Happy new year, friends! If you’re anything like me, you revel in the process of Christmas-ing everything in your home, but by around noon on Christmas Day, the red and green begin to look a little… garish. My home looks the best when it’s decorated for winter, but as I’m navigating the beautiful Christmas chaos that is inevitably all over the floor on Christmas morning, all of the red and green makes me a little sad, because I know it’s all ending so very soon.

Let me be very clear here: I am an avid early decorator, and I have been known to leave my Christmas tree well into February. I can’t help it- the tough Nebraska winters really weigh me down, and there is something about beautiful decor that really brings me happiness- especially when it’s hiding some not-so-beautiful eyesores in my home (looking at you, duct tape floor and missing trim). So, I hold onto it as long as I can. What can I say? Beautiful greenery makes me giddy and twinkly lights fill my heart with joy.

Over the last couple of years, I’ve worked hard to transition my Christmas decor toward being more winter/seasonal, so I don’t have to take it all down and re-decorate for January. I am still working to phase out some of my older decor that is either in bad shape or just doesn’t fit my style anymore. It’s still a work in progress, but this is what I’ve learned so far.

Use wintery decor as your foundation

When it comes to the foundation of your decor, I like to rely on things that will get me through the whole winter season. In lieu of Santa Claus items, red and green glittery goodness, and items that say “Christmas,” I opt for decor that I’ll get a little more mileage out of.

Beautiful greenery

This one is a classic. I love weaving faux greenery around the iron arms of the chandelier in our dining room. Here are a few examples of non-Christmas greenery that I love.
Image Courtesy of Worthing Court Blog

The best thing about decorating with greenery is that you can add a few Christmasy touches to it that can be easily removed after Christmas, without having to take the whole thing down.

Pine cones

I mentioned my love for pine cones as I was getting ready to decorate for fall. Not only can you get a lot of decor mileage out of them (my pine cones stay out from September-February), they also bring a natural, organic touch to any decor scheme.Image Courtesy of Dining Delight

*tip: if you’re going to scavenge for pine cones and use the ones you find outdoors, you’ll want to bake them to kill any bugs that might be nesting inside! Nothing kills a decor scheme like uninvited 6-8 legged guests! 200 degrees for 45 minutes should be enough to do the trick.

Snowflakes

Snowflakes in any form (wood, paper, crochet) can make for beautiful winter decor. Image Courtesy of Beauty in the Mess.

Birch logs/branches

Birch logs are EVERYWHERE right now, and with good reason. I love any chance to bring nature indoors, especially during the months when it’s too cold to get outside.
Image Courtesy of Confetti and Stripes Blog

Winter Whites

Although it seems counter-intuitive, white can be a warm and cozy color. Admittedly, it’s not the easiest to maintain in a home with kids or pets, but if you can pull it off, it’s absolutely beautiful.
Image Courtesy of Adrienne Elizabeth Home Style Life

How do you transition from Christmas to winter? Do you take it all down and wait to decorate for spring?