It’s that time of year to start thinking about holiday decorating. I use a simple approach that keeps our home festive without feeling overwhelmed. Below I share my top three Christmas decorating items that I bring out every year, plus a decorating secret that keeps the season enjoyable.
I prefer simple, timeless decor that lets me decorate early and actually enjoy the reasons for the season—time with family and friends—rather than spending weeks fussing over every detail. By focusing on a few favorite pieces, decorating becomes a joyful tradition instead of a chore.
These are the three items I always start with. Even if I stopped there, the house would feel warm and welcoming for the holidays.
1. Battery Operated Window Candles
I always begin the season with battery operated window candles. They are already up at our house, and every evening we pause to enjoy the warm glow. These candles have thoughtful features that set them apart—realistic light, reliable timers, and easy maintenance—so they feel special. I’ve given them as gifts because they make such a lovely addition to a home.
2. Hanging Stars
Hanging stars are a magical tradition for us. We hang them each year and look forward to their soft movement in the breeze or their gentle spin in snowfall. The combination of stars and window candles creates a cozy, storybook feeling that neighbors often notice and comment on. They add character to our home and are a simple, repeatable tradition.
You can read more about the tradition of hanging stars in related posts that explore their history and meaning.
3. Faux Cedar Garland
Faux cedar garland gives the look of fresh greenery without the maintenance. It looks realistic, doesn’t dry out, and won’t drop needles all over the floor. I still use real garland outdoors for the scent and natural feel, but inside the faux option lets me enjoy the look without extra work or storage concerns. It stays attractive all season and is easy to arrange.
Related Post: Ideas for making garland look full and festive and simple ways to style it around your home.
My secret to holiday decorating (and why these three items matter)
Choose a few meaningful pieces that become part of your seasonal tradition. Decorations should feel like a celebration, not a burden. Pick items that are enjoyable to put up, easy to store or low-maintenance, and that you can keep out for longer than just a couple of weeks. When decor feels effortless, you spend less time managing your home and more time enjoying family and the season.
We often keep our stars and window candles out for several months because they bring consistent joy. My husband would happily leave them up year-round—they’re that beloved. We bring them out each season as the highlight of our decorating, and the anticipation of putting them up becomes part of the pleasure.
Related Post: Simple pieces I love for Christmas and winter decorating and why they work well in most homes.