Christmas is my favorite time of year, not only because of the holiday itself, but because it’s also my birthday. Yes, I know what you’re thinking, “Doesn’t it kinda suck having your birthday on Christmas?” I hear that question every single time someone finds out I’m a Christmas baby. But honestly I haven’t really known anything different, plus I was an afternoon baby. My parents always did a really good job at having Christmas in the morning and then all of our family came over in the afternoon for my Birthday.

Anyway, back to the reason for this post. Holiday decorating! All of the decorations and the lights this time of year just puts me in a better mood. It just feels so magical!

Traditionally I always put up all of our Christmas decorations on Friday after Thanksgiving, but this year I decided to start putting things up a little sooner because we will be spending the Holidays in Kansas City with our families. I love decorating the house and wanted to really enjoy it before we left.

I would say they majority of the things I use to decorate with are things I’ve purchased on clearance after Christmas. I think that is the best way to start your collection of goods. I have actually decided that the majority of things I don’t use this year are things I am going to get rid of. Because, I mean who’s not always down to get new things to decorate with every year to mix it up a bit…AKA I will do some after Christmas shopping again this year!!

The Tree: This is actually the first year I have used a pre-lit tree. It is so amazing how easy it is! I don’t think I will ever go back to using a tree that’s not pre-lit, except we have been talking about trying out a real tree some time. I got this one from Walmart a few years ago for 50% off, it is currently ON SALE, and I’m sure will be again after Christmas as well.

Ornaments: Like I mentioned before, I usually get things after Christmas. I have always loved the multi-colored ornaments, I remember getting my first 100 piece set (like 7-8 years ago) with the fun colors at Target for 75% off, making it like $8, I was so excited and have collected other ornaments to go with them ever since. (I also, just don’t like to go overboard on the ornaments, sometimes it can just look too cluttered)

Dimension to the tree: I actually had a peacock themed bridal shower and there were the neatest floral arrangements with peacock feathers and other sequin pieces I got to keep. I had saved them and now add them to tree. I think adding items to stick out just add extra texture and another layer to the tree.

Tree Skirt: I got this one from Hobby Lobby I think like 2 years ago. When I saw it, I immediately had to snatch it up because it perfectly pairs with my ornaments! However I have seen some of the neatest fur ones out this year, I think that may be on my list this year, because, I mean, who doesn’t want fur everywhere!

House Decor: I would say I typically like my tree and my fireplace to be the main focus of my holiday decorating, but I do like to add small touches of decor throughout the house. I added the Noel sign and the bottle brush tree (from the dollar spot at Target) to my table. If you follow along on Snapchat, you know I always get fresh flowers for the house. I typically go to Trader Joe’s or Costco because they’re the most reasonable. This arrangement is flowers from Trader Joe’s.

Fireplace: I always have the vases with the dogwood and the oversized white flower, then just add/exchange something holiday-ish. I got the snowflake stockings from World Market like 8 years ago and have never seen anything close. I LOVE them, I am bummed I haven’t been able to find more or something similar. So, since Aria was born I ended buying the shimmer silver one to compliment ours (I bought 2 at them time in case we had another child….which we did, WooHoo)!! Our glitter letters are currently at Target.

I Love this Santa, again it was over 50% off after Christmas one year at Macy’s. He was such a steal and I am so glad I found him! I picked up these reindeer at Home Goods this year, they are so perfect because have a little gold and silver in them to match my theme!

Once I have the majority of it done (because lets face it, I get most of my work done during naptime) I let the girls, well Aria right now, help me put on the finishing touches!