Thoughts on Holiday Decor

This, plus a scarecrow and pumpkins on my front porch, is the extent of my fall holiday decorations. It's not much and, to be honest, most of the time I wish I had more. The outdoor lanterns, the garland, dozens of different sized pumpkins. Sometimes it feels like that is what I need to seem like I've got my life together since that is what is all over social media.

But as I've had time to reflect on decorations and holiday things, I've learned two things. First, I need to be honest. We are a one income household. One income for a family of 7 that is still paying off two bachelors degrees and a masters degree and has kids that eat everything in sight. Those kids need food and loving parents and probably couldn't care less about how many pumpkins we have on the porch or the fact that we don't have pillows with snowflakes on them. Me stressing out about these things will only draw attention to a non-existent problem and cause them to feel like they are missing out when they aren't. 

Second, the number of people on social media that post their holiday decor is, like, a big number. And while there is part of me that envy's their ability to buy the things and fill their house with all things Christmas, I can also choose to be so happy for them to be able to decorate if that's what they love to do. I can use their house as inspiration if our budget allows, and I can also appreciate them bringing me into a little piece of their home to share the holiday spirit. 

The thing I've learned is those of us with three pumpkins and a candle-less lantern, let's not push ourselves to do more than we can/want to. And those with elaborate holiday setups, please keep sharing what brings you joy :)