Happily, those over the top marathon decorating situations are a thing of the past. And this creates space for what matters most. Plus I'm unpacking my holiday toolbelt for you.
I live in an apartment so I decorate on a small scale. But oh I remember those days when I had my house, there were decorations everywhere. I don't decorate for Christmas anymore. Instead I decorate for winter blues, silver, whites, neutrals, white lights, snow men.That I can leave out through March.
Thanks bunches for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month my friend. ❤️
This kind seasonal decor makes so much sense. A gentle morphing, an ebb and glow in how we enjoy our homes. Slowly adding, reconfiguring, reinventing, and enjoying our spaces. Love it!
This Advent season has been forced simplicity so far. After surgery in September, my energy has not yet returned to normal. I need my husband to put up the tree and bring the bins down from the attic, but he’s away for work until the 8th. So I put the candles in the windows, bought a new scented candle, and chose a cozy Christmas playlist…and you know what? These few additions to my home, combined with slow days of reading and stillness, have been a wonderful start to the season. I think when he does get home, we’ll choose just a few more decorations to add around the house and embrace simplicity this year. 🎄
Erin, it's almost like the forced simplicity has somehow worked for you. Just putting out one thing at a time really helps take the pressure off, doesn't it! Just like you I put the candles in the windows. Then I think it was the Christmas mugs, then the pine candle on the coffee table in the living room. Some music.
It seemed less frenetic this year. It's turned out to be a lovely start to Advent. Maybe we'll both continue this gentle tradition next year?!
I have been forced this season to be far less "decorative" than I love. (Although Rick says most people would find what I got together before surgery overdone!) It's humbling to be out of control and know you can't do it all, even if you want to and always have. And I was glad I got a good deal done before the post surgical restrictions. I will be downsizing over the next few years and as I've put things up this year and making decisions, looking at what will be donated or given away as one can't take everything. I don't know if I can ever do Christmas simple, but I'm learning to do it more simply. Or at least trying!
This year, I sorted through my Christmas buckets and downsized. I passed along goodies to the kids as they have their own homes now. To be honest. It feels good.
The sight of those red beads made me smile as I have those same ones. They are easily 40 years old and one of my very favorite things to pull out each year. You are so right, simple seems to bring deep comfort at times and I am thinking this is about one of those years where we will embrace it.
Well, 'dumber than a box of rocks' has also been used, once by Barb, when I described using my head as a hammer.
It was a construction job, and I had to drive in a wedge to plumb up a length of Sonotube (basically a huge cardboard tube that is a disposable piece of formwork for pouring concrete columns).
I was up high on scaffolding, and was disinclined to downclimb to get the proper tool.
So I used my head (hahaha!) and solved the problem.
Ah, what a pleasure to read your post this week. Your thoughts parallel my own that less is more when it comes to our surroundings, and more of Him is less of us. Thank you, Linda.
More wisdom from mom, right? She had the right okay. Knew what was "just enough" for her...and what her heart rejoice at the holidays. I don't need to follow anyone else's style, traditions, or idea of a "perfect holiday." As with many of the others, this year has been challenging and Christmas looks different this year. I might do things different (less...or maybe more) but I am not letting the enemy still the true meaning of joy this season!
This season is SO different for us. We have sold our house but haven't found our next home. We are packing, but we still needed to put up the tree (it has been a hard year, we need it). We are going in weary, but hope to come out refreshed.
I'm applauding that you're putting up the tree, Cindy. And hoping and trusting for refreshment . . . and clear open doors for the next home God has for you.
Please keep us in the loop, ok? Let's see what He will do.
I'm hoping against hope for the cozy window candles for Christmas! Lol! Your house is so beautiful! It's a wonderful thing when we cross that threshold of not having to get caught up in the overwhelm anymore! Our Christmas decorating takes very little time now. The most time consuming parts are putting up and decorating the tree (which fills my heart with so much joy and gratitude that God allows us to live another year and decorate our 38 year old tree together again) and winding the strands of Christmas lights around the railing of our tiny front porch. May the Lord richly bless you and yours this beautiful Christmas season!
'It's a wonderful thing when we cross that threshold of not having to get caught up in the overwhelm anymore!'
You have such a gift of putting thoughts into such meaningful words, friend. And congrats for keeping that tree up and running for almost 4 decades. I can just picture you winding those strands of lights around the porch railing with your guys.
We've just about reached the end of 2025. And the Lord has been so very good to us.
I appreciate your thoughts on simplifying the Christmas holiday frenzy. Each year, I have less tubs to haul in from the garage. Each year our local thrift store gets more of what use to adorn our home each December. I also carefully curate my schedule with intentional margins. I no longer have holiday activity FOMO. I've adopted JOMO, the joy of missing out. I'm more rested, less stressed, and more able to wrap my heart around the Reason for the season.
Thank you, Linda. We have gotten more minimalist as we get older. As you say, there is only so much energy. 😊 As long as it's simple and meaningful, we're fine with that. 💕 Love, hugs, and Advent blessings to you!
Dear Linda , thank you for once again for sharing your wisdom. I remember years ago you said “ if you can’t do it with joy , let it go ! “ Another friend shared a teaching on Christmas for codependents, which was very helpful.
I have purged a lot of Christmas decorations. I have a tiny tabletop tree because i enjoy the lights ! I used to make platters of cookies , but those days are gone ! I enjoy Christmas music, candles and advent readings! A favorite is by Ann Voskamp The Greatest Gift . An excerpt from today’s reading … “ I will simply enjoy the ministry of presence today : God’s presence , people’s presence , the present moment , the gift of now . “
May His Presence be our Joy!
( By the way I have wonderful memories of your Christmas Open Houses . Tasteful decorations, delicious food and warm fellowship! Thank you !)
Sara, I love hearing how you do Christmas in this season. A whole lot has changed since we did life together all those years ago . . . yet what remains is the most important, isn't it. That ministry of presence is a much needed gift in all the crazyness that surrounds us. I'll take that any day over a stack of presents.
Ah yes, the open houses. I remember cramming a huge tree between furniture (what were we thinking?) and lots of happy people jammed into the little living room and kitchen. So much love and laughter and sense of belonging.
And you know what? All these years later, it's never been the same. I don't know if that's sad or good . . .
Such wisdom and grace in this post, Linda. Love the resources you shared, too! I might add The Quiet Collection by Emily P. Freeman as an ongoing resource as well. Her voice calms me during the holidays. Even though we significantly downsized two years ago, I still slowly unwrap our tree ornaments and travel through time and space to all the places we have been privileged to visit.
Yes, Emily has the most beautiful, gentle, calming voice. She's one of the few podcasts I listen to.
And I love how you put it -->'I still slowly unwrap our tree ornaments and travel through time and space to all the places we have been privileged to visit.'
What a compelling picture you've painted. A quiet rhythm of reflection instead of hustling to get everything done. Thanks for that invitation, friend.
Couple of years ago I put up a 4 foot tree on a table for many of the same reasons already listed. The main reason though.. I didn't want to get down under the tree and not be able to get back up! And I have loved it! ~ Rosie
I live in an apartment so I decorate on a small scale. But oh I remember those days when I had my house, there were decorations everywhere. I don't decorate for Christmas anymore. Instead I decorate for winter blues, silver, whites, neutrals, white lights, snow men.That I can leave out through March.
Thanks bunches for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month my friend. ❤️
This kind seasonal decor makes so much sense. A gentle morphing, an ebb and glow in how we enjoy our homes. Slowly adding, reconfiguring, reinventing, and enjoying our spaces. Love it!
This Advent season has been forced simplicity so far. After surgery in September, my energy has not yet returned to normal. I need my husband to put up the tree and bring the bins down from the attic, but he’s away for work until the 8th. So I put the candles in the windows, bought a new scented candle, and chose a cozy Christmas playlist…and you know what? These few additions to my home, combined with slow days of reading and stillness, have been a wonderful start to the season. I think when he does get home, we’ll choose just a few more decorations to add around the house and embrace simplicity this year. 🎄
Erin, it's almost like the forced simplicity has somehow worked for you. Just putting out one thing at a time really helps take the pressure off, doesn't it! Just like you I put the candles in the windows. Then I think it was the Christmas mugs, then the pine candle on the coffee table in the living room. Some music.
It seemed less frenetic this year. It's turned out to be a lovely start to Advent. Maybe we'll both continue this gentle tradition next year?!
Maybe! It has turned out to be surprisingly lovely. 😊
I have been forced this season to be far less "decorative" than I love. (Although Rick says most people would find what I got together before surgery overdone!) It's humbling to be out of control and know you can't do it all, even if you want to and always have. And I was glad I got a good deal done before the post surgical restrictions. I will be downsizing over the next few years and as I've put things up this year and making decisions, looking at what will be donated or given away as one can't take everything. I don't know if I can ever do Christmas simple, but I'm learning to do it more simply. Or at least trying!
Jeanie, I love how you put it -->'I don't know if I can ever do Christmas simple, but I'm learning to do it more simply.'
I never thought of it that way. It makes so much sense, especially in this season.
I hope you'll be kind to yourself and allow your body to mend. It's a hard season to be restricted, but maybe there's a lovely invitation in there.
This year, I sorted through my Christmas buckets and downsized. I passed along goodies to the kids as they have their own homes now. To be honest. It feels good.
I know, right? And to be able to gift these little treasures now, in person. What joy. Everybody wins!
The sight of those red beads made me smile as I have those same ones. They are easily 40 years old and one of my very favorite things to pull out each year. You are so right, simple seems to bring deep comfort at times and I am thinking this is about one of those years where we will embrace it.
Embracing the simple joys with you, friend. And loving those same wooden beads although mine aren't delightfully vintage like yours are.
Advent blessings to you, dear one.
I'll have a simple Christmas
'cause I'm a simple man.
Some may call me witless
but that's part of God's plan.
There are so many eggheads
that God sure needs some tools
to lighten up the world instead,
and that's why he made fools
like me to add comic relief
and make the smart ones chuckle;
when on skateboard I come to grief
and land on my belt buckle
they laugh and say, "What WERE you thinking,
doing half-pipes after drinking?"
I doubt too many people have called you witless, pal.
Well, 'dumber than a box of rocks' has also been used, once by Barb, when I described using my head as a hammer.
It was a construction job, and I had to drive in a wedge to plumb up a length of Sonotube (basically a huge cardboard tube that is a disposable piece of formwork for pouring concrete columns).
I was up high on scaffolding, and was disinclined to downclimb to get the proper tool.
So I used my head (hahaha!) and solved the problem.
Well that's just plain stupid.
Thus are reputations made.
Exactly.
Barb says that when God made me, he didn't just break the mold. He also said "Uh, oh!"
The simpler the better. This year, I crave lots of margin and white space. The decor item I love most is candles and lights!
Candles! Lights!
Yes, please, Jerralea. And keeping them going through this long, gray winter. I'm a fan.
Ah, what a pleasure to read your post this week. Your thoughts parallel my own that less is more when it comes to our surroundings, and more of Him is less of us. Thank you, Linda.
That's so helpful Maggie. More of Him, less of us (and our stuff and expectations and our shoulds).
More wisdom from mom, right? She had the right okay. Knew what was "just enough" for her...and what her heart rejoice at the holidays. I don't need to follow anyone else's style, traditions, or idea of a "perfect holiday." As with many of the others, this year has been challenging and Christmas looks different this year. I might do things different (less...or maybe more) but I am not letting the enemy still the true meaning of joy this season!
Amen to your last line, Jennifer. Ain't nobody gonna steal our joy!
May whatever you do, less or more, bring you peace, satisfaction in a job well done, and a warm sense of Jesus' presence in your heart and home.
This season is SO different for us. We have sold our house but haven't found our next home. We are packing, but we still needed to put up the tree (it has been a hard year, we need it). We are going in weary, but hope to come out refreshed.
I'm applauding that you're putting up the tree, Cindy. And hoping and trusting for refreshment . . . and clear open doors for the next home God has for you.
Please keep us in the loop, ok? Let's see what He will do.
I'm hoping against hope for the cozy window candles for Christmas! Lol! Your house is so beautiful! It's a wonderful thing when we cross that threshold of not having to get caught up in the overwhelm anymore! Our Christmas decorating takes very little time now. The most time consuming parts are putting up and decorating the tree (which fills my heart with so much joy and gratitude that God allows us to live another year and decorate our 38 year old tree together again) and winding the strands of Christmas lights around the railing of our tiny front porch. May the Lord richly bless you and yours this beautiful Christmas season!
'It's a wonderful thing when we cross that threshold of not having to get caught up in the overwhelm anymore!'
You have such a gift of putting thoughts into such meaningful words, friend. And congrats for keeping that tree up and running for almost 4 decades. I can just picture you winding those strands of lights around the porch railing with your guys.
We've just about reached the end of 2025. And the Lord has been so very good to us.
I appreciate your thoughts on simplifying the Christmas holiday frenzy. Each year, I have less tubs to haul in from the garage. Each year our local thrift store gets more of what use to adorn our home each December. I also carefully curate my schedule with intentional margins. I no longer have holiday activity FOMO. I've adopted JOMO, the joy of missing out. I'm more rested, less stressed, and more able to wrap my heart around the Reason for the season.
Oh yeah, I'm all about the JOMO, too, friend!
https://lindastoll.substack.com/p/unplugging-the-jomo
And let's hear it for a good thrift store. I've got grandchildren who LOVE them!
Thank you, Linda. We have gotten more minimalist as we get older. As you say, there is only so much energy. 😊 As long as it's simple and meaningful, we're fine with that. 💕 Love, hugs, and Advent blessings to you!
Meaningful. Yes, yes, Trudy. That says it all, doesn't it, friend.
Christ the Savior is born.
Dear Linda , thank you for once again for sharing your wisdom. I remember years ago you said “ if you can’t do it with joy , let it go ! “ Another friend shared a teaching on Christmas for codependents, which was very helpful.
I have purged a lot of Christmas decorations. I have a tiny tabletop tree because i enjoy the lights ! I used to make platters of cookies , but those days are gone ! I enjoy Christmas music, candles and advent readings! A favorite is by Ann Voskamp The Greatest Gift . An excerpt from today’s reading … “ I will simply enjoy the ministry of presence today : God’s presence , people’s presence , the present moment , the gift of now . “
May His Presence be our Joy!
( By the way I have wonderful memories of your Christmas Open Houses . Tasteful decorations, delicious food and warm fellowship! Thank you !)
Sara
Sara, I love hearing how you do Christmas in this season. A whole lot has changed since we did life together all those years ago . . . yet what remains is the most important, isn't it. That ministry of presence is a much needed gift in all the crazyness that surrounds us. I'll take that any day over a stack of presents.
Ah yes, the open houses. I remember cramming a huge tree between furniture (what were we thinking?) and lots of happy people jammed into the little living room and kitchen. So much love and laughter and sense of belonging.
And you know what? All these years later, it's never been the same. I don't know if that's sad or good . . .
Such wisdom and grace in this post, Linda. Love the resources you shared, too! I might add The Quiet Collection by Emily P. Freeman as an ongoing resource as well. Her voice calms me during the holidays. Even though we significantly downsized two years ago, I still slowly unwrap our tree ornaments and travel through time and space to all the places we have been privileged to visit.
Yes, Emily has the most beautiful, gentle, calming voice. She's one of the few podcasts I listen to.
And I love how you put it -->'I still slowly unwrap our tree ornaments and travel through time and space to all the places we have been privileged to visit.'
What a compelling picture you've painted. A quiet rhythm of reflection instead of hustling to get everything done. Thanks for that invitation, friend.
Love the post!
Couple of years ago I put up a 4 foot tree on a table for many of the same reasons already listed. The main reason though.. I didn't want to get down under the tree and not be able to get back up! And I have loved it! ~ Rosie
You made me laugh right outloud when I read this, Rosie I know exactly what you're saying . . . and feel the same way.