2020 Thomas Family Christmas

Christmas Home Tour

After the year that was 2020, you can imagine my absolute delight at this Christmas being one that would go down in the books  according to my ten year old, as “the best Christmas EVER”. I will admit that she pretty much says that every year, but it still warmed my heart.  Last year’s Christmas was not up to our usual standards because we moved that July, and as you can imagine Moves and getting a whole family settled in a new home ain’t cheap.  And, I must admit that heading into December, I had all kinds of doubts that I would be able to pull off the feels of a traditional Christmas during a Pandemic.  But, it turned out that I was very wrong.  Working from home, and not having to commute or be the “Mommy Taxi” this year, left me with much more time on my hands than I would usually have and that ended up being a great thing.  And, as quiet as it’s kept Mr. Stage, who would give the appearance of being the Scrooge of our bunch, always jumps head first into the Christmas Spirit.

This year I started Christmas shopping in July, and began stashing things all around the house.  Every year that is our intention, and every year it simply doesn’t happen.  But, as I said in a pandemic with no where to go, we made it happen.  I also starting creating my Christmas 2020 Decor Board in Early September.  I knew that I wanted to use a lot of my existing Christmas decorations, but up my game a bit, when it came to what we like to call “Our Decorator Tree” or Tree #2.  And, all that means is it’s the one that Mommy gets to create the vision for and decorate.  The kids have their own tree with all our traditional and handmade ornaments from years past. I knew, I wanted to go with Buffalo Check again this year, but I also wanted to add some Black and White Plaid, and that is exactly what we did.

As usual, every year I try to sprinkle a little bit of Christmas every where  I can.  And, this year is no difference.  Take a look at how we transformed our home for the Holiday.

Front Foyer Christmas Decor

Foyer And Decorator Tree

View Of All The Christmas Trees

Stockings Hung By The Chimney With Care

Mantel Countdown to Christmas

Christmas Buffalo Plaid Table Setting

Full View of Christmas Tablescape

Christmas Side Buffet Decor

It is my firm belief that there are only so many years when you get to make Christmas magical for your family.  My oldest child is out of the house, and has a child of his own now, and my oldest daughter is already 16.  I know that the years are fleeting, and soon there will be other’s to consider and they will want to make traditions of their own.  But, while I can, and while they are still willing, I will always do my best to create memories and traditions that we can hold on to.    Thanks for stopping by and visiting our Christmas Home 2020 Edition.

Want to see Christmas Past with Our Family Click Here.

Friday Favorites – Week 390 – Succulent Pumpkin Centerpiece

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Friday Favorites – Week 388 – 20 Neutral Fall Farmhouse Decor Ideas

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Friday Favorites – Week 380 – DIY Rustic Tic-Tac-Toe Board

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Friday Favorites – Week 371 – DIY Rustic Farmhouse Tray

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The Great Escape – The She-Shed

I know I am not alone.  I am sure you have imagined what it would be like to have a space that was strictly your own, where you did not have to consider anyone but yourself.  Some might say that sounds a little selfish, but indulge me a bit.  Can you imagine what it would be like to not have to worry about Scotch Guarded couches or colors that would hide potential spills?  And to have a space where you could hear yourself think.  I can, that space is referred to as a She-Shed.  Some say its origins branch off of the man cave but I think it’s borrowed some from the tiny house craze.  Now, I ll be clear, I have no desire to have my family of 5 cramped into 1200 square feet, however delightful  But, give me 1200 feet that I can call and all mine, and we are best friends for L-I-F-E.

The more I thought about this, the more I got sucked into what such a space would look and feel like for me.  And, I quickly came up with a list of must haves.  This space would have to serve as a sanctuary for me, it would need first and foremost, A LOCK on the door.  I would want it to be a place where I could relax, but also a place where I would feel most creative.  And, so the daydream/planning began. Join me as I think up the Great Escape.

The Great Escape - She-Shed - The Bones

No matter what I am doing, from Christmas decorations to revamping a room in my own home, my starting point is always a Color Scheme.  I am one of those people that takes a lot of stock in how certain colors make me feel.  So the bones of my she shed would need neutral colors.  I find them extremely relaxing, and I also find that they lend to easy changes.

The Great Escape - She-Shed - Accent Colors

Once the bones are in place, I choose my accent colors.  If you have been a reader of this blog for a while, you know I have a certain affinity for blues and greens.  More on that here. They transport me to the ocean, and I find these colors to be soothing to my spirit.  And, with migraines being a constant in my life, anything that lends to those qualities is therapeutic for me.

The Great Escape - She-Shed - Down To Business

Last but not least, I would need to be able to get some work done in this space as well.  With everything else being of lighter hues in this space.  I would opt for darker furniture in the area designated for work.

So there you have it!! If only this were an option for me, right now.  But, for now its just a fantasy.  What would your she-shed look for?  And, what are your must haves for this space.

Friday Favorites – Week 367 – Easter Egg Floral Branches

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Friday Favorites – Week 365 – Driftwood Art

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Friday Favorites – 357 – Mason Jar Vase for Valentine’s Day

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What your Favorite Color says about you?

For as long as I can remember, Blue and Green have always been my favorite colors, and I suppose by default turquoise.   I recently decorated my office space and a girlfriend of mine brought it to my attention that once again these were the dominant colors.  It got me to thinking about what it was that made me gravitate to these colors.  So, I looked it up.  ** I know surprise, surprise.

What Does Your Favorite Color Say About You - stage-presents.com

I have always found these colors soothing and centering.  So, I was not surprised to find that these colors were associated with words like refreshing, calming, serenity, tranquility, emotional balance and even good luck.  The words that gave me another perspective were sophisticated, energy, wisdom, wholeness, creativity, spiritual grounding, friendship, love, joy, patience, intuition and loyalty.  If I could cloak myself in words or characteristics these would be the words that I would want.  It also explains why I get the most done in my office.  Clearly, it’s a centered spot for me, where I can block out the outside world and exist in my truest form and create.

Colors have long been heralded as the building blocks in successfully marketing and branding companies, simply because certain colors trigger emotions.  As you can see from this Color Emotion Guide (below)

Color Emotion Guide

Photo Credit: The Logo Company

Just like a certain song will bring you back to a certain time in your life happy or bad.  There are certain colors that we identify with.  Interested in knowing what your favorite colors mean?  Check out this article by Very Well.com on how color impacts, moods, feelings and behavior.

When we started Our Etsy Shop, we ONLY sold pillows. [Old news – we have a lot more to offer now.] In order to help our customers decide which pillows would work well in their living spaces we created color stories.  You can check them out here.

What is your favorite color?  Do you surround yourself with it?  Tell us all about it in the comments section below.