Curating a Nostalgic Christmas to Silence the Scaries

Worried, hopeful and shopping.

I’m not one of those people who apologizes for talking about Christmas too soon. You can put your tree up in August, no judgment here. I’ve been listening to Christmas music since November 1st and I have three prelit trees shining brightly in my home. 

I haven’t decorated them yet because my creativity fails me when worry is trying make it’s home in my mind. Sometimes creativity is my escape, sometime worry won’t allow for creativity. It’s a constant battle right now.

This is a big month for me, the 21st marks the one year anniversary of  my stem cell transplant which rid my body of cancer. On November 22nd I will have a bone marrow biopsy to check and make sure everything is staying that way. It will take seven to ten days from that date to get the results. So I wait, to wait. 

Keeping my mind quiet is an act of Herculean strength. It requires busyness, workouts, meditations and a constant seeking of savorings. 

I exist in two worlds. The one on this side of the test results who is trying to stay focused on the present as it’s the only thing that feels safe and the one who is anxiously awaiting great news so she can exhale and start looking forward to and celebrating the holiday festivities. 

Busyness in the form of gathering my holiday decor, if only to feel like I’m doing something that is moving me towards positive holiday cheer, is bringing me peace in the form of distraction.

My theme is curated nostalgia this year. Peaceful, simple and uncluttered. Lighting is always where I begin. Glowing candles, a fire in the fireplace, Christmas tree lights and vintage looking candles adorning the branches. 

When the kids were babies we started buying them each an ornament every Christmas so that one day when they moved out they would have ornaments to add to their first tree instead of having to buy all new ones. 

I have all those ornaments here in storage as they have yet to put up their own trees. I’m using them to decorate my tree this year and create a nostalgic part of my theme. 

Keep scrolling to see my retail therapy that is creating the curated portion. I shared links to exact products where available. Some I bought locally so I shared similar products.

There is something magical about green and red with a black backdrop. Wreath w/ red berries, found locally, similar Terra Cotta

I know, a bit kitchy, but I am feeling a bit kitchy this year. Mice on a ladder, Wayfair

It just feels like an angel wings kind of holiday this season. I’m hoping mine are all staying moderately sober this season. Angel wings, found locally,similar online at Mellow Monkey

This is where my nostalgia ends. My aunt made us stockings years ago. One has a giant hole in it from our dog eating it and if I’m being honest, I never liked them. Sorry Nanny, I am an ungrateful ass. Plaid stockings, found locally, similar, Lichen or Knot

I’m not sure I will end up using this but I was feeling them both the day I bought them. Pom pom garland found locally, shop small on Etsy, custom colors

How beautiful is this puzzle? I just ordered it and can’t wait for it to arrive. John Derrian Santa Puzzle

I know these candles are nothing new, but they are such a beautiful way to add light to your tree. Last year I added a bow to each one. Truly nostalgic. Clip on candles with timer and remote

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