I have always wanted to put up Christmas lights outside. But I’ve never done it.
Because I just didn’t think I could do it myself. Which brings me to something you may not know – Ryan really doesn’t like Christmas.
(Gasp.)
He says he doesn’t like Christmas, but that’s really not true. He love the movie “Christmas Vacation,” and he loves Christmas cookies and dinners and he doesn’t seem to mind gifts. He doesn’t like all the hubbub and stress and money and pressure around Christmas.
So, we have a sort of agreement.
If I want to decorate, or shop, or make gifts, or WHATEVER, that is fine. But I can’t expect him to do it. And I cannot get mad at him when he doesn’t want to be involved.
(This does not include activities and fun things with Henry. He’s all about doing those things and is awesome about making holiday memories with the fam. Thank goodness.)
This is all mostly okay with me. Because I would rather just do it myself, since these are things I love to do. And he doesn’t love them.
Which brings us to Christmas lights. Ryan was absolutely NOT going to put them up. So, I got myself some lights and clips at Lowe’s, a ladder and a Starbucks Peppermint Mocha. And I brought my can-do attitude.
It went really well for the first three sides. Then, we needed an extension ladder. I tried to finish while Ryan was at work and Henry was napping. (Pssst: That was a terrible idea.) And, the ladder slipped out from behind and I ended up on the ground.
I am shocked I didn’t break anything. But I could barely walk for days. I am still sore. I still have very nasty bruises.
But Ryan finished putting up my lights for me. With zero complaints.
He even said he LIKED the LIGHTS.
You guys. It’s basically a Christmas miracle.
And I love these lights so stinking much. But not nearly as much as I love that man I married.
In other news, I went a little nuts on the “bright colored Christmas lights” front inside, too. You already saw the results. My dishes have bright Christmas lights and I needed more. More, more, more.
First I made about 50 of these cute little vintage Christmas lights. I couldn’t help myself. After making one for a pillow box, I had to have more. They are assembled from two layers of paper and a bit of silver vinyl.
And to make them more versatile (and adorable), I attached them with glue to tiny clothespins.
They. Are. Everywhere. I just can’t stop clipping them all over the house.
They are perfect for holding holiday cards in place.
I know my post yesterday had all the cards in the kitchen. But then I moved them to the living room and I like them here, too. It’s the sisterhood of the traveling Christmas cards. Watch for the bestselling novel.
They also make a festive addition to the utensil corral.
They even found their way onto my kitchen clock.
Oh, and they also become stocking tags.
They will also make totally rad gift tags. If I can bear to give any away. #christmaslighthoarder
What is your favorite holiday decor?
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Amber @ Wills Casa says
You came up with great ways to use these little lights. I absolutely love them!
Kenz @ Interiors By Kenz says
Girl…. That is SCARY. We need to get you a harness! I’m glad you were okay, but that sounds pretty terrifying and miserable. I’m glad Ryan stepped in to help finished the lights. Me and Aaron are the opposite of you guys. I never want to decorate or do anything Christmassy. It’s all him. He’s the one who puts up the tree and decorates it. He is a special kind of man haha
Rachel says
I love the light clips! When I saw them on Instagram, I was hoping you’d post about them. Also, very pleased to see I sneaked my way into this post 🙂
So glad you’re okay from that fall. It sounds terrible!
Gretchen says
Those lights are SO PRETTY! I love them. I want a barn just so I can put lights on them. Well, not ME, because I would totally fall off the ladder. Eek–glad you’re okay!
Kristin @ bliss-athome.com says
Ouchie Kim! But, oh big colored lights outside the house are my favorite. Our first house was a little 2 bedroom but it looked like a gingerbread house and I always so much fun putting the old school brights out there. It even had a red door 🙂 Oh memories 🙂 xoxo
michelle@decorandthedog says
Those bruises were totally worth it. (Easy for me to say, right?)
cassie says
light it up!
Arizona Lainey says
You poor dear. So thankful you only received bruises. NO MORE LADDERS, please promise us! It looks absolutely wonderful!
Antonella @ Love Your Home says
They are adorable! I like the texture on the paper. Must try next year!