For the last few years I have been on a mission to simplify my life. We all tend to collect a lot of stuff. Sometimes we pack it away and we even forget we have it.
Four years ago, I slowly started to get rid of a lot of my stuff in preparation of a move. Some decisions came easy, others more difficult… but go it must as I was in the process of looking for a smaller place to live.
One of the easier tasks was thinning out way too many Christmas decorations down to those which were the most significant to me. For years, I have decorated my share of Christmas trees and holiday settings… mine, my clients and stores I have worked in. However, the last several years, I have been doing less and less for myself. The simple truth is, despite how much I loved putting it up, I loathed taking it down and packing it back up. Can anyone relate?????
Terri’s Christmas Tree
It seems every year, my tree continues to get one more round of editing.
This year I did not feel the push to hang all of the ornaments I had already narrowed down to. (Yep, feeling really lazy this year.)
I choose only the most significant.
The best way to highlight significant ornaments is to first create a base and rhythm with ribbon and other repetitive items. (That’s my tip for the day!)
A few years ago I started wiring three balls together because it just had a little more pop. (As well, as later being a little less work as well. ha ha. )
The gold and silver wire mesh ribbon helped beef up my pencil tree that does not overwhelm my smaller living space.
I like the way the ribbon trail creates pockets of space where those significant ornaments can rest and beckon attention.
It is those significant ornaments that make the Christmas decorating the most fun .
Thoughts start rushing back to memories of years past.
I always get a little choked up.
And I am sure I am not alone in that.
My favorites are ones my Mom gave to me and I always get a little sad ’cause I miss her so much.
Other treasures are the collection of nativity ornaments that my cousin has given me
every year for as long as I can remember.
(My cousin is my best friend, my mother, my sister, my counselor all wrapped in one.
She has been with me through thick and thin and knows my deepest secrets.)
And, oh, yes ….. Baby’s First Christmas ornaments…..
(I can hardly believe my kids are all grown up now, one married and the other with a significant other.)
I have no regrets of getting rid of some of my over done garlands
and going with something simple on the mantle that gives a quiet nod to the season.
Pieces of my Mom’s Lennox Nativity Scene are located in various spots in my décor
rather than the traditional nativity set up.
It is symbolic to me in knowing that the wise men, the sheppard, and the angels
were not actually all there at the same time.
(I have to admit the wise men and angels actually stay on my mantle year round.
Not so much lazy this time, but simply a reminder
of my own personal journey to find Christ.)
I like to use a piece of my art as a backdrop for the manger scene.
(I am always game for something a little unexpected.)
This piece is titled “On My Shoulder”.
(You can learn more about the story behind the art here.)
I'm Terri Davis. I help homeowners transition into new spaces or update existing homes to meet changing needs and desires. When not knee deep in a design project, you will find me in the studio painting or seeking my next inspiration. I have integrated the best of two worlds, sharing my heart through my art while helping others create a personal sanctuary that nourishes and inspires their soul.
