There’s something extra special about decorating for Christmas. With each item that is pulled out of storage and hung on the family tree or placed upon the mantle, a connected memory or nostalgic thought is likely connected. Visuals of days gone by and special Christmas moments from the past come flooding back, and there’s an inner warmth tied in to all of it that just can’t seem to be found any other time of year.
The handprint ornament that my daughter created in preschool or the set of vintage trees from my mom, gifted years ago; my set of glittered, decorative lollipops that our kids loved pretending to lick when they were small, and that framed photo of three small children in their Christmas pj’s that gets pulled out year after year. These items are more than decor… they are pieces of our family’s story that I will treasure every holiday season. It’s these items that make all the extra work of decorating my home and making it feel special all worth it.
If you are just getting started in building your own holiday decor collection, or maybe you feel you lack meaningful decor items during the holiday season, I’d love to share my list of ideas to help get you started. Soon enough, you too will have a collection of items that represent some of the most magical, memorable moments in your family and that tell your family’s story for years to come.
1. Make a meaningful mantle.
A mantle is often the focal point of the home. For many years, I didn’t have a mantle, so I created one of sorts using a large shelf over our sofa. This is where I built our focal point, hung our stockings, etc. Whether your mantle is the real deal, or you are creating a substitute out of a large shelf or even a buffet table, this is a prime space to begin telling your family story. Begin with an anchor piece- either a large family photo or perhaps a meaningful piece of holiday wall art- and build from there. Surround the anchor piece with some pretty greens, but also add in some meaningful touches as much as possible. Accent ideas that add a personal touch could include some advent candles, a dried orange garland you employed your kids to make with you, a small framed photo showing a family image from a Christmas past, or perhaps a favorite Christmas story book on display. Of course some personalized stockings add to the idea of a mantle that tells your family’s story, and who doesn’t love the sight of an empty stocking with their name on it, just waiting to be filled?
2. Showcase a memory-filled tree.
Your Christmas tree is prime real estate for holiday nostalgia. Perhaps your family already has the tradition of purchasing a new ornament each year to represent a significant event from the year, or maybe your ornament box is filled with handmade items made by your children over the years. While it’s understandably tempting to forsake the nostalgic ornaments for a more aesthetic look, let me encourage you to find a spot to display them somewhere in your home. At my house, I like to put up two trees- one for aesthetics, and one filled with those memory-filled ornaments that our kids love to look at year after year… and so do I.
3. Add meaningful, memory-making touches throughout your home.
At Joyfully Said, we value meaningful decor all year round, and Christmas is certainly no different. Reminders of Truth, hope, and what we value most sprinkled throughout our homes can help create more intentional spaces and even help shape the tone and values of our home. Here are just a few ideas of how you might spread small, personal and meaningful details around your home during the holidays:
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Handwritten Keepsakes: Frame a handwritten Christmas card from a parent or grandparent or a letter to Santa written by one of your children
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Bible Story on Display: Display the story of Christmas from the Bible using an open Bible on a book stand
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Nativity Nook: Include a nativity set in your Christmas displays, especially one that has been passed down to you, or that you have used over the years; consider making it a whole corner, and including a basket for
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Nostalgic Dishware: Stack your grandmother’s holiday plate collection on a kitchen shelf, or use it to set the table for Christmas day
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Holiday Guest Book: Keep a holiday guest book on display, and ask all visitors during the holiday season to sign it
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Photo Garland: Display Christmas cards you have received OR black and white family photos from Christmases past by clipping them to a strand of twinkle lights or ribbon
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Holiday Story Basket: Fill a basket with favorite Christmas books and create a tradition of reading one each evening with your family
Hopefully even a few of these tips or ideas can spark a more meaningful holiday display in your home this year, and, more importantly, draw out some cherished memories that become favorite visual traditions year after year and make the holiday season even more special.
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