Christmas past, present & future

Christmas past present future

I hope everyone had a healthy, peaceful, and Merry Christmas! When I am getting ready to decorate for the season I review pictures, posts and ideas I had in years past to inspire me on how to decorate for the present season, but today I want to focus on the future.   

A christmas mantel 2

This season white flowers and bells were on repeat around here this year and I want to expand on that note next year so I have been planning and shopping all the sales with thoughts of next year’s Christmas season. 

A vintage door & a petite Christmas tree9

Right now holiday merchandise is drastically reduced in price so it’s a great opportunity to score some decor for next year at great prices.

Christmas past present future1

This year I went simpler with my Christmas decor {it’s that kind of year} and I used natural elements as much as possible like flowers, cedar garland, pine cones and greenery clippings.  And although I always prefer to use real sometimes faux is a good substitute since it’s not as messy and they also last longer throughout the season plus they can be used season after season. BUT, good quality faux botanicals tend to be pricey so this is a good opportunity to get them at a reduced price.

Christmastime outside6

I am also making notes with ideas and themes to help me next year with the new items I am getting since I won’t have any previous use and history with these items.

Christmas past present future2

I am already excited to decorate for next year and I haven’t even taken down this year’s decorations, lol.  This way I feel like I already have a  jump start for next year even though I know I might make adjustments depending on any new inspiration I might get next year.

Christmas past present future3

I already found a few items at great deals and I have my eye on a couple more but I am being very deliberate about my choices so I think about them for a bit.  I know I might miss out and they might sell out but that’s ok.

Christmas past present future4

The items that are reduced are usually nonreturnable so just make sure you love the items you choose.

Baubles in a crate 7

I am also purging the items that I didn’t use this year and have grown tired.  Simplifying my decor allows me to focus on what I truly love and enjoy it to it’s fullest. 

Winter greens tablescape7

I hope these little tips can help you put Christmas away and be prepared for next year while enjoying the process.

Winter greens tablescape5

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and looking forward to a brighter future in 2021.

“What is Christmas?  It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future.”

~Agnes M. Pahro`

6 Comments

  1. Everything is just so beautiful! Merry Christmas and Happy new year!

  2. Thank you so much! Happy New Year to you too.
    XO- MJ

  3. All great tips! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm. xo Kathleen

  4. Naush Samama says:

    Such a lovely decor ! One suggestion Maryjo (if you dont mind) – try not to use your flash in the camera for decor photos. Try to use natural light for subjects closer to the window or use the lamps etc for other subjects within the house – Once you click the picture, use any app to enhance the picture. That will really bring out the image more beautifully.
    I hope you have a wonderful and safe 2021.
    Thank you very much for sharing with us at Meraki Link Party.
    Much love
    Naush

  5. Thanks Kathleen! I hope the tips can help. XO- MJ

  6. Hi Naush! Happy New Year. Thanks so much for the photography tips. I know all of this in theory but I always have a hard time executing because of timing etc. Plus my photography skills do need some major help. Lol. I use photoshop all the time but there’s always more to learn. Thanks for stopping by. XO- MJ

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