Hi friends! Wow… it’s been a minute since I last wrote! I didn’t mean to be gone for so long, but life got busy (hello, #SLPstruggle), and I had to put the blog on the back burner for a bit. But I’m back now and so excited to jump into the Christmas season with you all! Today, I’m sharing a little bit about how we’re planning for the holidays this year, along with some thoughts that Jesus has placed on my heart recently.
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Christmas Planning: Where We Started
Six months ago, we took a huge step and bought our first home.
Before that, we lived in two different studio apartments. Our first place was only around 400 square feet. It was teeny tiny, and we were incredibly tight on money, so we made do with what we had. I ended up reusing a little tabletop tree and the leftover decorations from my college dorm.
I will say I can’t help but smile as I type that out and think back on that time in our lives because, regardless of how little we had, it was the sweetest first Christmas as a married couple. Looking back, I can truly see how far Jesus has brought us. It is such a reminder of how blessed we are now to have a home that is ours!
Our second apartment was a bit larger, still a studio but with more space. We had a little more to work with that year, so I splurged on a 6-foot flocked Christmas tree from Walmart. It’s still one of my favorites for anyone looking for a budget-friendly option!
Here is how I styled it in our apartment.
Christmas Planning: Where We are Headed
Now that we’ve moved into our new home, I decided to sell most of my old Christmas decor. I wanted to start fresh and see what style would work best in our new space.
The last few years, I’ve gone with a traditional red and green theme with farmhouse touches. But this year, I’m leaning toward a more vintage, old-fashioned Christmas—something classic and organic. I still want it to be cozy and to really focus on the true meaning of Christmas—celebrating the birth of Jesus. The nativity set will, of course, be a central piece of my holiday decor this year!
Christmas Planning: Organic Nativity Theme
I’ve been so inspired by Sharrah’s Christmas decor this year. She truly nailed the vintage, organic look that I’m going for.
When I saw the nativity star from Hobby Lobby that she used as her tree topper, I knew it was the perfect choice for my own tree.
It’s not technically a tree topper but a wall hanger, so if you go to the store, it’s not in the same section as the other tree toppers. But it’s absolutely stunning!
I also picked up this simple, beautiful print at Hobby Lobby that I think will be a perfect addition to my living room built-ins. It’s a gentle reminder of Jesus and His birth, which is exactly the focus I want for this season.
As far as nativity sets go, I have this Willow Tree set that my mom purchased for me last year. I collect Willow Tree, and it was SO special and sweet that she purchased it for me.
If you are looking for one that is less expensive but has the same feel and style as Willow Tree, this one and this one are super sweet and affordable!
And this little concrete nativity set was a gift from one of my supervisors during graduate school. It holds such sweet memories for me, and I love adding it to my collection.
Thrift stores are another great place to find nativity sets—I’ve picked up a few there over the years for just a couple of dollars each. I’m excited to display them in different rooms of the house this year!
Christmas Planning: Christmas Trees
When I first thought about going for a more organic, vintage vibe, I considered getting a real tree. However, my track record with indoor plants isn’t great, so I ended up settling for an artificial one with “feel-real” branches. And I have zero regrets!
I found this stunning tree on Amazon and instantly fell in love with it. It’s wide, tall, and has that gorgeous, realistic look I was going for. It’s still a bit pricey, but it was less than half the cost of the Balsam Hill trees I was eyeing (which are beautiful, but, let’s be real, not in my budget right now!).
Purchasing a Christmas tree is an investment that hopefully will last me many, many years.
The pictures do not do this tree justice. I chose a 7.5-foot tree since we have tall ceilings, and I went with an unlit option so I wouldn’t have to worry about the lights malfunctioning down the line.
I also bought a smaller tree for the dining room to showcase our sentimental ornaments. We love collecting ornaments from our travels and holidays, so this little tree will be perfect for displaying those memories.
Christmas Planning: Lights
This year, I decided to go with incandescent lights instead of LEDs. The warm glow feels more vintage to me, and I just love how cozy it makes the whole space feel. These lights are also super affordable, and I picked them up at Home Depot.
Christmas Planning: Garland and Wreaths
Last year, I was inspired by Andrea from Pine and Prospect Home to create my own garland for the mantel. I wanted something that looked real and would last for years to come.
I started with a $25 garland from Hobby Lobby and then added pine and cedar picks I cut from a thrifted garland and discounted swags from Joann. I also gathered some pinecones from outside to give it a more natural, earthy feel.
This year, I found a great deal on these garlands from Walmart—9 feet long for just $15! They’re perfect, and I plan to add a little more greenery from outside to make them even fuller.
I also stumbled upon these garlands from Kirkland’s. At $20 each, they were a total steal, and they look just like the popular $60 Afloral counterparts.
These wreaths are the same brand as the garland from Walmart. I snagged 2 of them to use on my doors this year. I plan on filling them some with real cedar branches too.
Christmas Planning: Accessories
Noah bells are all the rage this year, and I love how vintage they look. I was on the hunt for some but couldn’t find any that fit my budget. Then…
I came across this garland from Hobby Lobby, and I am planning on using my Rub ‘n Buff to make them look like antique brass.
For a tree skirt, I picked up a light wicker one from Hobby Lobby. It’s the perfect rustic touch and a total dupe for the Balsam Hill one!
I’ve also picked up a few other pieces this year to complete the look:
Vintage Winter Prints
Mercury Glass Ornaments (I love thrifting these!)
Brass Candle Holders
I’m so excited about this year’s Christmas decor, and I truly hope this post has given you some inspiration for your own holiday season! The best part is that you don’t have to spend a lot to create a warm, inviting, and meaningful Christmas. By shopping thoughtfully, thrifting, and being creative, we can all enjoy a cozy and beautiful holiday without breaking the bank.
What are you planning for Christmas this year? Are you going with a similar vintage, organic look, or do you have a different theme in mind? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments below!
