Since we have had our first snow here in Kansas City, it means I can officially dive headfirst into the holiday season, right? I am ready for all the jingle bell rocking to begin. Even when Thanksgiving isn’t so late in the month, I always find myself sneaking Christmas out a bit early in my home. While I do like to celebrate each holiday, especially ones centered around yummy food and giving thanks, I say after Halloween, any holiday decor is fair game.
The shop is a different story, however — we’ve been getting ready for Christmas since the end of September. The first look we were able to get set up is what I am calling Santa’s Workshop. This look is full of whimsy, classic colors and some of our favorite holiday characters.
This look has me reminiscing about being a child at Christmastime and all the wonder and excitement that comes with believing in the magic of the season, creating my own decorations and fighting to keep my eyes open for just a glance of the big man coming down my chimney. If anything, being in the Santa’s Workshop area makes me remember that, at the end of the day, we are all still kids at heart. The room takes some of my favorite childhood decorations, like the infamous paper chain garland, and elevates them to the level of decor.
Why stop with one elf on a shelf when we all know it takes a village to make the toys for all the little girls and boys? Nothing makes me giggle more than walking into this room and thinking about what the mischievous elves would get into. We had an Instagram friend comment that she thinks they would be sharing snarky comments about goings-on like the paintings in Hogwarts, and I can’t help but agree. Santa’s helpers are all over this display — sitting on shelves, hanging from the trees and putting a smile on my face wherever I look.
While the elves might steal the show, we can’t forget about the rest of the Christmas crew. With Santa making an appearance in figurine and needlepoint pillow form, he is sure to keep an eye on his busy team. His reindeer and dear friend Frosty the snowman are close at hand to round out our nostalgic trip to the North Pole. There is something refreshing about letting go of glam and having a bit of organized chaos full of fun.
Adapted from nellhills.com. Katie Laughridge is the owner of Kansas City interior design shop Nell Hill’s.