Happy Fall! In social media marketing internetland Fall can only mean one thing. The holidays must be near. And I resent being part of the mad rush but feel clueless as to how I might bypass the system. It takes folks six weeks on average to discover content on Pinterest that carries them here. Pre-Holiday Reflections With Calm & Gentle Holiday Decor will highlight peaceful, understated, less glitzy moments of the soul and in the home. This fall, I wish you plenty of slow. Unrushed, sweetly hushed, comforting moments of sacred stillness and sacred slow. Whether we spend it serving others, reading, lost in music, or outdoors beholding creation, may we open new eyes to see through any bitterness. Because if our gaze is a divine gaze, all will be transformed.
![A beautifully restored 1864 home on the Maresme Coast of Spain is decorated in whites for Christmas. Heartful Messages, Inspiring Peace Quotes & Christmas Glimpses. #christmasdecor #housetour #whitechristmas #romanticchristmas #frenchcountry #frenchchristmas #whitedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/white-christmas-decor-romantic-spain-house-el-mueble-12.jpg)
Pre-Holiday Reflections With Calm & Gentle Holiday Decor
Poetry from Mary Oliver
Praying by Mary Oliver
It doesn’t have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones; just
pay attention, then patch
a few words together and don’t try
to make them elaborate, this isn’t
a contest but the doorway
into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak.
From: Thirst: Poems
![Charming country cottage white bedroom with antique headboard decorated simply with fresh greenery - Le Cultivateur. #holidaydecor #christmasgarland #bedrooms](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/le-cultivateur-french-country-christmas-white-fresh-greenery-bedroom-1440x1920.jpg)
Natural evergreens and white? Still a combination that feels magical.
![Inspirational quote by Rainer Maria Wilke about nature on Hello Lovely Studio. Heartful Messages, Inspiring Peace Quotes & Christmas Glimpses](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/green-inspiration-quote-nature-rilke-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
I had lots to say about decorating with white in THIS, and snowy white collections seem to transform a space into sanctuary.
![Nordic French cottage with white decor - My Petite Maison. Heartful Messages, Inspiring Peace Quotes & Christmas Glimpses. #nordicfrench #whitedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/my-petite-maison-white-nordic-french-cottage-001.jpeg)
And when the white treasures are vintage? They tell a story and evoke a particular sort of calm that also feels humble and nostalgic.
![Inspirational quote for the holidays and Christmas.Heartful Messages, Inspiring Peace Quotes & Christmas Glimpses. #quotes #christmas #holidayquote](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/grey-holiday-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-give-to-others.jpg)
How is it that we forget this formula for joy above?
![Nordic French cottage with white decor - My Petite Maison. Heartful Messages, Inspiring Peace Quotes & Christmas Glimpses. #nordicfrench #whitedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/my-petite-maison-white-nordic-french-cottage-002.jpg)
I love Mercury glass all year, but during the holidays with flickering candles? Oh, my.
![Inspirational quote by C. S. Lewis about courage on Hello Lovely Studio. Heartful Messages, Inspiring Peace Quotes & Christmas Glimpses.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/green-inspiration-quote-courage-c.-s.-lewis-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Just In Case You Wish to Cross Holiday Shopping Off the List
![Gift ideas with a lovely whimsical feel to lift spirits and encourage wonder - Hello Lovely. #giftideas #holidaygifts #giftguide](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gifts-of-whimsy-hello-lovely-studio-banner-gift-guide-black.jpg)
The leaves are still clinging to the trees where I live, yet even now I am thinking about their winter silhouettes to come. How they will grow bare and be vulnerable to winter’s cold. How the snow will dress them in white and they will sleep even as creatures curl up for warmth in their hearts.
![Inspirational quote for the holidays and Christmas. Heartful Messages, Inspiring Peace Quotes & Christmas Glimpses. #quotes #christmas #holidayquote](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/grey-holiday-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-max-lucado.jpg)
And the thought of the season’s change is suddenly a holy thought, not a source of dread.
![Pamela Pierce Christmas decorated table - Angels are the favored shape of holiday cookies. Heartful Messages, Inspiring Peace Quotes & Christmas Glimpses. #pamelapierce #christmasdecor #holidaydecorating #whitechristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/pamela-pierce-milieu-christmas-angel-cookies.jpg)
All White Decor & a White Christmas
When holiday decorations are kept natural and simple, they can linger a bit longer.
![Modern French white living room of Pamela Pierce (Houston) decorated for Christmas in Milieu magazine. #pamelapierce #livingroom #christmasdecor #milieumag](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/pamela-pierce-white-modern-French-christmas-decor-milieu-005-1.jpg)
And I’m still waiting for “airy winter decorating” to go viral. Instead of lots of layers of warm colors, I’d welcome more wispy fairy light strings, evergreen boughs in simple clear glass vases, and bits of lace kissing the windows.
![Inspirational quote about Home from Maya Angelou on Hello Lovely Studio. Heartful Messages, Inspiring Peace Quotes & Christmas Glimpses.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/green-inspirational-quote-home-maya-angelou-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
It’s a subjective matter. With all of winter’s darkness, I am always interested in capturing more light and lightness inside.
![Pamela Pierce Christmas decorated home. Gifts are wrapped in silk chamois and suede cloth. Then the packages are finished with cellophane to create a shimmery sparkle and accented with fresh sprigs from olive branches.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/pamela-pierce-milieu-christmas-white-frosted-cookies.jpg)
Is there anything as beautiful as winter whites?
![White Christmas decor in a modern French dining room with white roses and fresh greenery - Pamela Pierce for Milieu magazine. #christmasdecor #frenchcountry #elegantchristmasdecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/pamela-pierce-white-modern-French-christmas-decor-milieu-001-1.jpg)
Nordic Holiday Ideas
![Scandi Christmas Decorations for a Nordic holiday look from Hello Lovely. #scandichristmas #nordicdecor #holidaydecorations](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/scandi-christmas-decorations-hello-lovely-nordic-swedish-holiday-banner.jpg)
![Holiday inspirational quote for Christmas time on Hello Lovely Studio.Heartful Messages, Inspiring Peace Quotes & Christmas Glimpses. #holidayquote #christmasquote #quotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/hello-lovely-studio-christmas-holiday-quote-a-little-child.jpg)
I’m always in awe at how folks find the energy and motivation to deck their porches and exteriors during the holidays.
I find the task challenging and intimidating.
![Magnificent white gingerbread house cottage with trees and snow - Art-korova. Heartful Messages, Inspiring Peace Quotes & Christmas Glimpses. #gingerbreadhouse #whitechristmas #diy #baking](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/art-korova-gingerbread-house.jpg)
But it’s such a charitable gesture for neighbors and visiting guests.
![Etty Hillesum inspirational quote and spiritual wisdom prayer on Hello Lovely. #prayers #spirituality #judaism](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/inspirational-quote-etty-hillesum-unity-peace-integration-love-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Maybe my lack of motivation is a result of working from home. I can imagine if I was constantly commuting and returning home that the sight of glowing lights near our door, near the doors of others, would feel warmly welcome.
![French country white Christmas decor in a historic living room in Spain - El Mueble. Heartful Messages, Inspiring Peace Quotes & Christmas Glimpses. #christmasdecor #whitechristmas #frenchcountry #holidaydecorating](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/white-christmas-decor-romantic-spain-house-el-mueble-12-tree.jpg)
My parents always added incredibly cozy touches to our home during the holidays – candles in the windows and deliciously fragrant fresh wreaths. Their busy lives of service took them beyond our door and into dim corners. The need for home to be a source of restoration was very strong.
![Inspirational quote for the holidays and Christmas. #quotes #christmas #holidayquote](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/grey-holiday-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-no-room-merton.jpg)
And just today I was reflecting on how I long for a slower lifestyle.
![Wooly ivory handmade pom pom wreaths with pale pink ballet slippers and candlelight for Christmas - Hello Lovely Studio. #christmasdecor #serenechristmas #pompomwreath #hellolovelystudio](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/000045-hello-lovely-studio-pom-pom-wreath-ballet-slippers-candlelight-2.jpg)
As I was out and about running errands today, no one at all seemed to honor slow. Our attention spans and tolerance levels are so small. Impatience is everywhere. Folks feel entitled to speedy everything.
![French country white Christmas decor in a historic living room in Spain - El Mueble. #christmasdecor #whitechristmas #frenchcountry #holidaydecorating](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/white-christmas-decor-romantic-spain-house-el-mueble-12-stars.jpg)
Is this longing for slow within me what influences my decorating more than anything? Am I seeking to paint pictures of what my soul hungers for?
![Inspirational quote about Christmas from Phillips Brooks on Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #inspirational #holidays #christmasquote](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/light-green-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-chrIstmas-phillips-brooks.jpg)
It’s possible.
![French farmhouse Christmas with fireplace, tree, and rustic vintage charm from Dreamy Whites. #frenchfarmhouse #christmasdecor #whitedecor #whitechristmas #farmhousechristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/french-farmhouse-christmas-dreamy-whites-atelier.jpg)
European Country Inspired White Christmases
It’s funny. Most people don’t want to rush into thoughts of the holidays because it stresses them. But isn’t it simply the commercial holiday that triggers stress?
![Holiday decor with a French country theme, Christmas tree, and old urn - The French Nest Interior Design Co. #holidaydecor #christmasdecorating #frenchcountry](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/french-nest-interior-design-co-christmas-holiday-decor-reindeer-1.jpg)
How can we stretch out holy days of the season so rushing is unnecessary and unwanted? How can we open to something new which gifts us all a bit more joy to ‘prepare more room in our hearts?’
![Holiday inspirational quote for Christmas time on Hello Lovely Studio. #holidayquote #christmasquote #quotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/hello-lovely-studio-christmas-holiday-quote-spreading-light-edith-wharton.jpg)
I don’t have quippy answers.
![My tranquil Scandi style Christmas kitchen is but one tranquil interiors moment in this story with quiet holiday decor inspiration - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/HELLO-lovely-tranquil-holiday-interiors-and-peace-quotes-banner.jpg)
But right where I am, I think it begins as an inside job, this slowing.
![Eclectic Fall Finds - Hello Lovely Studio](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fall-finds-hello-lovely-studio-banner-2.jpg)
How can I become slower to anger, slower to react, slower to impatience, slower to violence, slower to judge, slower to condemn?
![A beautifully restored 1864 home on the Maresme Coast of Spain is decorated in whites for Christmas. #christmasdecor #housetour #whitechristmas #romanticchristmas #frenchcountry #frenchchristmas #whitedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/white-christmas-decor-romantic-spain-house-el-mueble-13.jpg)
How can I slow the automatic responses and reactivity and practice mindful living as a more peaceful source of love in the world?
![Inspirational quote about peace by Etty Hillesum on Hello Lovely Studio. #peacequote #inspirationalquote #quote](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/light-grey-inspirational-quote-peace-etty-hillesum-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Heaven and Nature
While it isn’t a Christmas hymn, “Sunrise” points us skyward.
We’re treated to a breathtaking sunrise in Jordan, and your heart may be transformed when the strings emerge at 1:45. Then, at around 5:20 when the vocalist breaks into a lovely refrain in Arabic:
‘Cause when I’m hurt
Then I’ll go to your church
‘Cause when I’m hurt
Then I’ll go to your church
Well, it reaches into a corner of darkness and brings a deeply holy, deeply healing sunlight.
As I type these words, the sun has yet to rise. Thoughts of preparing my heart – clearing away the clutter of worry, fear, regret, and despair – seem appropriate just now and in the busy weeks to come.
![Inspirational quote about Christmas. #christmas #quotes #faith #christianity](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/light-green-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-christmas-quote-prepare-him-room.jpg)
Last Christmas, I put my own spin on “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” and shared a bit of it to my personal FB page. I can hardly play chords on the piano, and I don’t even enunciate the lyrics, but I think you know them:
Let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing. Oh come let us adore Him – oh come let us adore Him – oh come let us adore Him – Christ the Lord.
![Decorate the Christmas Tree With These Lovely Finds - Hello Lovely Studio](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/decorate-the-christmas-tree-hello-lovely-studio-banner-ornaments.jpg)
I don’t know much of anything at all.
![A beautifully restored 1864 home on the Maresme Coast of Spain is decorated in whites for Christmas. #christmasdecor #housetour #whitechristmas #romanticchristmas #frenchcountry #frenchchristmas #whitedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/white-christmas-decor-romantic-spain-house-el-mueble-9.jpg)
But surely the peace and calm of holiday cheer starts with the eyes and ears of my heart, attuned to the strains of heaven hidden in nature.
![Inspirational quote for the holidays and Christmas. #quotes #christmas #holidayquote](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/grey-holiday-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-children-dickens.jpg)
How Will We Savor the Season
Just now, before the chill comes, I am collecting bits of soft holiday gentleness.
![A beautifully restored 1864 home on the Maresme Coast of Spain is decorated in whites for Christmas. #christmasdecor #housetour #whitechristmas #romanticchristmas #frenchcountry #frenchchristmas #whitedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/white-christmas-decor-romantic-spain-house-el-mueble-8.jpg)
I’m remembering that creating gentle places to live, to grow, to laugh…
![Dining room in a romantic french country cottage decorated with white and pink in Spain is decorated for Christmas with soft and quiet decor. #holidaydecor #christmasdecor #frenchcountry #decorating #cottagestyle #whitechristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/french-country-christmas-cottage-white-house-tour-rustic-romantic-dining-room.jpg)
starts with heartful intention and gentleness inside.
![Holiday inspirational quote for Christmas time on Hello Lovely Studio. #holidayquote #christmasquote #quotes #scripture](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/hello-lovely-studio-christmas-holiday-quote-glory-Luke-2-14.jpg)
And I’m also remembering that longing–however pure–will remain simply longing without motion, without embodied living.
![Dining room in a romantic french country cottage decorated with white and pink in Spain is decorated for Christmas with soft and quiet decor. #holidaydecor #christmasdecor #frenchcountry #decorating #cottagestyle #whitechristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/french-country-christmas-cottage-white-house-tour-dining-room-romantic-plate-racks.jpg)
And these thoughts are sobering.
![Inspirational quote about Christmas by Hamilton Mabie. #quotes #christmas #inspirational](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/light-green-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-christmas-quote-conspiracy-of-love-mable.jpg)
If only because they point to the need to rise to a level of maturity our culture seems to resist.
![My Christmas kitchen with Scandinavian style and a fresh wreath over farm sink - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/hello-lovely-studio-christmas-kitchen-15.jpg)
A culture that would prefer we stay small, childish, and full of striving. So much of my striving is done for the sake of “someday when things slow down.” But “things” never do seem to lose momentum…
![@dhcphoto - beautiful white two story home in Atlanta with tan shutters decorated with wreaths for the holidays. #outdoorholidaydecor #atlantaholidayhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/dhcphoto-white-brick-house-exterior-holidays-southeastern-designer-showhouse.jpg)
and striving has such a steep cost to my physical, mental, and spiritual health.
![James Farmer's lovely Southern cottage exterior decorated for Christmas in Perry, Georgia. Photo: Laurey Glenn for Southern Living. #christmascottage #holidaydecorations #southerncottage](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/james-farmer-farmdale-cottage-holiday-laurey-glenn-southern-living-perry-georgia.jpg)
Oh, let me strive less. Let me welcome all that is slow not for another place, not for another time.
![Beautiful West Highland Terriers Westies in sweaters at Trove Vintage! #westies #shopdogs #dogsweater](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/trove-vintage-westies-angus-alistair-with-michele-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Let me slow my strivings enough to honor the peace arising in the moment now, right here, fresh as the first snow, fresh as a new babe from heaven.
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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I needed this! So refreshing. So peaceful. So right with the world. Thank you Michelle, you are such a sweet friend. Even though we have never shared a hug. Maybe someday you all will come to our home on the lake in Tennessee. I would love that! Our home would not appear in your messages, you could just relax here. Love and peace back to you!
Author
Thank you so much for reading with such love and tenderness. I love feeling joined and heard. Your home sounds lovely, and I’m ready. 🙂
Michelle, what are the saints’ statues that have an open wooden base that once was covered with a skirt called? Saw these in Brazil and have wanted to buy a reproduction if I could. Thanks!
Author
I think you’re thinking of Santos, right? They’re so beautiful whether they are old or reproduction. 🙂