One of our biggest achievements in the time spent working on our renovation is utilizing the space we have to meet our needs. That meant we were able to get both the kitchen and the bathroom that we had been wanting for a long time without going overboard and adding a lot of square footage. We simply had to look at how we could turn existing space into usable space.
Turning existing space into usable space
A great example of that is the front room of the house. From the time we moved in, the front room always had minimal furniture. A couple of chairs. A small electric piano. A rug. However, following the renovation, that room now functions as our dining room. And as we unpacked and rearranged furniture, we were able to make the space still fit what we had and adapt that room for dining.
Except we forgot one thing:
But where does the Christmas tree go?
Where does the Christmas tree go?
For 12 years, the front room of the house was the designated spot for the Christmas tree. And since the ceiling was sloped, and we didn’t have a lot of furniture to shift around, we had the option of getting any size tree we wanted. Consequently, three years ago we allowed my 5 foot tall sister to talk us into getting a 9 foot tree to match hers. (We have to get a step ladder to get to the top. I’m picturing my brother-in-law having to hoist my sister to the top of theirs with a crane!)
As we started talking as we pulled out the boxes and bins this year, though, we realized we hadn’t thought through where exactly this monstrosity was to go. We felt we had prepared pretty well overall. Moving back in we knew where the office furniture was going. Who got which side of the master closet? Which wall the guest bed was going on? But we hadn’t given much thought about how to handle holidays and the extras that invariably go along with them.
So we stood there over the weekend, looking at the combined living and dining rooms – looking at the sofa, loveseat, chair, ottoman, dining room table, side table, leather bench, side chair, and an electric piano – and wondering where exactly Christmas was going to happen.
Working it out
Do we forego the big tree for the little tree purchased last year? Do we move the dining table and just eat dinner at the kitchen island for the month of December? Do we skip decorating altogether this year and continue to let ourselves settle into the space?
Surprisingly, we were able to move only two pieces and find a location for the tree. Of course, we may change that next year. After all, we really are adapting to new spaces. We may find ourselves bumping into the tree as we walk past and decide we need a place more out of the way. Or discover that the dogs really love curling up under it at night.
All’s well that ends well
But for now, and for not having planned, our first Christmas and our tree in the “new” home are working out well, as and where they are!
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