Getting Our Home Holiday Ready

I’ve come a long way these past few years as far as decorating for the winter holidays…I was a bit of a grinch about it all for a while since traditions and the holidays weren’t a huge part of my childhood. But this year — with the recent loss of our best buddy little Gazpacho — infusing this bit of warmth for a season that is meant to slow us down, take pause, and cherish the things we hold dear feels downright therapeutic.

While I know people are very fervently in love with real Christmas trees (my husband included), I decided to spring for a faux one to save us from a few debacles we had with past real trees (ahem falling over, spilling water everywhere, scraping up our walls and breaking its stand on the way down). Honestly, this was so easy to get up in an afternoon, there is no going back for me — and I foresee it lasting many years, now that we have the perk of a house with basement storage. Hanging the ornaments, stocking, and setting out candles is the part I like best anyway.

A few of my favorite holiday staples are things I’ve collected over the years from Garnet Hill, with a few new additions this year, including these incredible special velvet and linen stockings that I had monogrammed with Will, Gazpacho, and I’s names. G’s came about a week before he passed away, so I would be lying if it didn’t bring a large wave of tears bringing it out and knowing I was planning on stuffing it with his favorite toys and treats. The grief is still really overpowering, but ultimately, he was my absolute favorite part of Christmas because he loved ripping through wrapping paper and LOVED new toys — so I wanted to hang it in tribute to him and the good memories it reminds us of. I also found this darling picture frame ornament at a local pet shop and these two things make me feel like we have a way of still showing him our love and including him in one of his favorite days.

I’m just trying to take it slow and get into the rhythm of a new normal, and I was surprised how much it helped to get this cozy holiday decor up. It’s a reminder to me that surrounding ourselves with things that hold meaning and are special is a really powerful thing, and the glow and sparkle of these holiday momentos helped bring some warmth back into our quiet space.

Sharing the things that created this look below. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are gearing up for a lovely end of the year!