Welcome, friends!
It’s that magical time of year again—The 12 Days of Christmas! Yesterday, Jenny kicked off the festivities with a stunning tour of her home. Have you seen it yet? If not, you can check it out here. I’ll be right here when you come back!
Now, guess who’s next?
I’m so thrilled to share our Christmas decorations with you this year!
Since moving into this home three years ago, I’ve embraced a more simplified approach to holiday decor. Aside from our treasured tree ornaments, fresh greenery has become my go-to for adding festive charm throughout the house.
Take this lovely boxwood wreath from Trader Joe’s, for example. I personalized it with a few clippings from my own yard for a touch of homemade warmth.
Our fur-ified stockings, adorned with cozy fur trims, have found a new spot this year—on the staircase in the foyer. We use our fireplace often, so keeping stockings on the mantel just wasn’t practical.
One of my favorite Christmas traditions is checking the mailbox for cards from family and friends. Do you love that too? I display them on ribbons across the doors in our foyer, so we can enjoy these heartfelt greetings every day. By the time Christmas rolls around, the doors will be covered with cheer!
Speaking of festive fun, I hung our random acts of kindness advent calendar on the stairwell to the basement. Ribbon and mini clothespins make it easy to keep everything organized and delightful.
Would you like a cup of hot cocoa? Or maybe a festive Christmas cocktail?
In the living room, I’ve embraced a love for mirrors—currently, there are four! They beautifully reflect the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree, adding an enchanting glow to the space.
In the dining room, simple pine garlands drape gracefully across the bay windows, bringing a natural elegance to the space.
One tradition I cherish is displaying our family’s Christmas cards from previous years. Seeing how my children have grown and changed over time warms my heart.
A special piece in our home is an old wooden toolbox, crafted by my husband’s great-uncle Arthur, who’s now 95 and one of the kindest, funniest people I know. Though it was originally made for tools, I’ve repurposed it as a charming organizer for our gift wrap supplies in a corner of the dining room.
Even the kitchen window and slider have been “festified,” spreading holiday cheer to every corner of our home.
The family room fireplace is still a work in progress, but it’s become a favorite gathering spot in our home. We love curling up here, watching The Voice with a cozy fire crackling in the background. For ages, I’ve dreamed of finding the perfect round mirror for the mantle, and last week, I stumbled upon a darling one! If all goes well, you might see a little fireplace makeover soon.
A recent addition to our holiday decor is the penny tree, and I can’t wait to share it with you. It glimmers beautifully when the mantle lights are on, adding a touch of sparkle to the room.
This year, I embraced the spirit of simplifying. Instead of striving to unpack every Christmas decoration, adorn every room, have cards mailed by December 1st, or ensure every gift is impeccably wrapped and displayed, I decided to take the pressure off. While those traditions are lovely, they can quickly lead to feeling overwhelmed and cranky. And let’s face it, no one enjoys a “bah humbug” vibe during the holidays.
So, I made a change. This year, I started delegating. Mark took on the job of stringing lights on the tree, while the kids decorated it. I watched the magic unfold from under a blanket on the couch—it was pure bliss!
For the outdoor lights, I handed the reins to my 15-year-old son, Peter. I told him, “It’s your design—do whatever you like!” And I think he did an incredible job.
For me, Christmas is about more than decorations—it’s about giving, making time for loved ones, and savoring the sights, sounds, and scents of the season. Above all, it’s about celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.
Whether your home is simply or spectacularly adorned, I hope you take a moment to soak it all in and enjoy this season of light and joy.
Thank you for stopping by to see our home! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a bright, happy New Year ahead.
Tomorrow, the Tour of Homes continues with Amanda’s stunning southern abode at Dixie Delights—don’t miss it!
I’m also sharing this tour over at the Nester’s.
Happy holidays!
