Too Busy To Decorate?
September 24, 2010 by Marci
When I was growing up, my mom decorated the house for the changing seasons and for each holiday. And by decorating I mean she changed the little figurines on the end tables and put different decals on our picture window or sometimes on our bedroom windows. It was those little things that kept life and home from getting monotonous. I still remember the little plastic jack-o-lantern my mom would break out for fall and the bunny figurines that sat on the end table each spring. Each year, they brought back good memories and kept us excited about the upcoming seasons. I try to do some sort of seasonal decorating at our home, too.
I know there are lots of busy moms who only decorate for Christmas. Many of them would like to do more, but for various reasons just don’t. In talking to busy moms, I have found there are two main reasons that they don’t change their decorating with the season. One, they are too busy to notice the changing seasons! They just don’t have time. And two, they are so stressed trying to keep up with the neighbor or friend who has the knack for decorating and has the entire house decked out any time of year. I’ve been there on both counts. Now, I look at seasonal decorating as more than just another task to check off the list or to keep up with whoever. Here is how I look at it:
Decorating for the seasons is like a resetting of our home clock. It’s an opportunity to stop and pause and recognize the changing of the seasons or an upcoming holiday. It’s the chance to slow down and switch gears for a bit.
It’s a family affair. Everyone gets to help take down the stuff from the season past and break out the new. It is interesting to watch who wants what where. Sometimes, I get good decorating ideas. Sometimes, not so much. I try to work in a seasonal craft for the kids that can grace the mantel or window. They love making crafts that will be proudly displayed among the store bought decor.
I get bored easy. I am self-diagnosed ADD. I have the attention span of a gnat. So, I get bored with my surroundings easy. Changing the mantel or the centerpiece or the flowers on the front porch keep me happy.
Pretty makes me feel good. Don’t you feel good when you have on a new outfit? Doesn’t a warm cup of hot chocolate on a cold day feel delightful? That’s how a pretty home makes me feel. Even if my house is a bit cluttered and in need of some TLC, I feel better seeing some “pretties” (as my kids call them) scattered about.
There’s no need to decorate every room. For instance, my fall decorations occupy the mantel, the kitchen table and the front porch. That’s it. That’s enough for me. Those are the areas we see the most. If the kids want to do something in their rooms, that’s fine. That’s their project – not mine.
When decorating became more about my family and less about what I thought was expected of me or what other people thought, it became a whole lot easier and more enjoyable.
How do you feel about decorating for the seasons? Have any great ideas to share? Need some inspiration for fall? Check out today’s Friday Feedback link up at A Steady Rain.
Comments (8)
LOVE the porch!! & the “Gather at the Table” plate is so pretty!! Thanks for sharing such great tips and for linking up today!!! Have a great weekend!
I read your posts all the time, but I had to tell you that I loved this post! Thanks for reminding me that even just the little simple things makes memories for the kiddos. I really needed to hear that. Have a wonderful weekend!!
Loved your post Marci!
I try to do little touches for the holidays as well as I have very fond memories of my mom doing the same when I was a child(and she still does!)
I’ll be linking to this post for my link love list on Saturday for sure.
Cheers!
Awww…I think your mom shared decor ideas with mine. What a fun flashback and great work on the simple elegant way you adorn your space for the season.
What sweet memories you have and are passing on! Thanks for sharing this!
Once again, and ode to simple. I love it Marci! My mom was one who decorated simply with seasonal flowers from the garden…mums and fallen leaves in the fall of course. Since we didn’t celebrate a religious holiday, we didn’t fill the rooms with wonderful colors, textures and smells. I was always envious of our friends’ houses that did. And then there is the other extreme. There is a family in our in-law’s neighborhood that always displays a huge blow-up character of sorts…rabbit/Easter, 4th of July, can’t remember, birthday cake, drummer boy…and these span to the ceiling of their porch.
Very into the holiday spirit I say.
As a mom, I haven’t found a decorating niche that works for me. I don’t love storing tons of stuff. I like making everything, which takes time, and I’ve had toddlers on my hands for the past 5 years. But I love your bit about slowing down and feeling, breathing, and being in the change of the seasons. That really helps to root me, orientate me, and inspire me to continue. Great post Marci!
BTW, are you in MA? Or have you already passed through? If so, how did the history tour go? Did you pick up how to incorporate “whicked” into a sentence? (Thought I don’t believe that the settlers used this word. Not very historical.
This is so true. Your porch decor catches the eye, and that sign on your counter rocks. I may have to do a little more this year too.
You’re right, it really does make a difference and keeps you from feeling like it’s just another day, or another season. You sure don’t appreciate things enough without it.
As I put out a few decorative pumpkins and bought fall themed dish towels last week I wondered about decorating for fall here in Hawaii. This year it felt artificial to be decorating for a season we don’t have. Maybe bringing in fresh flowers from my shower tree which blooms this time of year would be more appropriate and authentic…just my fall decorating musings.