…but for us, it’s coming this weekend.

A few months ago, the folks at Home Depot contacted us about taking part in their inaugural Style Challenge: Holiday Edition. The deal was, they were going to mail us a curated selection of Christmas goodies handpicked especially for us by their blog team. The catch was we wouldn’t know what was in the boxes until we opened them, and we’d be assigned what area of the house we are to decorate. For my planning-way-in-a-head-slightly-control-freak-especially-when-it-comes-to-the-house self, this was indeed going to be a challenge. However, it sounded like a fun challenge and the type of project we hadn’t worked on before, so we were game!

We were told to expect a large delivery on our doorstep, including a Home Depot gift card for purchasing any DIY materials or extras for propping the space. Greg and I have until October 29th to complete our challenge assignment and use as many of the mystery products as possible. Last Friday, we got an email letting us know the packages had shipped and we’d be tackling… drumroll… the front yard! Last year, our first Christmas in the house, we didn’t do much Christmas decorating outdoors (aside from a wreath), so we are particularly pumped about this.

In a few weeks, we’ll be sharing our finished project over on Home Depot’s blog, The Apron. But we thought it would be fun to share the process with our own blog family as we went along. After all, we try to share what we’re doing around the house on a week-to-week basis, and this project will definitely be a part of the house happenings over the next few weeks. We checked with the powers that be at Home Depot, and they said it was cool as long as we didn’t share any “after photos” until they were posted on The Apron.

And yes, we hear you. “It’s barely October!” Hopefully this project will spread a little early Christmas cheer and help everyone get geared up for the holidays. After all, they’re going to be here before we know it! I have to say, I’m a little tempted to put out a sign that says, “I promise we’re not crazy! We’re working on a project for Home Depot!” Then again, it might be more fun to leave the neighborhood wondering if we’ve lost our marbles.

Last week, five big boxes were delivered on our doorstep. I think we’re supposed to be getting more more in (not completely sure yet), but when we find out everything we have to work with, we’ll be sure to share the challenge with you all next Friday. Maybe you can help us! This weekend, we’re going to be getting the front yard spruced up (trimming the bushes, getting rid of some weeds, etc), bringing down the Christmas decorations from the attic and playing more than our fair share of Christmas music to get in the holiday mood…. in October. In my book, it’ll be a great way to spend my birthday weekend!

For now, I’ve got to at least share a curveball they’ve already sent our way. Knowing Greg is a big fan of Star Wars, they also sent along a special bonus mystery object…

Yes. When I saw this written on the outside of the box, I literally said to the UPS guy, “No way!” In all honesty, my mind is BOGGLED as to what to do with him. Hopefully with all of the gearing up for Christmas we’re planning to do this weekend, something will come to mind. Fingers crossed!