Day 208 of the Pink Collar Savvy & Chic on Purpose Project has been productive professionally and personally because once I made huge progress with the former, I was able to devote my attention to holiday decorating so that it’s beginning to look a lot like a Savvy & Chic Christmas in the living room. Of all the spaces in my house, this one has probably been the source of the most debate for my hubby and me. And unfortunately, the conflict has often increased at Christmas. Such a shame that our desire for us to have it look like our version of holiday took our focus off of the reason we celebrate Christmas in the first place.

The issue is that he’s full on traditional and wants red and green everywhere and those colors are polar opposite of my Shabby Chic style. In all fairness to him, the first year we were married I was knee deep in Kinder Care Director mode and didn’t have the time or energy to care much about the Christmas decor. So the next year when I was in a less intense role and cared a great deal it probably came as a bit of a shock that I had such strong opinions. That was the first time we really clashed and it was a doozie! Traditionalist that he is, meeting somewhere in the middle – say simple silver and gold – was not an option for him. And while I appreciate it in other’s spaces and tried to buy muted versions of the reds and greens,  I have an almost visceral reaction to primary colors in my home and just couldn’t stomach it. Fast forward seven years and we still disagree. But we agree to do so. Below is the progression to compromise vs. my version of it beginning to look a lot like a Savvy & Chic Christmas in the living room.

The above wreath, trees, snow globe and pink Santa are all from Target’s 2016 Simply Shabby Chic Holiday line. I love how he’s proclaiming why we celebrate. The Christmas houses have been lovingly collected over the years. Skylar’s picture as a kitten is featured because she was my daughter’s present in 2011, the year her favorite book was “The Christmas Kitten”. The black and white photo is my hubby and his three sisters as children at Christmas time. Though there’s not a hint traditional color, the mantel, fireplace and hearth evoke the feeling of Christmas. All I’d change is the faux stone wall color. Wouldn’t painting it white and leaving the hearth alone be a good compromise?

Marriage is about compromise, however, one of the reasons I didn’t marry mine sooner was his total man cave/Sports Central/Ralph Lauren lodge look home. I just couldn’t. He promised I’d be able to redecorate the main living areas, our bedroom and the room for my children to share until my older stepsons left the nest and my kiddos could have their own. The finished lower level, home to the the man cave, which is a fully functioning family room with sliding doors to a patio, a bedroom (former office), and full bath are off limits. And I’ve honored that. Well, I did just do the laundry room down there, but, hey, it’s a public space that I use daily…At any rate, it seems to me now that the living room is done in softer shades, throwing in all the traditional Christmas colors creates a major clash. Besides, there’s a second tree in the man cave that gets decorated traditionally, as does the entire space. That’s compromise, right?

As a Pink Collar Savvy & Chic on Purpose holiday decorating enthusiast, I’m not jumping up and down about this final look. Especially when I contemplate that the HUGE green tree is not even up yet. How I’d adore a white one…That said, though I love to decorate, I love my husband more. While there’s no jumping up or down, there’s no yelling or crying either. We’ve had enough of both over the years. This year, more than anything, I want peace. So I’m focusing on what I do like about my hubby’s pieces – the vintage look of the stockings, the way the rustic nativity has some pastels and ties in with the manger. And of course, there’s sweet baby Jesus in his swaddling clothes. He’s the focal point. When I keep my eyes on Him, I’m able to be Savvy & Chic and at peace with however it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in my living room.

How do you need to compromise this Christmas in order to not only be Savvy & Chic but at peace?

Be savvy & chic,

~Pink Collar Coach