Come November, I used to be itching to get my Christmas decor up. It was all I could think about, even well before Halloween. In the most dramatic way, I'd almost refer to myself as a recovering Christmas addict. I would force myself to wait until the second week of November to decorate because that somehow felt more socially acceptable, though we've always done fresh trees and traditionally got ours the day after Thanksgiving, so there was at least that. To clarify, I don't think there's anything wrong with decorating early, it's just that something in me has changed over the past few years, since having kids. As soon as Livi's first Thanksgiving rolled around, it hit me. What a beautiful season to revel in, especially given that it's so fleeting. With each passing year and another baby later, I'm craving the slowness of it more and more.
I will say, it's never too early to buy/collect Christmas gifts. It's more thoughtful and budget-friendly that way. I definitely don't suggest ignoring every aspect of Christmas until December and then being in a mad rush to catch up. So, for the month of November, I shop/collect/bookmark. Here in Northern California, the leaves are slow to turn, the weather slow to cool, but it pays off. Through Thanksgiving and into December, we get to see so many trees at their peak of turning, whereas some places may have the most gorgeous pop of fall colors earlier on, but they're gone so quickly. I remember living in Nashville and taking a brief, two-week trip; missing the peak of fall entirely. We don't seem to have as much orange here, that's one thing I definitely miss. But the colors are vibrant and they STAY for such a gracious amount of time. It took me years to see/appreciate this about where we live now, but I absolutely love it.
This year, we'll wait until after Thanksgiving entirely to decorate. It's so worth the wait for me and has become such a fun, seasonal ritual. Here are just a few simple ways that I stay present and grounded in the time of Thanksgivings.
Bring nature indoors: To me, there's no decor that can match the feeling that some simple branches can bring in my home. For displaying all seasonal florals, I typically use the glass hurricane candle holder pictured above, or my vintage stoneware crock from Elsie Green. I like using a flower frog to keep the branches in place as they can be weighty and I don't want to have to fuss with them constantly. Put them somewhere you'll see and appreciate them the most! Entryway, dining table, dresser, etc.
Eat with the season: Try shopping for produce that's seasonally ready. A quick google search will find you a chart of sorts, that displays harvest times for various fruits and vegetables. In our area pomegranates, figs, and Asian pears are just a few highlights during this time of year. Displaying these in a produce bowl that you love is also a really simple and pretty way to decorate for fall. With this, I'll also add simmer pots! Do ALL of the fall simmer pots. It's amazing how scents can immediately transport us.
Fall-inspired day trips: I've noticed this sort of gap in activities after Halloween and before Christmas. Halloween is pumpkin patches and apple orchards galore, and then, of course, come the fun activities of December, but there's SO much to do in that in-between. One of my favorite local activities is visiting the Farm at Park Winters. There's a dried flower barn where you can participate in all sorts of workshops, like arranging dried bouquets and wreaths. The ambiance is unbeatable and it's a short 40 minute drive from Sacramento. Depending on where you live, it could be a great time to visit your local wineries! I've yet to do this, but have always wanted to. Napa's harvest season ends in October, but Sonoma's goes through mid-November. I've read that you'll find less crowds around this time which is an added bonus.
Photo via Sonoma Mag
I must also mention, you can always save your money and just get outside. We clock two walks per day, everyday, with our double stroller - admiring the colors, watching birds, collecting leaves, etc.
Crafts and films: With or without kids, there are so many fun and easy fall things to do on an ordinary night at home. Pressing and drying a gradient circle of fall leaves to hang in a frame (or the classic handprint turkey, if you have little ones), planning your Thanksgiving table scape, watching Thanksgiving episodes of all your favorite shows (for us, it's always Friends, New Girl, and The Office for feel-good episodes!). Our three-year-old has been loving Charlie Brown this year since watching The Great Pumpkin, so naturally, she's moved onto A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, and next month it'll be A Charlie Brown Christmas. It's been a real dose of holiday nostalgia for us, watching her enjoy these, and it's been a sweet way to help her adapt to the changing seasons.
Happy Harvest!
