Ornament Swap 2020

While we might not all agree on when is the correct time to start decorating for the holidays, we can agree that swapping ornaments is a very good way to end this *very* long year.

This is a tradition I did for the first time with Southern Weddings, nearly 10 years ago. It was always a highlight of the holiday season — some of my very favorite ornaments are from past swaps.

I’m thrilled to be bringing it back again this year. Last year, we threw it together two weeks before Christmas. So if we could make it happen last year, we can definitely make it happen this year

How the 2020 swap will work:

1. By Sunday, November 15th: Complete the Ornament Swap Sign-up Form with your basic contact information for swapping purposes. 💻

2. By Friday, November 20th: I will have emailed you the names and addresses of up to four people who are your swap partners. Yep, that means you’ll be sending up to four ornaments, and you’ll be receiving up to four in return (assuming at least 4 people decide to participate). 📩

3. By Monday November 30th: Be sure to send out your ornaments no later than this date! I vote the sooner, the better because it feels like everyone is decorating a little early this year. Then, all that’s left to do is wait for the holiday magic to arrive in your mailbox. 📫

4. Don’t forget: Your ornaments can be homemade or store-bought. My rule of thumb is to make sure I send something I would want to hang on my own tree. Last year, my swap ornaments were oyster angels handmade by one of my middle school best friends who is an actual artist (no DIY for me). ❤️

5. Finally: Pretty please don’t sign up if you don’t plan to participate. Nothing is more sad that sending ornaments out and not getting any in return 🎄

For the record, regarding decorating, I was FIRMLY Team Weekend After Thanksgiving my whole life. Then last year, Thanksgiving fell super late, and I had two very active toddlers, so we decided to simplify, streamline and decorate the weekend before Thanksgiving; I will not be going back any time soon. It made enjoying the holidays that much easier because all the decorating and prep was done.

TBH, this early decorating is aided by the fact that we purchased an artificial tree two years ago because two one year-olds eating pine needles wasn’t our idea of fun. Listen, I was firmly on Team Real Tree too – we used to go and chop down our tree when we lived in Virginia.

For the foreseeable future, we’re on Team Artificial Tree – with hopes to upgrade to a slightly larger one in the next few years. I’ve got my eye on this one. Wayfair has tons of other great options on sale (this one looks great). Target is also running great deals. And everyone I know swears by Balsam Hill. Just do me a favor and go with the pre-lit version. You can thank me later.

I, for one, am ready to welcome the Christmas season with open arms. Don’t forget to tag me when you start sending and receiving ornaments. I think we need a hashtag? Anyone have ideas?

KNW

xo,

PS: TL;DR Ornament Swap Sign-up Form

PPS: My acrylic ornament was a gift from Margie & Dot.