be cold and snowy...:)
December 22, 2015 at 5:52 AM
Hi Jane, your home is decorated so inviting for Christmas. It just seemed to come on quick this year. I too went simple this year and did not put out nearly what I used too. I gave bag fulls to Goodwill for someone else to enjoy.
Thank you for being such a dear blog friend and wishing you a very Merry Christmas.
Blessings to you and your family in the new year too. xo
December 22, 2015 at 6:52 AM
Less is more and simple is lovely Jane! I enjoyed your post, it looks calm and bright there....and how adorable little Elsie is! Wishing you a peaceful and joyful Merry Christmas!
Helen xox
December 23, 2015 at 4:57 AM
You have a simple and a Blondie Christmas! No matter how you do it, it will be just perfect. Hugs, Kit
December 23, 2015 at 9:42 AM
Hi Jane,
I enjoyed your post and thought....so, I am not the only one feeling this way....
I love what you did do, sometimes just a little bit is enough!
And I love little Elsie. What an adorable child! Enjoy every moment....time is going so fast, before you turn around they are off to college like my granddaughter next summer.
Thank you for thinking of me and leaving comments when I blog. I appreciate it very much.
Life here has gotten very complicated, but we are trying to make the best of it.
Sending you wishes for a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.
XXXX, Evi
December 23, 2015 at 5:25 PM
Just wanted to pop in and wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!
December 23, 2015 at 10:32 PM
Each year I find that I do less and less when it comes to decorating for Christmas. Not much goes on here anymore as the girls have made Christmas their own and the hubby could care less about things looking like Christmas. During the season I put on a happy face, but part of me feels a little blue. That will likely change when se set off on a Disney cruise with one of the daughters and her family with 3 little boys. It will be fun to share their delight. Merry Christmas, Jane, and I look forward to what we share next year.
December 24, 2015 at 7:54 AM
Everything looks just beautiful.
Hope you and yours have a lovely Christmas.
Happy Holidays
Sue
December 24, 2015 at 11:36 AM
Hi Jane, everything that you do is just so gorgeous! Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a fun filled festive period. Take care my lovely xx
December 24, 2015 at 2:31 PM
MERRY CHRISTMAS, SWEETIE!!
December 24, 2015 at 4:01 PM
Hi Jane,
Well, it's Christmas eve here in Vancouver, 5:00 pm in evening, and I'm finally done. Sitting with a glass of wine, frickin' finally. And the weird thing is that I started early this year!! I still haven't bought presents for my sisters and brother in Ontario. But I decided a couple of weeks ago that I was going to do what I could do, and try not to worry about the un-done stuff. I look at instagram almost every day and I love love love the pics of your house. I want to crawl into the picture and curl up on one of your couches. I wish you BIG JOY, HUGE FUN, and BUCKETS of LAUGHTER over the next few days Jane. xx Nancy
December 24, 2015 at 7:03 PM
Happy Day after Christmas, Jane. I hope it's a wonderful season for you. I hope you have decided that it just doesn't matter if you make 50 kinds of cookies and have everything perfect - I think it's time to lower our expectations. I was lucky i bought and wrapped gifts for everyone this year. I started back in October so that helped. I never finished the afghan for my daughter but I'll do that over the next week or two. I'm not 35 anymore and I've decided not to kill myself. instead I enjoyed all the special moments I got to share with family and friends. And because I didn't put out tons of decorations, It won't take me forever to put everything away. I think I like making life simpler - it's definitely become my style.
Happy, healthy New Year to you and yours, Jane. And try to take it easy. xoxo
December 26, 2015 at 2:48 PM
Jane, I had to laugh reading this. You are SO like me. I always seem pressed for time now that I don't work (funny how that happens), and when I have urgent things to attend to, I somehow find myself doing something totally unnecessary, but enjoying every second. I love all of your simple decorations. Hope you managed to get everything done in time...I'm guessing you did! Hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas!
December 26, 2015 at 8:34 PM
I think those little lemon cypress trees are doomed! Oh, and be careful if it does die, the leaves seem to turn into little razor blades! Haha, hope you had a very Merry Christmas Jane!
December 27, 2015 at 2:19 AM
Hi ¡, i love your blog ,, you have a new follower firmó chile
Angelica
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