It’s December 1st, which officially gives us permission to kick off the holiday season. We started things last Sunday by assembling our artificial (and reusable) Christmas tree. It isn’t fully decorated yet—ornaments still need to be added—but we recorded a short video of the whole process, lights trouble and all, to share the cheerful chaos. The video captures the slow build of holiday spirit, even when a strand of lights decides not to cooperate.
We usually like to provide a text-and-photo version for readers who prefer not to watch a video, but this time there wasn’t much to photograph beyond the basic steps. In short: we assembled the tree after a couple of false starts trying to orient the base correctly, placed two sheepskin rugs to act as an improvised tree skirt, and then plugged the tree in—only to find a section of the lights was out. It was a minor setback, but the whole process was edited into a fast-motion clip with holiday music, so it still feels upbeat and fun. Also worth noting for the bump-watchers among you: Sherry’s baby bump is visible in the footage, which made putting up the tree even more special.
The small setback with the lights turned out to be fixable. We tracked down the faulty strand and replaced it, so the tree now glows properly. The plan is to add ornaments and complete the look, and we’ll share updated photos and a sequel video once the tree is fully decorated. Sherry is planning a bold, punchy color scheme this year, which means we’re on a hunt for a few specific ornaments in a shade that’s not always easy to find. If we can’t find them, you can bet we’ll get creative and make some ourselves to achieve the vision.
One of the fun parts of starting holiday decorating is watching what everyone else is doing. We were surprised to see many houses already fully lit and stylized with roofline lights, porch garlands, and glowing trees in the windows the day after Thanksgiving. Some people go all out early, which is lovely and inspiring. We’re taking a slower approach, easing into decoration and holiday projects over the coming weeks. That pace gives us time to curate the right ornaments, wrap presents thoughtfully, and enjoy the seasonal moments without feeling rushed.
For those wondering about specifics: once the ornaments are up we’ll photograph different angles, share tips for arranging decorations, and show how we incorporate personal touches like handmade items and heirloom ornaments. We’ll also note where we found affordable, stylish decor pieces and which DIY solutions worked best for us. Expect a follow-up post and another short video showing the finished, ornamentified tree and the overall room setup.
Before I sign off, a quick update about holiday decor recommendations: we’ve compiled a list of favorite finds and budget-friendly decorations in a separate roundup. Many of those picks are under $15 and have been helpful as we finalize this year’s look—keep an eye out for that curated list if you’re hunting for affordable holiday items.
How about you? Have you started decorating yet, or are you waiting until closer to the holiday? Whether you’re already decked out in lights or easing into the festive season like we are, we’ll be sharing progress and ideas along the way. After all, ’tis the season to savor these small, bright moments.
Update: We’ve put together a favorites list of holiday decor finds—many are budget-friendly and perfect for finishing a festive space.