View Full Version : Can I go minimal for Christmas???
I am a seasonal decor addict. I love to decorate for every season and holiday. I have slowly decluttered a bunch of decor over the years but Christmas is always hard for me. I tend to go overboard with decor. This year, I have gone very minimal with my Fall and Halloween decor and I am really enjoying it. Just touches around the living room and kitchen. I really want to try to go more minimal for Christmas. I even went as far as printing out some photos of what the living room looked like and X-ing out things that I hope to declutter. I am going to put out the decor I for sure want to keep and see how it looks. Also will try to move some items from one location to another so things aren't so clustered in the living room. Unless someone in the house (husband or sons) makes a comment like "Where is the (insert item)?" or "Why didn't you put (insert item) out this year?", I will keep some stuff in the storage closet until I'm sure no one misses anything and then will declutter it.
I have about six items on my "to be decluttered" list and I think that will be just enough to satisfy my need for less this Christmas.
iris lilies
10-30-24, 12:07pm
Yes you have my permission! Haha
iris lilies
10-30-24, 12:08pm
I am trying the ultimate minimal for Xmas outdoor decor this year— hiring someone to put up lights and take them down.
we shall see how that goes
next year our house will be on our towns holiday house tour so I will have to ramp up holiday decor. I do not have a ton of it anymore since I jettisoned most when we moved. But I plan to buy lots of real greenery and berries, and with a few strings of lights plus one tree, that should work.
I’m to the stage of life where I want to spend money to make life easy and taking down and storing holiday decor is not making my life easy.
catherine
10-30-24, 12:46pm
Yes, good for you, IL! I agree. I'm sure your home will be beautiful next year (and this year).
As I've described before, we used to be the Family of Christmas Bullemics. Just consume everything we can for everyone, and then return what we can because we can't afford it.
Three years ago we started a Secret Santa model for gift-giving. DH and I went along, but it was hard for us to resist buying stuff for each kid AND in-law, not to mention grandkid. But it was a great decision.
As for decorating, I don't do a lot anymore. There's only so far you can go in a <700 square house. And no one ever passes by in the winter, so we don't worry about exterior lights.
I have experimented with different ways to have a tree in our house. First year was a $5 dollar store tree. That worked OK. Next year I got an expensive fake pencil tree which I hated. It had glitter on it that just was a mess all the time. The next year, we got a very small live tree, and that did OK, but really make the foot traffic pattern in the house very difficult.
Last year, I did a wall tree, and that seemed to be the best solution. It only takes a few pine boughs and a dozen ornaments and one string of lights.
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My Christmas decorations consist of a 2ft tall tree that goes on an end table. It’s from Target and gets all decorated including lights. I buy a small poinsettia. I’ll tape my Christmas cards to the back of my apartment door. That’s it.
frugal-one
10-30-24, 2:25pm
Nada
rosarugosa
10-31-24, 7:09am
Catherine: That wall tree is a great idea and very nicely done.
I don't want to go as minimal as some of you :) but do want to tone it down a little. I still want our house to feel like Christmas and I do enjoy looking at the decor (as do my family). Just not as much as years past but still enough that the house feels festive.
happystuff
10-31-24, 12:16pm
Outdoor lights from a single string of solar lights I found a couple years ago. Still going strong and just a simple string around the porch where the steps are. Tree is artificial with pre-strung lights. Looks fine once decorated. We put it up in front of a living room window so, when it is on, it adds some to the outside. A felt advent calendar of Noah's Ark and stockings are about all that is put up. Cards get stapled to ribbons hung on each side of an indoor doorway.
I understand the Jehovah Witnesses do not encourage celebration of holidays except Easter due to issues around paganism or some violation of the 7 cardinal sins. I could live with that, but do get a little pleasure from a few outdoor solar lights and some family heirlooms for indoor home decoration.
happystuff
11-1-24, 9:17am
I've seen the wall trees done in a variety of ways. Yours is the nicest I've seen so far, catherine! If and when I REALLY downsize, I'm thinking of going that route.
I love putting up our Christmas tree. Honestly, the lights have helped my mental well-being many a winter. One particularly difficult year it was up until March. We have ornaments we've collected during our marriage which are meaningful to us that we love to bring out.
Now, however, we have a new addition to the family (I've shown her "innocent" little tortoise-shell face before here) and she is a sneak, a thief and a getter-into-er. I think we're in for a Christmas Battle of Wills.
We don't do a lot other than the tree because, honestly, the tree is enough for me and no one comes to our house anyway to see any of it.
Change of plans... sort of. 99% sure I will have a new job shortly. They have pretty much guaranteed me it but had to go through the motions of advertising it and accepting applications. If I do get it, I will use the Christmas decor that won't be in the house anymore for my new office. I currently don't decorate my desk because years ago, while on Christmas break, a co-worker stole all my decor. When I got back and saw that, she claimed that she just "put it away" but couldn't remember where. Needless to say, I was pissed and never decorated again. In my new job, the people I'll be working with are a lot more honest and trust-worthy so I plan on decorating a bit next month (if I'm up there by then which I should be). This way I won't have to get rid of things that I still like and can enjoy them without crowding up my living room with it.
Congratulations, what a great outcome, and so glad about your new job!
happystuff
11-12-24, 10:03am
Congrats, Klunick! Great you will be able to keep and use decorations you like.
The new job was a bust but the "more minimal" Christmas decorating was a success!!
The job ended up being a decrease in pay by almost $5000. Decided to start looking for a job closer to home (currently have an almost 65 mile commute) so that I can start collecting my pension from current job (30 years on Jan 1st) as well as earn a paycheck which will end up giving me an increase in pay. Can't leave current place until Jan 1st so I figure late December, I will start applying and by the time interviews and whatever are over, I can give my two weeks notice.
The decorating worked out though. I ended up not putting out several items and since I didn't have a new office to use them in, they got decluttered. No one has said anything about the items that weren't put out so that was good. I even downsized my Christmas tree this year. We buy a real one but this year, I got one that is less wide but as tall as normally the ones we get are. There is more room around the tree which also opens up a corner of the living room, making it look less cluttered.
That sounds like a great plan, jobwise, Klunick!
I have not put up my tree yet because I will have to move stuff in the living room to accomodate it, and I hate moving stuff. I have this giant lemon tree sitting where Christmas tree goes. I suppose I should just decorate the lemon tree, but it's not the same.
I too hate that cluttered feeling that happens with the big tree. So something has to go.
happystuff
12-15-24, 10:37am
I put up WAY less ornaments this year and it was actually noticed. I responded by saying, "The ornaments are over there - feel free to continue decorating!" So far, no one has taken me up on the offer. LOL.
Finally got the string of solar lights up outside yesterday. It was a sunny day, so they came on last night and I just love them! Best purchase ever and so easy to put up.
It's beginning to look - and feel - a lot like Christmas around my house! lol
iris lilies
12-15-24, 11:20am
I am already sick and tired of the real tree we put up a couple of weeks ago.
My idea for this house is to store minimal crap and to buy fresh greenery and a fresh tree. But already this tree is super dry, and it is only December 15! Ack. So, I will buy a fake tree for next year. Our house will be on our town’s Holiday House Tour and we need to have decor set up fairly early in December.
The fire hazard of a real Christmas tree worries me.
We have the same little 3 ft artificial tree we have had for years along with a shoebox of tiny ornaments and one string of lights. It is a magical time for our little grand-twins with DD going all out with decorations and the $150 tree. Their life, not mine. But we are here, not there anyway.
rosarugosa
12-16-24, 7:54am
I am already sick and tired of the real tree we put up a couple of weeks ago.
My idea for this house is to store minimal crap and to buy fresh greenery and a fresh tree. But already this tree is super dry, and it is only December 15! Ack. So, I will buy a fake tree for next year. Our house will be on our town’s Holiday House Tour and we need to have decor set up fairly early in December.
The fire hazard of a real Christmas tree worries me.
When we used to put up a real tree, we only did it about 2 weeks before the holiday.
Well, my artificial Christmas tree, which is about 8 years old, decided to go minimal this year in that half the lights aren't working anymore and it looks really weird and patchy.
I bought an extra garland for it to fill in. Don't know if this is its last year or whether it will just get a little less each year.
iris lilies
12-19-24, 9:39am
we drug our dry Christmas tree out to the front yard of our house and set it up and put lights on it. That way it’s not going to waste and it’s out of my house and not a fire hazard.
rosarugosa
12-20-24, 7:24am
I added this little tree made of mussel shells to our decor this year. (I did not make it; I purchased it from a small local shop). It has a small footprint and I really like it!
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I ended up not putting up my 2ft tree. I spend more time in my bedroom at home than in the LR. I do really enjoy the lights I see on my commute.
rosarugosa
12-21-24, 7:49am
Thanks, Tybee. I think it has a very coastal New England vibe.
Tradd: What about a string of fairy lights here and there inside your apartment? We really enjoy them during the dark months of winter. I got these, on the recommendation of The Frugal Girl, whose blog I follow: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071F6N6WS?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1.
happystuff
12-21-24, 11:45am
When we used to put up a real tree, we only did it about 2 weeks before the holiday.
As a kid, we used to all go with dad (there were a lot of us kids!) to pick out the tree. We would bring it home and it would be put in a bucket of water in the garage. On Christmas eve, the tree would be brought into the house, set up and only the lights would be put on. When we got up the next morning, it was like magic! The tree was all decorated and so many present underneath!
Love those memories!
Thanks, Tybee. I think it has a very coastal New England vibe.
Tradd: What about a string of fairy lights here and there inside your apartment? We really enjoy them during the dark months of winter. I got these, on the recommendation of The Frugal Girl, whose blog I follow: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071F6N6WS?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1.
That'a a good idea. I love multi colored lights. Will have to see what I can find.
rosarugosa
12-22-24, 9:08am
As a kid, we used to all go with dad (there were a lot of us kids!) to pick out the tree. We would bring it home and it would be put in a bucket of water in the garage. On Christmas eve, the tree would be brought into the house, set up and only the lights would be put on. When we got up the next morning, it was like magic! The tree was all decorated and so many present underneath!
Love those memories!
My sister and I used to be so excited, we would sleep under the tree in our sleeping bags!
happystuff
12-22-24, 10:31am
My sister and I used to be so excited, we would sleep under the tree in our sleeping bags!
LOL! I've never heard of anyone doing that. How did "Santa" get the gifts under without waking you???
rosarugosa
12-23-24, 7:19am
LOL! I've never heard of anyone doing that. How did "Santa" get the gifts under without waking you???
We put up our tree a week or two before, so we could sleep under it without interfering with Santa. We had those hot-pink, girly, sleepover-type sleeping bags, and we would listen to The Chipmunks xmas album ad nauseum, lol. We weren't allowed to sleep under the tree xmas eve.
happystuff
12-23-24, 3:40pm
We put up our tree a week or two before, so we could sleep under it without interfering with Santa. We had those hot-pink, girly, sleepover-type sleeping bags, and we would listen to The Chipmunks xmas album ad nauseum, lol. We weren't allowed to sleep under the tree xmas eve.
Ahhh... I understand. Sounds like great fun!
I have never had a tree dry out and I buy mine right at the beginning of December and don't take it down until Jan 1st. I put a little sugar in the water when I first get the tree and then plain warm water the rest of the time. I water it once a day to top it off. My house is not particularly dry/warm and we don't use the fireplace when we have the tree as that would also dry it out.
iris lilies
12-26-24, 10:59am
I have never had a tree dry out and I buy mine right at the beginning of December and don't take it down until Jan 1st. I put a little sugar in the water when I first get the tree and then plain warm water the rest of the time. I water it once a day to top it off. My house is not particularly dry/warm and we don't use the fireplace when we have the tree as that would also dry it out.
We got our tree Thanksgiving weekend, so a bit earlier than you. The main problem was its branches caused placement in the stand to barely get water. Also, we did not give it a clean cut when we got it but since it was directly from a tree farm I didn't think that necessary. Also, we used our fireplace regularly, probably daily.
I am happy with the fake tree that replaced it. I have a vision of scooting it into a corner of our garage, throwing a sheet over it, and storing it that way, that would be easy rather than taking it apart and trying to shove it into its original box.
We got our tree Thanksgiving weekend, so a bit earlier than you. The maim problem was its branches caused placement in the stand to barely get water. Also, we did not give it a clean cut when we got it but since it was directly from a tree farm I didn't think that necessary. Also, we used our fireplace regularly, probably daily.
I am happy with the fake tree that replaced it. I have a vision of scooting it into a corner of our garage, throwing a sheet over it, and storing it that way, that would be easy rather than taking it apart and trying to shrove it into its original box.
Yep, fresh cut is important. Bottom closes up after it's cut so it needs to be recut once bought. I also have to cut off some of the bottom branches to make sure the bottom of the tree is far enough in the stand to ensure it gets access to all the water. The one thing I hate is not using our fireplace while we have the tree but that area is really the ideal spot so there isn't a choice.
I don't have the patience to fluff a fake tree so even when I am an old lady, I will always have a real one. Even if it's small.
My outdoor wreath looks horrible. Like it's been out there in the sun for years drying out. The one indoors that I made with our branches is still very green. They were added at the same time. Outdoor was purchased so who knows how old it was.
My dad used to get a tree early and put it in water in the backyard--I remember it would freeze, the water.
We were at Lowe's last night and I thought I should look for an artificial one on sale but there were only two left, and both were 12 feet tall. So people must swoop in and buy them on the 26th.
happystuff
12-28-24, 10:00am
I have a vision of scooting it into a corner of our garage, throwing a sheet over it, and storing it that way, that would be easy rather than taking it apart and trying to shove it into its original box.
Traveling in the mid-west several years ago and was in the home of someone who kept their tree up in their family room year round! Said it brought such joy, they just left it up.
iris lilies
1-7-25, 4:56pm
Here’s my report about paying a company to put up and take down outdoor Christmas lights:
The bill was around $400. Our house was not completely decked out, it had what I would consider to be minimal coverage. Next year we will do twice as much.
The lights are nice enough but not especially pretty. This company uses large bulbs so they are not twinkly fairy lights which I prefer. It’s the kind of lighting you see on commercial buildings. I don’t love it, but next year if we cover more of our roof line and downspouts, it will be better.
I do love the fact that they put up the lights, take them down, store the lights, and bring them back next year if I pay them.
That sounds like a great service. Could you get them to put up the type of lights that you prefer, and more of them?
iris lilies
1-7-25, 6:44pm
That sounds like a great service. Could you get them to put up the type of lights that you prefer, and more of them?
I don’t think I can get them to put up a different type of lights because they have the products they have. Certainly they can put up more next year. I will ask them to do that.
If you bought the ones you liked, would they use them and keep them for you?
iris lilies
1-8-25, 9:22am
If you bought the ones you liked, would they use them and keep them for you?
oh, I don’t know, that sounds complicated. I don’t know how much I’d have to buy anyway.
I’ll probably put fairy lights on smaller things in the front of our house to get that look, put them on Evergreen bushes or etc.,
littlebittybobby
1-8-25, 1:29pm
okay----$400 to install Xmas Lites. Good Lord. But yeah---next year I'm gonna string up sum colored lites for between Black Friday until whenever. I will be supplying the labor. Ha. I need the cash money for old Packkard parts. They're scarce, since they don't make 'em anymore. Yup.
iris lilies
1-8-25, 2:58pm
okay----$400 to install Xmas Lites. Good Lord. But yeah---next year I'm gonna string up sum colored lites for between Black Friday until whenever. I will be supplying the labor. Ha. I need the cash money for old Packkard parts. They're scarce, since they don't make 'em anymore. Yup.
I know, it’s stupid and next year I’m gonna spend even more. It wasn’t all that long ago that I thought people who did that were out of their minds.
I know, it’s stupid and next year I’m gonna spend even more. It wasn’t all that long ago that I thought people who did that were out of their minds.
With all due respect, some of us still do!
iris lilies
1-9-25, 11:43am
With all due respect, some of us still do!
you should! I respect this opinion.
I am in a lane I havent been in before, spending money sometimes foolishly and on luxuries. But I am trying to spend it on things that are meaningful to me.
you should! I respect this opinion.
I am in a lane I havent been in before, spending money sometimes foolishly and on luxuries. But I am trying to spend it on things that are meaningful to me.
I do the same; they are just different things!
Even with less decor out, by Jan 1st, I was feeling overwhelmed by everything so I was happy to put all the Christmas stuff away. I decorated for Winter and the house feels much more calming and open.
I think next year, I might wait to put the stockings out until they get filled on Christmas Eve. I got rid of all the silver balls for the tree as you couldn't really see them and the tree felt too cluttered with having the silver balls, the red balls, and all the regular ornaments. I am hoping that helps make the house look even more decluttered next year.
Even with less decor out, by Jan 1st, I was feeling overwhelmed by everything so I was happy to put all the Christmas stuff away. I decorated for Winter and the house feels much more calming and open.
I think next year, I might wait to put the stockings out until they get filled on Christmas Eve. I got rid of all the silver balls for the tree as you couldn't really see them and the tree felt too cluttered with having the silver balls, the red balls, and all the regular ornaments. I am hoping that helps make the house look even more decluttered next year.
I put up fewer ornaments this year, too, not sure why. But it looked like "enough" so it was good. I decided to leave my one string of lights up outside through February, as I really like it and it helps us find our way home on winter nights!
Not even technically Fall yet but I am sitting here wondering what I can declutter or rearrange to make this year's Christmas decorating even more minimal but still festive. I got rid of some stuff in my big July decor declutter so I am already ahead of the game.
iris lilies
9-1-25, 3:40pm
Not even technically Fall yet but I am sitting here wondering what I can declutter or rearrange to make this year's Christmas decorating even more minimal but still festive. I got rid of some stuff in my big July decor declutter so I am already ahead of the game.
why don’t you like fresh greenery, berries, fruits, etc. for the Christmas holidays? Certainly there are downsides to it, but the beauty of it to me is that it can all go in the compost at the end. Well, it can go in compost if all the wires are removed.
I just have a personal aversion to so much holiday decor I see everywhere throughout the year because it all seems so fake and dead to me, semi truckloads of stuff imported from China.
why don’t you like fresh greenery, berries, fruits, etc. for the Christmas holidays? Certainly there are downsides to it, but the beauty of it to me is that it can all go in the compost at the end. Well, it can go in compost if all the wires are removed.
I just have a personal aversion to so much holiday decor I see everywhere throughout the year because it all seems so fake and dead to me, semi truckloads of stuff imported from China.
Just never been a fan of using greenery and the like plus I have cats so a lot of things are poisonous or upsetting to their stomachs if eaten.
You sure have my permission. I don't celebrate Christmas personally but do like to honor Solstice and the shortest day of the year after which the days begin to lengthen again. All hail, Mother Nature.
Of course you can go minimal. One thing you could do is make your own decorations. I find that satisfies my decorating urge really well. I think this year I will make a table runner I have been envisioning.
Sure you can. Figure out where the bang for the buck is---one big tree, a couple of pillows. Strings of lights fill space and create mood beautifully. Leaving "white space" on surfaces rather than filling them with Christmas tchotchkes will create greater focus on the things that most make the house Christmas-y.
Of course you can go minimal. One thing you could do is make your own decorations. I find that satisfies my decorating urge really well. I think this year I will make a table runner I have been envisioning.
I wish I was but I am not a crafty or DIY type person. I am in awe of people who are.
iris lilies
9-3-25, 9:49am
Just never been a fan of using greenery and the like plus I have cats so a lot of things are poisonous or upsetting to their stomachs if eaten.
Ah yes, cats.
my cats don’t eat stuff so I don’t worry about that, but yes, one has to be careful of that. I even bring Lilies into the house when they’re in season and my cats don’t touch them. Lilies are quite poisonous to cats, apparently. I do keep the large potted tropicals that are known to be poisonous in our downstairs sunny area during the winter, not in the center room where the cats could get them.
I have a pre lit 3 feet tall tree, I put an embroidered and smocked angel on top that my mother made as an ornament, skirt under the tree and an old ceramic santa clause bank of my husband's at least 65 years old...I do put out towels because i have them. On the dining room table I put out some figures of elves and santas. Then a small ceramic nativity. All at least 40 years old. it all makes me happy.
I have a pre lit 3 feet tall tree, I put an embroidered and smocked angel on top that my mother made as an ornament, skirt under the tree and an old ceramic santa clause bank of my husband's at least 65 years old...I do put out towels because i have them. On the dining room table I put out some figures of elves and santas. Then a small ceramic nativity. All at least 40 years old. it all makes me happy.
The last part is most important. If it makes you happy - it's perfect!!
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