I'm a little bit nuts during Christmas time.
I'm that girl who shamelessly listens to Christmas carols in November (P.S. the Pentatonix album is soooo good). I want to watch Christmas movies every single weekend (honey, I know we've watched Elf 87 times). And I like my Christmas decorations everywhere. Seriously, EVERYWHERE.
Someone stop me from wrapping my freestanding toilet paper dispenser in garland.
I can't help it, I just love all the neat things associated with Christmas. And this year with my daughter approaching 2 years old, I've ramped up the party so she can enjoy all the lights and bright colors. In the midst of the decorating frenzy, I've recruited some of my favorite Etsy shops to help me out.
Here are just a few fun & inexpensive ways to spruce up a home this holiday season. (Note: Although several of these items were given to me, some were not. All opinions are absolutely my own and every item was handpicked by me.)
(Extra note to my Ohio friends: I purchased the red trunk shown above at the Modern Farmhouse which just opened last week!)
1. Personalization.
I'm from the south, which means I love my monogramming. Having your initials on everything you own is just a thing with all (or most) southern women. I spotted this wooden snowman on Letterworld's Etsy shop page and the Kentucky girl inside told me I needed him in my home. I ordered this little guy unpainted because I couldn't decide what color to make him. A nice neutral color sounded like a good idea for a minute, and then I thought 'to heck with it'- I'm painting him Rudolph red.
The red snowman ended up matching nicely with the rest of the decor in the house, and provided a cute little pop of color. I can't wait to use him for many holidays to come. Thank you Letterworld for another job well done. PS: Letterworld also helped me out with a some more personalization in my daughter's nursery. You can see that here (with more to come later on.)
2. Prints.
I change out pictures on a regular basis at my house, but I had never tried framing Christmas prints until this year. They are so fun, and added a heaping dose of character to my home for the holidays. These sweet little prints are simple but eye-grabbing, which is why I fell in love with them on Jetty Home's website. Jetty has a TON of different prints for you to choose from.
I naturally fell in love with the "over the river and through the woods" print because I grew up loving that song. And I thought there was something so cheery about this simple wreath picture.
Jetty had my prints delivered to me before I even thought to check my online tracking. They are really responsive to questions, which makes working with them a breeze. I can't wait to order several more prints in the seasons to come. You can check out their Etsy shop here.
3. Getting the kiddos involved.
I'm not sure about you, but my daughter is Magneto when it comes to breakable decorations. This year has been a game of trial & error with the Christmas tree, as I feared it would be. So, I found the perfect solution for all you mommas with toddlers running around at home like wildebeests: Toddler Christmas trees.
These adorable little trees are made out of felt, and are right at eye level for your toddler. They come with detachable ornaments that can be rearranged all over the tree. Handcrafted by a fellow momma of littles at Jamie Elizabeth Art, these miniature trees are a fun way to make your toddler feel like he or she is "helping" momma decorate. And it beats the heck out of sweeping up porcelain ornament fragments from the floor.
You can visit Jamie Elizabeth Art's adorable Etsy shop right here.
4. Mistletoe
I don't know about you, but I am all about extra hugs and kisses. So this year, I've explained to my daughter that every time she walks under the mistletoe with Daddy or me, she has to share kisses. And so far, she thinks it's hilarious.
I'm pretty sure this trick won't work in a few years. So right now, I'm soaking up all the hugs and kisses I can. Can you blame a mama?! And it might even work on your significant other too...
Thanks for the trick, mistletoe. You can find these just about anywhere Christmas decorations are sold.
Cheers to many hugs & kisses this holiday season. And cheers to shopping small and helping small business owners in the process!
Emily