It’s the day after Thanksgiving–are you out shopping the sales or home hauling down boxes of Christmas decorations? While you’re opening boxes, think outside the box and reinvent some of those ho-ho-ho-hum traditions. Here are some ways to incorporate family keepsakes into your holiday decor!

I love these little silhouettes we had made at Disney World. Seeing them on our Christmas tree reminds us of so many happy memories.  Ditto the baby shoes and vintage photos–decorating your tree becomes a walk down memory lane. So sweet.

Notice that my main tree is NOT red and green. I was ready for a change in this room, so I went with black, white and metallic. Have you ever thought of venturing out of red and green at Christmas?

Vintage Christmas books really speak to me! Along with some from my family treasury, I pick them up at library and garage sales. Stack them here and there, stand them in baskets–then pick one up and share with the kids in your life.

A new take on an old tradition: frame the kids’ Santa photos and gather them on a wreath to bring smiles to all your family and friends (and catch the “Aw, MOM..!” from your kids!)

And one more! Who doesn’t have holiday groupings and collections, whether it’s Santas, elves, snowmen, reindeer, or angels? Increase their impact and bring whimsy to your decor by grouping them in tabletop vignettes and elevating some. Your grandma’s dimestore figurines never looked so good!

 Remember that if you need some help to prep your home for Christmas gatherings, I have a few Holiday Decor Package spots left.

 LET’S TALK!