Man, I feel like this is going to be a super emotional blog post to write. I am writing this for myself as much as I am for anyone else, because it’s something I never want to forget. Today I’m sharing about…
Our traditional family Christmas as we celebrate our last Christmas in the home we have lived in for 13 years! Bittersweet for sure!
Our oldest son has spent every Christmas since age 4 here, and our youngest has had every Christmas here. As with every family, we have SO many special memories and traditions from over the years! I won’t get into the specifics of all of that, but just know as you read this that those things have ALWAYS been a part of who we are!
I dug through some old photos, and found some pictures to share from our FIRST Christmas as a family of 4 in this house! Cue, waterworks! Let me compose myself before I write anymore…
While we are SO excited to be building our dream home and moving this Spring, we are of course wanting to soak up every minute of our last Christmas here. When talking to my family back several months ago about this, both of my boys asked if we could put our family tree (with colored lights) and our special ornaments in the living room this year instead of my “fancy tree” with ribbon. Let’s just say it tugged my mom heart strings immediately and I knew right away that was 100% what we were going to do.
We have ALWAYS had a family tree with all the special ornaments, etc. It use to be down in our living room and back several years ago when I started doing the themed trees for Wilshire, we moved the family tree to our Bonus Room and always decorated it there! It was the best of both worlds and I’ve loved being able to do both.
However, this year…we took it back to our traditional family Christmas living room with a tree full of colored lights, handmade ornaments, ornaments from our childhoods, from our travels, etc. We added a star tree topper that my boys 100% picked out themselves and together as a family we decorated the tree!
For me as a blogger and content creator, it is my job to give you guys fresh ideas and inspiration every year. This is why I change things up around my home more than the “average bear.” If I am being 100% honest, there was part of me that was SCARED to tell everyone my plan. Scared I would somehow let y’all down or not inspire you as much this year.
But then I realized that was CRAZY! And that #1, I needed to do what was best for my family regardless of what anyone thought. And #2, that y’all are AMAZING and supportive followers who would understand 100%. And of course, I was right! Y’all have been so sweet and supportive about it!
And of course…it was fun to still do my fancy trees over at Wilshire place this year! That was another huge blessing! You can see the red and white Christmas tree here and the black and white Christmas tree here.
Anyways, every time I look at my living room I can’t help but get the BIGGEST smile on my face. It’s a traditional family Christmas…Collins style…and I am 100% here for this!! I have no doubt that this last Christmas in our home will be one of our most special ones yet! And my boys are thrilled too! FAMILY IS EVERYTHING!!
Now…as you can see above, I still decorated my mantel, did a tray, cute pillows and all the things. We did go back to using the stockings that we have had since the first year Tyler was born, and I’m loving having those again!
I really worked with a lot of what I already had from years past, minus the Kirkland’s sign over the fireplace. Here are some pictures from around the room!
I hope this inspires you in a different way than maybe years past have. I hope it shows you that while, YES a themed tree is absolutely beautiful…a tree full of family memories just can’t be beat! We will never NOT have a family tree, no matter how many themed ones I do going forward. Like I said earlier, to me being able to do both is the best of both worlds!
Let me know what ya think about our traditional family Christmas living room this year! And…if you’re excited to dream about what NEXT year might look like at the new house! I know I sure am. While the memories at this house might be coming to an end, there will be MANY new ones created soon. And for that, I can’t wait.
Until next time…
Stacey
It’s beautiful Stacey! I love it so much. The room looks great!
Thanks!!
Love the traditional family tree.
My large tree is always our family tree in the living room in front of the lg. bay window. The grandkids love it there. I have one in the family room that has other decor each year and we open presents in the living room.
I love that the boys wanted their family tree front and center. Love that your heart was touched by their desire. Make those beauty memories. Love your family pictures.
Will look forward to seeing memories built in your new home.
Merry Christmas!
Aww thanks so very much!
Stacey I love all the special memories on the tree .It’s beautiful…Enjoy your last Christmas in your house…
Thank you!
Your traditional Christmas decor is lovely and to share all the special memories together especially during this last Christmas in this home a beautiful thing ❤️
It looks beautiful ! warm and cozy also love love the way it all looks plus all the special memories that’s priceless. Merry Christmas.
Christmas is all about the Joy it brings you and your family. Christmas would be just another day if you didn’t make memories. Doing what is best for you and your boys is all that matters. ❤
It’s ABSOLUTELY Gorgeous. Very Homey and so Beautiful. I love the Traditioal tree and all the memories it holds. You do such a Beautiful job. I love seeing all you do to decorate.
Your home looks gorgeous and I love the Family Traditions and your Christmas Tree is beautiful. Enjoy the memories you and your Family are making this last Christmas in your home.
Tugged at my heartstrings. So nicely put your heart into it like everything you do. Beautiful tree, beautiful memories. You are truely an amazing woman!
Do you ever display a manger during Christmas time?
Never have noticed a manger in any of the photos you post.
Yes, every year in my dining room. I have posted photos of it every year!
Oh I need to go look for those. I’ve always put mine on my mantle. But this year I’m trying to be more “staceyfied” ?. And as I’ve been looking at pictures I’ve been a bit envious of everyone’s mantles. I know I still have to and want to include Jesus but I’ve been looking around trying to find a different spot. ?
Do what makes you happy and what you love!!
It is beautiful and special. Thanks for letting us be a part of a special, very personal time.
I just have to ask – in one of your small photos, on the sheet of Christmas sugar cookies, do I see Mr. Bill, a clay character from SNL (years ago)? If so, that is hysterical!
I love family trees, l try to do themed ones, but mine always ends up being family themed! Love all yours Stacey!
Absolutely love it! ??Family is everything.
yes they sure are! Thanks!
Well goodness I’m wiping away tears….It’s ABSOLUTELY Beautiful !!!… I’m so Happy you put your family first, family traditions are so very important and Special and it’s something Parker and Tyler will carry with them always !!!….There is no doubt they will always remember how very special MOM always made Christmas and DAD too….Happiest of Holidays and Merry Christmas ? ?
You’re too sweet! Thank you!!
It’s all perfect. Family should always come first. Your tree is so touching with all the special ornaments Thank you for sharing.
Yes it should and it does!
I love your traditional tree and ornaments and stockings. I’m so happy that you gave this year to your boys. You are the best.
Thank you! We are looking forward to it!
Absolutely love it! The personal ornaments are everything bringing so many memories of Christmas past I still put a few of mine on our tree too. I love the traditional color theme too. Are the little red trees on mantle some you had ? Asking for a friend ?
Thank you! Yes, one I got a local store here this year and one was from Target a couple years ago!
I love seeing your family tree and all the gorgeous family ornaments, I believe children’s make a tree. Every year my son (24 years old) still checks the tree for his childhood ornaments, and immediately knows if one might be missing. All the decorations are beautiful!
Aww, I love that! And thank you!
Such an awesome & even emotional post to read from this side. I wish you the Merriest of Christmases & holiday seasons to you & your beautiful family. Every tree, tray and corner you decorate brings a smile & such joy to look at. Thank you for sharing everything with us!
Aww, thanks for that Janice! I love sharing with y’all and appreciate the merry wishes!
I think that is so special to go back to your roots not only for your boys sake but for you as well . Soak it all in ! I think it is beautiful and special . Have yourselves a Merry little Christmas
Yes, thank you! Super special for sure!
Your post brings back the memories of when I was a child and my children’s Christmas trees! My parents always had colored lights and a live tree back then! We were having artificial trees and one year our son asked for a real one so we let him pick it out and we planted it in our back yard. It was called our “Charlie Brown” tree! Memories are what adds the magic to our Christmas!
Oh I love that story! And thank you so much!
It’s beautiful!! Your blog brings back a lot of childhood memories!!
Hope you have a wonderful traditional Christmas with fun memories made!! Thanks for your inspiration
Your family tree and decorations really brought me back to my childhood. We had colored lights and homemade ornaments. As I got older I wanted a fancier tree! Your post has made me realize that a family tree will be a must in our home from now on too. The memories are so important.. You did a beautiful job this year Stacey. You’ve covered all the bases and made everyone happy!! Happy Holidays to you and your sweet family!
Aww thank you and I do think it’s so important also!
Oh my Lanta!!! Absolutely beautiful!!! You know we got your back Stacey and I think the tree looks amazing!!! I pray for many more blessings for you & your sweet family! ?
I think your living room is beautiful. It is so homey and that is what I’m all about. Your tree looks like my tree. I love my childrens ornaments. They are so special to me.
Oh my Lanta!!! Absolutely beautiful!!! You know we got your back Stacey and I think the tree looks amazing!!! I pray for many more blessings for you & your sweet family! ?
I love your family tree! This Christmas will be very memorable for you but you will be making many more special memories in the future! Merry Christmas! ?
Stacey your room is beautiful. It looks so homey and cozy. I’d like to curl up in that chair and read a good book! Thanks for another year of great crafting. I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas even though I know there will be a few tears!
So glad your boys wanted a traditional tree this year in the main area of your home!!! Your main tree should always be about family as one day they will have families of their own and then you can do your ribbon fancy tree! Loved your story!❤️
Your family tree looks gorgeous. Our family tree consists of Hallmark ornaments that we get each year. We open them on Christmas Eve before bed and hang it on our living room tree and everyone’s ornament pertains to something they did that year . Kids who are all grown and grandchildren look forward to this every z Christmas. We have been doing this since 1976 .
I think it’s wonderful that you are focusing on the family tree. Very special. Your other trees are amazing, too. I’m a bit emotional reading your post because I’m much older than you, and I’m having flashbacks of all the wonderful Christmases of my past. Ok, now the tears are falling. My husband and I will be empty nesters next year. It goes by so quickly. Your home looks so beautiful, I can’t imagine how the new house will look! Your current home looks like my dream home! Enjoy the season!
Aww thank you so very much!!
Just family perfect Stacey! Just perfect!
I love the tree and the fact that, that was what your boys wanted, makes it so special.❤️
It is beautiful Stacey! Family come first always! You are making new memories with your family this year! Your boys will only be with you for a little while longer so let them have their memories of family Christmas! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!???❤️
Beautiful Christmas memories. You will make new ones in your new home. Love the family tree. Thanks for sharing your stories. ❤️
I love it!! Such an exciting time for you and your family.
Everything is beautiful. Thank you for sharing with us.
We lived at our last home 33 years. We decided to move during the summer of 2020 so I didn’t get to have a last Christmas at home. Everything is new here. Learning to make new memories at 60+ years old. Thanks for being a part of my “new” normal.