I think I wrote this last year :-), but my mantra maintains: I put up what I think I'll have the energy to take back down and put away. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
This is not boring, this is the content my soul needed as I scroll through the hundreds of decorate with me videos screaming at me that I need to go buy more stuff. Your home is calm, clean and festive and proof we don’t NEED more. ❤
Absolutely agree! I really feel bad that so many UA-camrs post videos that raise ridiculous expectations. Our houses don't need to be decorated like a department store.
I totally agree. These fussy, perfect Christmas trees where they get new ornaments and change the theme every year make me crazy. I enjoy pulling out decor that the kids made 20 years ago. There is so many memories! And when I am tempted to buy something I see I tell myself it is 1 month of use and 11 months of storage. Do I want to spend money to store it?
Yes, I agree with this too. It alleviates the stress of "I need to decorate" or "I need to buy more stuff or get new stuff". A few simple items can make the difference and still feel festive without the stress. Dawn, stop doubting yourself. It's just perfect.
I bought a real tree this year, it's a Cyprus tree, it lives at our front entrance, it's decorated with a single string of led fairy lights, it's so simple and I think it looks beautiful 😍. I would like a new wreath, but I haven't seen one that truly grabbed my attention. Our Christmas tree gets one new ornament each year, it's for my daughter, it's a tradition for us, she will have a box of her Christmas decorations for when she has her own home. She will be 9 this December 😊 so it's a small collection at the moment. This year she decorated the tree on her own, mostly red and gold and I think that it's beautiful. I don't subscribe to the over the top decorations in every room. It's so much work and the expense is crazy for something that is used for a short period of time. I do love Christmas decorations, but I am happy to just go into EVERY store to look at them 😂😂😂😂
I hope you fully understand how helpful your videos are. How calming, non judgmental and effective you are at this. God clearly gave you this calling and so thankful for that. Thank you for all you do and Happy Thanksgiving! ❤
We bought our first house after 12 years in apartments. I really want to decorate, but we're on a budget. I thought "What would Dawn do?" I sent out a group text to the women in my family asking for any extra decorations they don't want anymore.
THIS is the decorate with me video I have been waiting for. All the over the top stuff that seems so stressful has been wearing on me. Your style is so calming and cheerful and doable. As for teen boys--they still need clothing--pants and shoes--gas money. This year my boys needed new duffle bags for overnight trips and summer camp. Also, every year we put a high quality tool in their stockings so that by the time they turn 18 they have a lovely tool kit. Hammer, screwdrivers, measuring tape, level, etc. One year we got them tool bags under the tree to hold everything and they keep them in their closets. This means no cheap all in one kit purchased before shipping them off to college.
You’ve literally changed my life. I actually now love my home. I feel calm and relaxed and happy. Not anxious or unsettled. I’ve stopped needing the glass of wine to feel relaxed. I’ve stopped eating rubbish because I wasn’t organised enough to meal plan. You’ve taught me how to find happiness again. For that I am very grateful. Thank you.❤ Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family.
It's fun to do something a little different each year and i find a lot of the old stuff finds its way back around w style or ideas you see from others so .... don't get rid of you white barn or stands!!! 😊 just my input. 😂
You just gave me an idea from your post Linda Musser! I was thinking wouldn’t it be great if we could buy or make holiday pillow covers to use on our existing pillows? It would save space in storage. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to all!
@@pamelamackey8637 IKEA and Amazon have nice pillow covers. You can also buy the pillows to insert in them in both places. I do this, and only have to store the covers in my linen closet and never the actual pillows. I’m not a big throw pillow lover, but it’s nice to have a couple of them on the sofa and change the covers for the season. Plus, real down inserts are much squishier and fluff up so nicely.
My mother had a beautiful little crèche, which had been given to her by an older lady. When my turn was up and I had to give it to my sister, I decided I needed some other crèche for myself, and bought one. Over the years, I have purchased quite a few more, starting with a plastic one from the 5 and 10 cent store, so that my toddler could play with one. Now that I’m an empty-nester, I try to put up one or two, but for years, the others sat in the big box. Then it occurred to me that there is a display case at church in the parish hall, so each year, early in Advent, I put up five or more crèches in that case, usually with a small card telling where they all came from. Some years, I’ve had other people in the parish bring one in for the display. I love sharing the season of Advent with the Parish!
I resonate with your frequent use of the phrase “ it’s fine.” Because it IS fine. I remind myself and my family that most of our concerns are “first world problems “!! And it’s fine. Thanks for your content and for being such a positive person. Merry Christmas!!
I love the Santa w/ tree the best! You work hard no need to apologize for buying a couple extra decorations. Also look back at the video when you panned the living room and through the window was the red barn and the evergreen tree...how perfect is that! You're right about needing some lights with winter being so dark. Thanks for cutting the tag off the pillow. I hate tags on towels too.😊
Pillow suggestion!! Get down filled pillow inserts and change the covers with the seasons. Down pillows stay looking nice so much longer and are easy to shake and fluff back up. Bonus, covers store way more minimally than the entire pillow!! IKEA has very affordable but also nice down inserts! ❤
My great grandmother passed away right before Christmas last year and after the first of this year, I was able to pick out a few things that she had for Christmas decor at her home. She LOVED Christmas and had so much. I’m looking forward to set out the pieces that will have her memory tied to them and for my kids to learn and appreciate her love of the holiday season also. I’ve got new things but very heartfelt things for this season ❤
Your house looks really nice. I just got my first artificial tree. I love not watering it! We moved north again in January so I’m super excited not to go out into the cold to get a tree. People here seem to decorate early, probably to get it done before it gets colder and snows. I have outdoor house lights and the new, prelit tree up. After December 1, I’ll have the grandkids over to decorate the tree. I hope I can find some decor to donate. I did buy a Christmas shower curtain this year. I hope it looks good when it up.
Putting these open shelves in your kitchen was such a genius idea. It allows you to have a place to play around with decor throughout the year but it doesn’t impinge in any way on the working surfaces of your kitchen. Every year your home makes the point that little is needed to make a big impact when your home is minimally decorated to start with. A little red here, a few lights there and bam! you know it’s Christmas 🎄😃
Please remember everyone …the Christmas season STARTS on Christmas…it’s the 1st day of the 12 days of Christmas 🎄😊. Dawn, you are truly something very special. I’m incredibly grateful for you 🥰.
I’m in more of a decorating mood this year than last year. It’s been a difficult (almost) two years, first losing my husband last year and then losing my mom this year. I’m just feeling better and a little energized after getting some rather large tasks done, like a new roof for the house. We’ve dealt with a leaky roof for years, but now it’s taken care of. I worked at getting rid of two car loans and paid down two credit cards and paid off hospital bill after hospital bill. Then recently, I was finally able to pay off the mortgage and have no debt, praise God! It’s like very dark storm clouds lifting and I can see the beautiful sun again. I can breathe, but I lost two of the people I loved the most. It’s been hard, but God brought me through it and I’m now thinking I’d like to decorate.
I so appreciated what you shared here, thank you...especially: "It’s like very dark storm clouds lifting and I can see the beautiful sun again. I can breathe, but I lost two of the people I loved the most. It’s been hard, but God brought me through it and I’m now thinking I’d like to decorate."
Your message gives me so much hope. I lost my Mom last year and other dear family members. This gives me hope that this cloud will lift. God will see me through. Sending you hugs and prayers.
@@HisRichBlessings Oh, I’m so glad that it spoke to you. I’m a child of God and each storm in life changes me a little or a lot. I found that if I just trust Him to help me through it, He makes it more bearable. I didn’t mention the people He sends to brighten your days, but He surely does. He will help you through your dark time too, my dear sister in Christ.
@@jenniferb.7250 I’m so sorry for your losses, it’s very hard isn’t it! Like I told the lady above, I found that if I trust in God to help me through, He really comes through for you! He sent people to help me in ways that were so special and meaningful. I broke down many times over the sheer generosity of people! I’m a stay at home mom, homeschooling my child and it’s still important to me that I continue to do so. I love that Dawn and Tom are homeschooling their children too. She feels like a very good friend and I love this family. Love these videos. They are so inspiring, actually addicting, ha! Please take care of yourself and believe that God will help you through this and He will!
Dawn, I really like these more personal videos when we get to come along with you while you decorate, or even clean. It’s so nice that you bring us along with you. I appreciate all the time these videos take you!! Happy Thanksgiving to your entire family! 🦃
To soften the bright LED'S I paint them with an yellow/orange glass paint. Takes forever but só worth it, and kids love to do that. ! Also, when in doubt, group items in 3, staggered in height. We always tie together a bunch of pine tree branches and make our own Christmas tree, which are then composted after Christmas. You will not believe how amazing it looks! We have off course access to pine tree branches and I also use fresh pine cones and eucalyptus branches to decorate. And it smells wonderful!
Our favorite Christmas decor are all the Mangers/Nativity sets we have. I have the set I grew up with and a set my in-laws gave us as a gift. Plus lots of little ones too.
I have SO MANY Christmas totes, but I have space to store them without taking away from our everyday stuff, and it makes me so happy! I did have to give myself boundaries though, I only allow myself ONE WEEKEND to decorate and everything needs to be cleaned up and put away by the Sunday night.
My Mom used to make "quiet activity" books for the little ones. She seemed to always have one with her at church on Sunday and I think every little one in the church played with it at some point and I think all the new Mom's loved them as well. My Mom was and still is a master at quietly entertaining little ones. She had a lot of practice with all of us kids, grandkids and great grandkids now. Merry Christmas to you Dawn and all of your sweet family. 💚
This is the most wholesome, accessible decorate with me. I feel cheerful and encouraged…and if that isn’t rare with decorating videos I don’t know what is. 😅🥰
I can’t believe how grown up Adeline is! Your decorating looks awesome and I love that the kids are involved. Making wonderful memories. P.s. You and Diana have the best laugh! Always makes me smile.🥰
I love the snowman that Gage made. Welded decor would make great items for a fundraiser or to give some money from them to charity. Or great gifts! Your son has a talent for metal crafting.
Here in Austria we have real Christmas trees and I can tell you, the best part is the SMELL. It literally smells like being in the woods ❤. We usually put the tree up at Christmas Eve and traditionally we put it away at 6th January, so the mess is not too bad.
Every Christmas is definitely different. The kids are grown and we will be going to one of the daughter’s for Christmas. No one will be at home at all this Christmas, they all live out of state. So I don’t have much motivation to decorate for Christmas this year. Decorations are simple and minimal any ways so maybe in December I will feel like putting up the tree. 🎄 still a wonderful season to celebrate the birth of our Savior!!
This was helpful! Since you asked, we decorate for Advent at the end of Nov (this year its beginning of Dec), and decorate for Christmas on Christmas Eve. We keep up the Christmas decorations all throughout January because liturgicaly for Catholics the season doesn't end on Dec. 26, but lasts for weeks. I like your strategic way of using pops of color in a simplified environment.
Another awesome gift for our gentlemen is DarnTough socks. My man wears through socks and so these are so strong, fun designs, material, etc. you name it. Your man will be hooked. ❤
This is so inspiring to me. Our kids are not able to travel to come home this year, so it will be just my husband and myself at home for Christmas. It's the perfect chance to pare down and set out only the items that bring joy. This video came at the perfect time, right before the Thanksgiving holiday-decorating weekend - thank you, Dawn!!
I decorate pretty minimally for Christmas too. I tend to lean towards natural elements since that’s what I’m attracted to, but I love all your red accents!! The season can feel very overwhelming, so keeping it simple helps me not feel so heavy.
One of my neighbors has a little sunroom off the living room and they put a lit-up birch tree with white lights and next to it a single grapevine reindeer and I always stop and gaze for a while. It's the simplicity of it that's so magical.
Very pretty tree Dawn. But two suggestions for next year. Have the twinkle lights deep in the tree along the trunk. Secondly, hang nondescript ornaments (like plain shiny balls) deep into the tree (again in toward the trunk) to give depth and to bring the eye deep into the tree. Watch Rebecca Robeson. Her interior design principles (not just regarding Christmas) have transformed everything I do.
Also those plain shiny balls inside the tree will reflect the lights and give depth and extra glow to the tree. Then the cute memory-type ornaments on the outside will stand out more.
The past few years, we had a tabletop tree( left fully decorated in the box) and the same for our front porch. ( I realized I dreaded decorating a tree). This year I'm doing away with the trees, and only decorating with what I love. Hopefully making decorating easy for this almost 70 y.o. Love this video. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
I just love watching your videos. You are so cute you just kept saying ‘it makes my heart happy’. And that’s what matters most. Your home looks beautiful, festive, cozy and it’s still very simple and minimal. Love it!
There’s no reason to apologize I love all the things you’re doing… It’s so consistent with your minimalism! Decorating for Christmas always stresses me out so much… The unpacking the putting it up… And then the repacking… I lose enthusiasm. Less is definitely more!
I decorated with much less this year And we decorated the week before Thanksgiving week. Unheard of for the last 20 years my husband and I have celebrated together in our home. It gave us so much joy to do it early. ❤ Thanks for the video Dawn. You are such a gift!!
There is nothing Wrong with buying a Little bit more for Christmas decor!! Your children will remember how cozy you decorated when they were children. Good for you for doing what makes you Happy.
I will change my holiday decor up a bit each year. I gave myself a challenge this year to use what I have or modify with spending little this year. Last year I went overboard. 😊. Anything I havent used or love I will donate. I will start my decor right after thanksgiving. Don’t feel bad for spending at times when you want a change it’s ok to buy that will bring a bit of joy.
@jenniferv6949 I feel the same. Our homes will be a chaotic mess if we take her advice and shopped for mountains of clutter from all her sponsors. 🤣. Wish she’d stop encouraging people struggling w/ clutter chaos, to buy more and more unnecessary junk. It’s like smoking crack in front of former addicts. 🤣 Have a peaceful clutter free Christmas.
I love Dawn's simplified home and decorations. My problem is having kept everything I've bought or been given over the years even if I don't love it or display it. I think the key to getting new things in the future is "one in, one out". If I get a new wreath, get rid of the old one.
I wrap the pictures hanging on my walls with dollar store Xmas wrapping paper and a cute bow on each one, super affordable and easy, plus big impact! 🎁 Btw I think the outdoor trees are perfect, and the garland is as well 🌲
I love how we do have different seasons in life and it’s ok that changes are made accordingly. We put our trees up in October and I’ve been doing that for 30ish years since I was a young teenager. I say if it helps lift your mood and makes you happy, why not put it up early. I did have specific reasons why I started that as a young girl and it just kept going year after year and I’m glad it did.
I don't decorate the same way . I actually can't remember from year to year, but also want to be creative and think out of the box. I love to decorate and as far as Christmas goes. I am celebrating Jesus' birthday. I celebrate and go all out for my family members birthday. So why would I not do the same for the greatest birthday ever! As for not using something one or two years..I often go back and use an item that wasn't used the previous year. And oh yes I do remember what I declutter or what gets lost in a move. I wish I was more like you and able to release and forget easily. Memory problems come with age so there's hope. Love you Dawn and Diana. You gals are such a blessing.
Dawn, you have just the right amount of decorations for your house and the season of life you are in. The small trees are very pretty. If you are still unsure, you may want to either put them in a smaller pot, or add a big bow or star at the top which will give them a little more height. The garland looks pretty as is but red bows would be nice too. I love watching you and have learned so much about the benefits of living a minimalist life. I've been working on it for a few years and am slowly getting there!
I was raised with having a real tree and I continued that tradition with my own family up until a couple of years ago and got a fake tree because of allergies with my husband. So, I have to say that a fake tree in my opinion is much more work and even messier! A real tree you don't have to fluff and if your tree farm shakes most of the loose needles off it doesn't make a terrible mess, the only down side is you have to remember to water it. A fake tree constantly sheds and it takes a long time to fluff it to make it look fuller and fill in the holes. In the end, it's okay either way, whatever makes each family happy! Thanks for sharing!
My children have terrible allergies so I have had an artificial tree for years. I love your home. The amount of decor is perfect for you right now. The children have room to play and enjoy. Also I like the little tree you got on Amazon.
This is how I decorate as well…a few well placed pops of red. Looks festive but not cluttered. And I agree that some years you may want to do more than others and that is completely okay! Do what works for your family 😊
I decluttered last Christmas from about 20 totes to 14! I know 😱😱 BUT I love your simple decorating ❤. So you are inspiring me to cut down even more this year. Thanks for always sharing. I love your videos 🥰
This is the best decorate with me I've ever seen! 🤣 Truly! I like a couple of things here and there but that's about it! We don't even own a tree... Maybe when my son is a bit older if he starts asking for one I could be willing to get one, but for now I like not having any "work" to do before or after the holidays and that's what decorating feels to me at this point in my life!😊
I love the way you talk about adding new fun pieces and decluttering others without guilt, and making management easier. Did a big declutter of christmas decor last year and it now fits in one box. So much more fun to put together and live with it through the holiday season without the house feeling like its overflowing❤ Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Thank you for sharing your decorating with us! It made my heart happy to see you so happy....everything looks beautiful!!!:) Not too much at all. God Bless you and your family. Happy Thanksgiving!!!:)
I have been purging my Christmas decor for several years. I will be doing more today as I put stuff up. I like to find someone who does not have the means to buy Christmas decorations and give it to them. I think it really brightens their season! I use to love lots and lots of decoration, but as I am getting older, I lean towards the more simple, clean decorating. Thanks for sharing your decorating ideas and gift ideas!
I absolutely love decor and love change so I do have lots of Christmas decor. I don’t use everything every year. My decor needs to be different every year. I rotate decor and decorate different areas every year. I have a huge storage room so I have space for them. If I have to pick up and move, the only thing I would take is Christmas decor. I could leave everything else. With all that being said I keep it much more minimal than most and I move lots of things to the garage and storage to make room for the decor.
Love it. I am going all out with wreaths this year! I have 10 and am thinking of getting candle lights for each one. That’s my splurge for the this year. I decorate more for winter and am not a fan of red.
Yes to everything! Once we've had some time under our belt simplifying I think that's the PERFECT time to add some things back in. The way you light up showing the things that make your heart sing is a great example of how to choose moving forward. Happy Thanksgiving, Dawn! Love you!
Love the greenery & touches of red! We have little grandchildren & I love decorating our home for Xmas. I started a gingerbread theme in one room this year, I absolutely adore it. I like giving our house a very festive look for the holiday season, instead of it looking the same 365 days a year, that’s boring to me. I’ve always loved home design/decorating since I was a teen.
I switch up where and how I use my treasured items from year to year:) I love that you are getting a village and gonna need a 2nd bin! I am down to 19 bins (including for 2 trees thought) but I want to get down to about 8 or 10 which will be hard lol but I am working my way there all thanks to you and Cassie and Dana
We grew up with real trees. My dad would get the live tree with a bulb. After Christmas he would plant it in the back yard along the edge of the forest. Before they sold our childhood home there was probably over 20 Christmas trees around the property. One of them was well over 20 years old and gigantic.
I think I wrote this last year :-), but my mantra maintains: I put up what I think I'll have the energy to take back down and put away. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
I think this same thing!!😂❤
YES, love this so much!!!!
Exactly! Plus, the last couple years I've been getting rid of what remains. If I don't have energy to put it up, it's probably not a favorite!
Me too!!!❤
Such a great way to look at it!
This is not boring, this is the content my soul needed as I scroll through the hundreds of decorate with me videos screaming at me that I need to go buy more stuff. Your home is calm, clean and festive and proof we don’t NEED more. ❤
Absolutely agree! I really feel bad that so many UA-camrs post videos that raise ridiculous expectations. Our houses don't need to be decorated like a department store.
I totally agree. These fussy, perfect Christmas trees where they get new ornaments and change the theme every year make me crazy. I enjoy pulling out decor that the kids made 20 years ago. There is so many memories! And when I am tempted to buy something I see I tell myself it is 1 month of use and 11 months of storage. Do I want to spend money to store it?
Yes, I agree with this too. It alleviates the stress of "I need to decorate" or "I need to buy more stuff or get new stuff". A few simple items can make the difference and still feel festive without the stress. Dawn, stop doubting yourself. It's just perfect.
I bought a real tree this year, it's a Cyprus tree, it lives at our front entrance, it's decorated with a single string of led fairy lights, it's so simple and I think it looks beautiful 😍. I would like a new wreath, but I haven't seen one that truly grabbed my attention. Our Christmas tree gets one new ornament each year, it's for my daughter, it's a tradition for us, she will have a box of her Christmas decorations for when she has her own home. She will be 9 this December 😊 so it's a small collection at the moment. This year she decorated the tree on her own, mostly red and gold and I think that it's beautiful. I don't subscribe to the over the top decorations in every room. It's so much work and the expense is crazy for something that is used for a short period of time. I do love Christmas decorations, but I am happy to just go into EVERY store to look at them 😂😂😂😂
Amen!! Well said!
This is not the lamest decorate-with-me video ever, it's the BEST! Thank you for being you - I love every minute of it.
I hope you fully understand how helpful your videos are. How calming, non judgmental and effective you are at this. God clearly gave you this calling and so thankful for that. Thank you for all you do and Happy Thanksgiving! ❤
Thank you, that means more than you know! 🥰
We bought our first house after 12 years in apartments. I really want to decorate, but we're on a budget. I thought "What would Dawn do?" I sent out a group text to the women in my family asking for any extra decorations they don't want anymore.
What a great idea.
THIS is the decorate with me video I have been waiting for. All the over the top stuff that seems so stressful has been wearing on me. Your style is so calming and cheerful and doable. As for teen boys--they still need clothing--pants and shoes--gas money. This year my boys needed new duffle bags for overnight trips and summer camp. Also, every year we put a high quality tool in their stockings so that by the time they turn 18 they have a lovely tool kit. Hammer, screwdrivers, measuring tape, level, etc. One year we got them tool bags under the tree to hold everything and they keep them in their closets. This means no cheap all in one kit purchased before shipping them off to college.
You’ve literally changed my life. I actually now love my home. I feel calm and relaxed and happy. Not anxious or unsettled. I’ve stopped needing the glass of wine to feel relaxed. I’ve stopped eating rubbish because I wasn’t organised enough to meal plan. You’ve taught me how to find happiness again. For that I am very grateful. Thank you.❤ Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family.
That is awesome I loved reading that. Life is much better when we live simple and intentionally
It's fun to do something a little different each year and i find a lot of the old stuff finds its way back around w style or ideas you see from others so .... don't get rid of you white barn or stands!!! 😊 just my input. 😂
Love you love you! Thank you Jesus for our beautiful sisters in Christ!!!!
I love my holiday pillow covers. They store easily. I love how you are minimal but still have the festive things that make a house a home.
You just gave me an idea from your post Linda Musser! I was thinking wouldn’t it be great if we could buy or make holiday pillow covers to use on our existing pillows? It would save space in storage. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to all!
@@pamelamackey8637 IKEA and Amazon have nice pillow covers. You can also buy the pillows to insert in them in both places. I do this, and only have to store the covers in my linen closet and never the actual pillows. I’m not a big throw pillow lover, but it’s nice to have a couple of them on the sofa and change the covers for the season. Plus, real down inserts are much squishier and fluff up so nicely.
My mother had a beautiful little crèche, which had been given to her by an older lady. When my turn was up and I had to give it to my sister, I decided I needed some other crèche for myself, and bought one. Over the years, I have purchased quite a few more, starting with a plastic one from the 5 and 10 cent store, so that my toddler could play with one.
Now that I’m an empty-nester, I try to put up one or two, but for years, the others sat in the big box. Then it occurred to me that there is a display case at church in the parish hall, so each year, early in Advent, I put up five or more crèches in that case, usually with a small card telling where they all came from. Some years, I’ve had other people in the parish bring one in for the display.
I love sharing the season of Advent with the Parish!
I don’t want to have to move a plant in the bathroom to clean under it. I’m right with you Dawn. And I love your simple decor!
I like all your decorations. The Santa with the tree and the church are my favorites
I resonate with your frequent use of the phrase “ it’s fine.” Because it IS fine. I remind myself and my family that most of our concerns are “first world problems “!! And it’s fine. Thanks for your content and for being such a positive person. Merry Christmas!!
"Who wants to have to clean a plant?" is going on my Top Ten list of best statements from a video ever.
16:30 The floral display that your mom and Maggie made could go on the top of your open shelves in your kitchen.
I had that same thought.
Lovely new throw pillows! And THANK YOU for cutting off the tags! 😂
I love the Santa w/ tree the best! You work hard no need to apologize for buying a couple extra decorations. Also look back at the video when you panned the living room and through the window was the red barn and the evergreen tree...how perfect is that! You're right about needing some lights with winter being so dark. Thanks for cutting the tag off the pillow. I hate tags on towels too.😊
Pillow suggestion!! Get down filled pillow inserts and change the covers with the seasons. Down pillows stay looking nice so much longer and are easy to shake and fluff back up. Bonus, covers store way more minimally than the entire pillow!! IKEA has very affordable but also nice down inserts! ❤
This really works! I love my inserts and seasonal covers!
My great grandmother passed away right before Christmas last year and after the first of this year, I was able to pick out a few things that she had for Christmas decor at her home. She LOVED Christmas and had so much. I’m looking forward to set out the pieces that will have her memory tied to them and for my kids to learn and appreciate her love of the holiday season also. I’ve got new things but very heartfelt things for this season ❤
Your house looks really nice. I just got my first artificial tree. I love not watering it! We moved north again in January so I’m super excited not to go out into the cold to get a tree. People here seem to decorate early, probably to get it done before it gets colder and snows. I have outdoor house lights and the new, prelit tree up. After December 1, I’ll have the grandkids over to decorate the tree. I hope I can find some decor to donate. I did buy a Christmas shower curtain this year. I hope it looks good when it up.
Putting these open shelves in your kitchen was such a genius idea. It allows you to have a place to play around with decor throughout the year but it doesn’t impinge in any way on the working surfaces of your kitchen. Every year your home makes the point that little is needed to make a big impact when your home is minimally decorated to start with. A little red here, a few lights there and bam! you know it’s Christmas 🎄😃
Please remember everyone …the Christmas season STARTS on Christmas…it’s the 1st day of the 12 days of Christmas 🎄😊.
Dawn, you are truly something very special. I’m incredibly grateful for you 🥰.
Yes, Advent is a time of waiting.
I’m in more of a decorating mood this year than last year. It’s been a difficult (almost) two years, first losing my husband last year and then losing my mom this year. I’m just feeling better and a little energized after getting some rather large tasks done, like a new roof for the house. We’ve dealt with a leaky roof for years, but now it’s taken care of. I worked at getting rid of two car loans and paid down two credit cards and paid off hospital bill after hospital bill. Then recently, I was finally able to pay off the mortgage and have no debt, praise God! It’s like very dark storm clouds lifting and I can see the beautiful sun again. I can breathe, but I lost two of the people I loved the most. It’s been hard, but God brought me through it and I’m now thinking I’d like to decorate.
I so appreciated what you shared here, thank you...especially: "It’s like very dark storm clouds lifting and I can see the beautiful sun again. I can breathe, but I lost two of the people I loved the most. It’s been hard, but God brought me through it and I’m now thinking I’d like to decorate."
Your message gives me so much hope. I lost my Mom last year and other dear family members. This gives me hope that this cloud will lift. God will see me through. Sending you hugs and prayers.
@@HisRichBlessings Oh, I’m so glad that it spoke to you. I’m a child of God and each storm in life changes me a little or a lot. I found that if I just trust Him to help me through it, He makes it more bearable. I didn’t mention the people He sends to brighten your days, but He surely does. He will help you through your dark time too, my dear sister in Christ.
@@jenniferb.7250 I’m so sorry for your losses, it’s very hard isn’t it! Like I told the lady above, I found that if I trust in God to help me through, He really comes through for you! He sent people to help me in ways that were so special and meaningful. I broke down many times over the sheer generosity of people! I’m a stay at home mom, homeschooling my child and it’s still important to me that I continue to do so. I love that Dawn and Tom are homeschooling their children too. She feels like a very good friend and I love this family. Love these videos. They are so inspiring, actually addicting, ha! Please take care of yourself and believe that God will help you through this and He will!
❤❤❤❤❤
Dawn, I really like these more personal videos when we get to come along with you while you decorate, or even clean. It’s so nice that you bring us along with you. I appreciate all the time these videos take you!! Happy Thanksgiving to your entire family! 🦃
Dawn, this is not the lamest decorate for Christmas with me video. We love you and your festive, cozy, and minimal decorating! ❤
To soften the bright LED'S I paint them with an yellow/orange glass paint. Takes forever but só worth it, and kids love to do that. ! Also, when in doubt, group items in 3, staggered in height. We always tie together a bunch of pine tree branches and make our own Christmas tree, which are then composted after Christmas. You will not believe how amazing it looks! We have off course access to pine tree branches and I also use fresh pine cones and eucalyptus branches to decorate. And it smells wonderful!
On that top shelf in the kitchen, you could just do a glass jar and fill it with peppermints, and that way you have the red and white 🤷♀️🤷♀️
My Aldi had a big bin of peppermints for $5. Great idea!
Our favorite Christmas decor are all the Mangers/Nativity sets we have. I have the set I grew up with and a set my in-laws gave us as a gift. Plus lots of little ones too.
Don't ever apologize... especially about a tree! It's your home. Enjoy your holiday choices.
I have SO MANY Christmas totes, but I have space to store them without taking away from our everyday stuff, and it makes me so happy!
I did have to give myself boundaries though, I only allow myself ONE WEEKEND to decorate and everything needs to be cleaned up and put away by the Sunday night.
Oh Dawn, I love your new red barn and church, they are adorable! Outside decorations are beautiful as well. ❤
We put ours up a few days after Halloween 🎉 and I don’t care what anyone else says, It makes me happy 😂
My Mom used to make "quiet activity" books for the little ones. She seemed to always have one with her at church on Sunday and I think every little one in the church played with it at some point and I think all the new Mom's loved them as well. My Mom was and still is a master at quietly entertaining little ones. She had a lot of practice with all of us kids, grandkids and great grandkids now. Merry Christmas to you Dawn and all of your sweet family. 💚
This is the most wholesome, accessible decorate with me. I feel cheerful and encouraged…and if that isn’t rare with decorating videos I don’t know what is. 😅🥰
I can’t believe how grown up Adeline is! Your decorating looks awesome and I love that the kids are involved. Making wonderful memories. P.s. You and Diana have the best laugh! Always makes me smile.🥰
That means more than you know! Thank you!!!!❤
Adeline is so pretty!
@@TheMinimalMom
@@teresa8287 she says “Thank you!” ❤️
I've really enjoyed watching your kids grow over the years. @@TheMinimalMom
I love the addition of the Santa on the top shelf!
This is the most relatable “decorate with me” video. I do tree, wreath and mugs in the kitchen from the charity shop. Simple!❤❤
I love the snowman that Gage made. Welded decor would make great items for a fundraiser or to give some money from them to charity. Or great gifts! Your son has a talent for metal crafting.
We are packing to move, so no decorations right now, BUT love seeing your decor! So sweet, simple, and cheery!
Here in Austria we have real Christmas trees and I can tell you, the best part is the SMELL. It literally smells like being in the woods ❤. We usually put the tree up at Christmas Eve and traditionally we put it away at 6th January, so the mess is not too bad.
It is wonderful that the ceramics with the little lights make your heart happy!!!
🌲❤️🌲
Every Christmas is definitely different. The kids are grown and we will be going to one of the daughter’s for Christmas. No one will be at home at all this Christmas, they all live out of state. So I don’t have much motivation to decorate for Christmas this year. Decorations are simple and minimal any ways so maybe in December I will feel like putting up the tree. 🎄 still a wonderful season to celebrate the birth of our Savior!!
This was helpful!
Since you asked, we decorate for Advent at the end of Nov (this year its beginning of Dec), and decorate for Christmas on Christmas Eve. We keep up the Christmas decorations all throughout January because liturgicaly for Catholics the season doesn't end on Dec. 26, but lasts for weeks.
I like your strategic way of using pops of color in a simplified environment.
Thank you fellow Catholic. The Christmas decorations in November thing is beyond absurd.
The ol “I can just put it in the basement” that’s the slippery slope 🤣
You are so sweet, I love to see the joy that decorating brings you and the twinkle in your eyes! Thanks for sharing!
Yes. Yes it is a good use of your time. It makes you happy so it is good.
I love the little trees in the outside pots 😊
Another awesome gift for our gentlemen is DarnTough socks. My man wears through socks and so these are so strong, fun designs, material, etc. you name it. Your man will be hooked. ❤
This is so inspiring to me. Our kids are not able to travel to come home this year, so it will be just my husband and myself at home for Christmas. It's the perfect chance to pare down and set out only the items that bring joy. This video came at the perfect time, right before the Thanksgiving holiday-decorating weekend - thank you, Dawn!!
Ceramic trees are my favorite as well. Makes my heart happy. Love love love the Santa!
I decorate pretty minimally for Christmas too. I tend to lean towards natural elements since that’s what I’m attracted to, but I love all your red accents!!
The season can feel very overwhelming, so keeping it simple helps me not feel so heavy.
One of my neighbors has a little sunroom off the living room and they put a lit-up birch tree with white lights and next to it a single grapevine reindeer and I always stop and gaze for a while. It's the simplicity of it that's so magical.
Pre-lit trees are so easy
Very pretty tree Dawn. But two suggestions for next year. Have the twinkle lights deep in the tree along the trunk. Secondly, hang nondescript ornaments (like plain shiny balls) deep into the tree (again in toward the trunk) to give depth and to bring the eye deep into the tree. Watch Rebecca Robeson. Her interior design principles (not just regarding Christmas) have transformed everything I do.
Also those plain shiny balls inside the tree will reflect the lights and give depth and extra glow to the tree. Then the cute memory-type ornaments on the outside will stand out more.
OMG.... The Christmas village on the kitchen shelves ❤❤❤
The past few years, we had a tabletop tree( left fully decorated in the box) and the same for our front porch. ( I realized I dreaded decorating a tree). This year I'm doing away with the trees, and only decorating with what I love. Hopefully making decorating easy for this almost 70 y.o. Love this video. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Santa on the kitchen shelf is perfect
I just love watching your videos. You are so cute you just kept saying ‘it makes my heart happy’. And that’s what matters most. Your home looks beautiful, festive, cozy and it’s still very simple and minimal. Love it!
There’s no reason to apologize I love all the things you’re doing… It’s so consistent with your minimalism! Decorating for Christmas always stresses me out so much… The unpacking the putting it up… And then the repacking… I lose enthusiasm. Less is definitely more!
I decorated with much less this year And we decorated the week before Thanksgiving week. Unheard of for the last 20 years my husband and I have celebrated together in our home. It gave us so much joy to do it early. ❤ Thanks for the video Dawn. You are such a gift!!
There is nothing Wrong with buying a Little bit more for Christmas decor!! Your children will remember how cozy you decorated when they were children. Good for you for doing what makes you Happy.
Use unwanted (but still new looking) holiday towels to wrap gifts in. Use a piece of fabric ribbon to tie it all up.
This is a fantastic idea!!!!
great idea, thanks
I will change my holiday decor up a bit each year. I gave myself a challenge this year to use what I have or modify with spending little this year. Last year I went overboard. 😊. Anything I havent used or love I will donate. I will start my decor right after thanksgiving. Don’t feel bad for spending at times when you want a change it’s ok to buy that will bring a bit of joy.
I love the little trees in the pot, and I think the garland looks great on its own. You're a minimalist!
Tell Gage the snowman is adorable.
I'm so motivated to *really* declutter my Christmas decor this year! 🎉
@jenniferv6949 I feel the same. Our homes will be a chaotic mess if we take her advice and shopped for mountains of clutter from all her sponsors. 🤣. Wish she’d stop encouraging people struggling w/ clutter chaos, to buy more and more unnecessary junk. It’s like smoking crack in front of former addicts. 🤣 Have a peaceful clutter free Christmas.
I love Dawn's simplified home and decorations. My problem is having kept everything I've bought or been given over the years even if I don't love it or display it. I think the key to getting new things in the future is "one in, one out". If I get a new wreath, get rid of the old one.
The garland looks good to me, I like the tree too......
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I wrap the pictures hanging on my walls with dollar store Xmas wrapping paper and a cute bow on each one, super affordable and easy, plus big impact! 🎁
Btw I think the outdoor trees are perfect, and the garland is as well 🌲
I love how we do have different seasons in life and it’s ok that changes are made accordingly. We put our trees up in October and I’ve been doing that for 30ish years since I was a young teenager. I say if it helps lift your mood and makes you happy, why not put it up early. I did have specific reasons why I started that as a young girl and it just kept going year after year and I’m glad it did.
I LOVE the Santa in the kitchen! So cute!
I don't decorate the same way . I actually can't remember from year to year, but also want to be creative and think out of the box. I love to decorate and as far as Christmas goes. I am celebrating Jesus' birthday. I celebrate and go all out for my family members birthday. So why would I not do the same for the greatest birthday ever!
As for not using something one or two years..I often go back and use an item that wasn't used the previous year. And oh yes I do remember what I declutter or what gets lost in a move. I wish I was more like you and able to release and forget easily. Memory problems come with age so there's hope. Love you Dawn and Diana. You gals are such a blessing.
Dawn, you have just the right amount of decorations for your house and the season of life you are in. The small trees are very pretty. If you are still unsure, you may want to either put them in a smaller pot, or add a big bow or star at the top which will give them a little more height. The garland looks pretty as is but red bows would be nice too. I love watching you and have learned so much about the benefits of living a minimalist life. I've been working on it for a few years and am slowly getting there!
I take Christmas wrapping paper and place it in my picture frames. Cheap, easy pop of holiday cheer.
I always appreciate your Tuesday videos being longer, I use the time to enjoy your video while I do my weekly house cleaning.
I was raised with having a real tree and I continued that tradition with my own family up until a couple of years ago and got a fake tree because of allergies with my husband. So, I have to say that a fake tree in my opinion is much more work and even messier! A real tree you don't have to fluff and if your tree farm shakes most of the loose needles off it doesn't make a terrible mess, the only down side is you have to remember to water it. A fake tree constantly sheds and it takes a long time to fluff it to make it look fuller and fill in the holes. In the end, it's okay either way, whatever makes each family happy! Thanks for sharing!
My children have terrible allergies so I have had an artificial tree for years. I love your home. The amount of decor is perfect for you right now. The children have room to play and enjoy. Also I like the little tree you got on Amazon.
Congratulations on 725K Subscribers!! Your tips have helped me so much!
This is how I decorate as well…a few well placed pops of red. Looks festive but not cluttered. And I agree that some years you may want to do more than others and that is completely okay! Do what works for your family 😊
It's lovely and festive! Just enough. Makes me happy just looking at it.
We are a 2 Tote Christmas family. It feels great! ❤️🎄
I decluttered last Christmas from about 20 totes to 14! I know 😱😱 BUT I love your simple decorating ❤. So you are inspiring me to cut down even more this year. Thanks for always sharing. I love your videos 🥰
Loving your Christmas spirit this year 😍🎄✨
I’ve been wanting this video!!! I don’t want clutter BUT I also want the house to FEEL like a hallmark movie! Lol
This is the best decorate with me I've ever seen! 🤣 Truly! I like a couple of things here and there but that's about it! We don't even own a tree... Maybe when my son is a bit older if he starts asking for one I could be willing to get one, but for now I like not having any "work" to do before or after the holidays and that's what decorating feels to me at this point in my life!😊
I love the way you talk about adding new fun pieces and decluttering others without guilt, and making management easier. Did a big declutter of christmas decor last year and it now fits in one box. So much more fun to put together and live with it through the holiday season without the house feeling like its overflowing❤ Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Thank you for sharing your decorating with us! It made my heart happy to see you so happy....everything looks beautiful!!!:) Not too much at all. God Bless you and your family. Happy Thanksgiving!!!:)
I have been purging my Christmas decor for several years. I will be doing more today as I put stuff up. I like to find someone who does not have the means to buy Christmas decorations and give it to them. I think it really brightens their season! I use to love lots and lots of decoration, but as I am getting older, I lean towards the more simple, clean decorating. Thanks for sharing your decorating ideas and gift ideas!
I love your decorations and decorating style Dawn! I’m glad you kept that little tree! It looks great!
I’m so excited to decorate minimally this Christmas!! ❤
Your light up pieces make things look so sweet and magical! ❤
I absolutely love decor and love change so I do have lots of Christmas decor. I don’t use everything every year. My decor needs to be different every year. I rotate decor and decorate different areas every year. I have a huge storage room so I have space for them. If I have to pick up and move, the only thing I would take is Christmas decor. I could leave everything else. With all that being said I keep it much more minimal than most and I move lots of things to the garage and storage to make room for the decor.
Happy Thanksgiving 😊
Love it. I am going all out with wreaths this year! I have 10 and am thinking of getting candle lights for each one. That’s my splurge for the this year. I decorate more for winter and am not a fan of red.
I love what you’ve done this year. Your new additions made my heart happy too 😊
I nice little book I use is called Throw It Away by Guru Notebooks. It walks me through the process of detaching from stuff.
Yes to everything! Once we've had some time under our belt simplifying I think that's the PERFECT time to add some things back in. The way you light up showing the things that make your heart sing is a great example of how to choose moving forward. Happy Thanksgiving, Dawn! Love you!
I don't decorate until about 2 weeks before Christmas, and then like to take it back down the day after Christmas.
YAY!!! I LOVE YOUR IDEAS!!
Love the greenery & touches of red! We have little grandchildren & I love decorating our home for Xmas. I started a gingerbread theme in one room this year, I absolutely adore it. I like giving our house a very festive look for the holiday season, instead of it looking the same 365 days a year, that’s boring to me. I’ve always loved home design/decorating since I was a teen.
I switch up where and how I use my treasured items from year to year:) I love that you are getting a village and gonna need a 2nd bin! I am down to 19 bins (including for 2 trees thought) but I want to get down to about 8 or 10 which will be hard lol but I am working my way there all thanks to you and Cassie and Dana
We grew up with real trees. My dad would get the live tree with a bulb. After Christmas he would plant it in the back yard along the edge of the forest. Before they sold our childhood home there was probably over 20 Christmas trees around the property. One of them was well over 20 years old and gigantic.