Accio Christmas
Because why not?
Last December my husband was sitting with me on the couch and suddenly said “Did you finish decorating for Christmas?” to which I replied “Yes, of course!” I looked around and realized that my new “clean look” Christmas decor wasn’t much and blended right into my already grey/white/beige color scheme. I didn’t have a spot or red or green anywhere but on the tree. Even my new throw pillow were grey plaid.
Understandably, he grew up on a home where every surface was covered with Christmas. Every room had something playing Christmas music when you walked by or pushed a button and the Christmas tree took up the entire room. I realized I had to be somewhere in the middle … but the past 3 years had been spent reducing our overall Christmas decor out of the attic … and I dread purchasing any more Christmas decor. I am now down to 4 Christmas boxes and a tree. (In fact, I send the boxes back up into the attic without even everything being used.)
Part of the problem was losing my mom 5 years ago December 21st. It’s a difficult time of year to lose a parent, but then my mother-in-law also died 6 months later, leaving us without much Christmas spirit.
So, this year, my oldest daughter and I came up with a solution to our humbug Christmas spirit. We would celebrate Christmas this year with a Harry Potter theme! We started combing Pinterest for ideas and ways we could creatively (and inexpensively) turn our home into Hogwarts at Christmas, including Christmas dinner.
We made banners, used her many Harry Potter pieces, created a Quiddich field in the front yard and much more. When Christmas came, we copied the Three Broomsticks family style dinner for our small gathering. We had a great time as a family finding the spirit again and although it’s not likely we will do another Harry Potter theme (because you know … been there done that) I think we’ll make a bigger effort in the future to brighten up our home for the holidays and understand that it helps to clear away the unhappy memories and bring the spirit of Christmas back into our lives again.
Much love to all of you who have lost your childhood Christmas excitement - and I would encourage you to pick up your wand and “Accio Christmas” to find it again.
