Home for the Holidays 2020
THE FARMHOUSE
Today I wanted to share some moments from holiday decorating at our Farmhouse. It’s not exactly a holiday home tour, but as close as we’re going to get this year ;) Honestly, I wasn’t sure that we’d decorate very much - I was feeling a little spent with 2020 - but the kids were so excited and I just didn’t have the heart to deny them a single bit of joy amidst such a stressful year. So we decked the halls. We opted for simple, natural, and homespun decor, and I think we’re all feeling excited for the holidays now.
Cathy’s top, all Farmhouse room sources here
I couldn’t share Christmas decorations without first mentioning how thankful we are for this home of our’s. Amidst a global pandemic, stay-home orders, massive uncertainty, and everything else that 2020 has brought, home has never felt more important. I don’t say it enough, but we’re incredibly thankful and privileged and just plain lucky to get to live in this old home and call it our’s. This is our fifth holiday season at the Farmhouse (how?!) and we’re counting our blessings.
Since so much of the holidays (and life in general) takes place in our kitchen - especially after we finished the remodel last December - I thought we’d start there. Let me show you around…
Read the serendipitous backstory on our hutch here
Vintage metal bucket (similar), Farmhouse kitchen sources here
Despite my initial grumbles about decorating, I finally got excited about holiday decorating after I started creating things. The paper baubles on the little tree above (I used this tutorial from @alicesgrace_ as a starting point), paper stars in the windows, and brass stars Garrett made me. There’s something really fun and nostalgic about making your own decorations and I’m all about it this year!
We have big plans for baking this holiday season, which is the main activity that goes down in the pantry. I made Garrett a hazelnut torte for his birthday this past weekend (an occasion that always gets lumped in with the holidays - December birthdays are like that I suppose!) and I’m still working out what kind of cake to make for Christmas. Holiday cookies are also on the docket and a special dessert for a Wilder’s virtual piano recital this week. Goodness, I sure love holiday baking!
I’m kind of a stickler about keeping our holiday decor to one storage bin. We add in a homemade project or two every year, and buy/forage fresh greenery, but that’s it. I like to keep seasonal decorating as simple as possible so it’s joyful and fun and not overwhelming.
The kids decorated our tree this year, with surprising attention to detail. Our 5-year-old keeps rearranging the ornaments so I’m not sure it will ever be done, but it sure makes me smile.
This year we finally got our living room together this year and it’s been such a great space to have. It finally feels cozy and comfortable and we use it for playing, movie watching, reading, and so much more. Can’t wait to open presents here on Christmas morning!
Right before I started hanging garland on the staircase, Garrett reminded me that I wanted a simple Christmas, so I stopped. But I did manage to sneak a couple small wreaths into our bedroom and a little garland in the bathroom. Nothing too major, but it definitely feels cheery.
There’s nowhere else I’d rather spend the holidays! Seriously, even after spending the better part of 9 months at home, I’m really excited to be here for Christmas and New Years with this family of mine.
Wishing you a safe and festive holiday season!
