Holiday Decorating: Don't overthink it
who gives a hoot what you do
It’s silly to judge others on their holiday home decor (guilty).
Admittedly, this may be the first year I don’t bash the existence of plain white pumpkins for Halloween, or Melania Trump’s Christmas at the White House circa 2018… to me the look felt cold and sterile.
That doesn’t mean it’s bad. It’s just not me - and for the record, could also be (more positively) described as refined or dignified. I have close friends who are very much on this side of the decor spectrum and that’s cool. I don’t see how personal style harms others in any way, so to each their own.
My speed is more Jackie Kennedy’s 1961 Christmas tree hung with blue ribbon and nutcracker toys. I want there to be COLOR and character, but also not…
the home I grew up in… which looked as though Jack Skellington threw up in there every October (think plastic pumpkins, skeletons that sang old rock songs, and spider webbed walls galore).
Then again, looking back, yes it was gross consumerism, but our fog machine and having the scariest lawn (I remember how kids crept cautiously towards my Frankenstein dressed dad clutching a cauldron of candy on the front porch) come October 31st brings back the best memories.
As long as you’re not leaving a semi-deflated Santa sitting out till Valentine’s Day, I don’t see the harm in going that extra mile. In fact, taking the effort to decorate the exterior of a home for the holidays is pretty selfless. It’s not easy hanging those lights, but man, do you love to see cars creep along at 10 mph with kiddos’ noses steamed up against windows to get a good look.
Life’s more interesting with a little wacky decor. Like seeing someone at the airport in lime green floral printed pants - not necessarily what you or I’d wear, yet the world’s a better place with their joie de vivre.
I don’t know.
I felt the need to encourage everyone to care less what others think when it comes to decorating - especially for the holidays. Does a little tacky matter when it brings so much joy to others (and you)?
The worst thing you can do (also guilty) is to not celebrate in any way at all October thru January. It’s easy to say “maybe next year we’ll put up the tree” or stay in rather than throw together a last minute costume (which 9/10 times ends up being the best one). Going that extra mile tends to truly bring a little cheer and get us through the cold months to the new year.
Boxing up that deflated Santa Claus is a chore, I hear ya. But nothing good ever came easy.
And I bet the kid down the street would do it for 20 bucks.
Homes decorated for Halloween (it being October) I saved for inspiration:
I know some prefer to hold off on Halloween/Autumn and spring for decor closer to December. Is that you? Or are you thrifting old photos to DIY a ghost scene on top of? What’s your fav way to stave off seasonal depression, er… I mean decorate for the holidays? Would love to hear!
XX,
Wendie
Wendie this hit home for me! I have always disliked Halloween decorations, they really aren’t my speed and the holiday isn’t my favorite, but our new neighborhood is going all out. My husband and I took a walk the other night and the decor on the homes brought us so much joy. It’s inspiring me to go out and buy some webs for our bushes and some purple string lights. I love the inspo pic of the black butterflies on the door - might have to steal that idea!!!