Hey friend! I’m glad you stopped by. You’re in the right place. No, it’s not Christmas anymore — though you’ll see some holiday photos here, the decorations at my house are already put away. Let me tell you why.
At this time of year many of us are not only setting goals but also looking to simplify.
Beyond simplifying our possessions, I’ve noticed more people stepping back from social media because it can be overwhelming — the constant stream of “perfect” lives, the pressure to keep up, and the stress content creators feel to maintain a certain image.
Ironically, some founders of these platforms are encouraging a slower, more intentional way of living.
Many of us long for a calmer, simpler life — whatever that means for each of us or for our families. We want to feel uplifted, not frazzled. We want peace.
I’ve seen people say they miss the old days of enjoying a few favorite blogs with a morning cup of coffee. Do you remember that?
Life often comes full circle. What was once “bigger and better” can sometimes leave us wanting something simpler and more meaningful.
So how do we get back to that simplicity? What do we need to let go of to make room for it in our homes and lives?
One helpful step is to slow the scroll for a while. Quieting the noise and visuals helps us decide what we truly want to surround ourselves with.
At the same time, as we try to calm the chaos outside our doors, we can fall into the trap of setting unrealistic expectations for our own homes.
This year our Christmas tree stayed simple with just lights until Christmas Eve. That wasn’t a design choice so much as a way to free up time for family. We enjoyed its natural simplicity, but we also love our little traditions.
On Christmas Eve my son and daughter pulled out our forest and sea creature ornaments and decorated the tree. They had fun, and seeing the finished tree delighted everyone on Christmas morning. I’m so glad they followed what felt right in that moment; it brought joy to us all.
Honestly, Christmas might not have felt like Christmas if Jack — our dog — hadn’t snuck into the living room a few days later and absconded with some plush animals from the tree. We hang many ornaments out of reach hoping he’ll leave them alone, but somehow he always finds a way.
It’s become part of our yearly tradition, and who are we to be upset about the playful mischief he loves?
Once again we found ourselves on the floor searching for little heads and bodies scattered across the room. We spotted bits of furry tails hanging from Jack’s mouth while he pretended innocence.
After the initial shock of seeing those dismembered ornaments, we couldn’t help but laugh.
Focusing on making happy memories matters more than curating a perfect, picture-ready scene. Sometimes that means keeping items that hold meaning and being willing to lose a bit of control to preserve those memories.
Sure, we could have less to clean and less to manage if we got rid of everything — and fewer pets would mean less noise and chaos — but that’s not the life we want.
Decluttering and creating calm, styled rooms can be refreshing. But trying to control every detail can inadvertently erase the very stories that make a house a home.
Jack sometimes unmakes the bed after I’ve just made it. He tosses pillows to the floor, barks when I’m seeking a quiet moment, and has, on occasion, made a mess on the rug and scratched the Dutch door. He’s ruined ornaments, too.
Does that mean we shouldn’t have nice things? Not at all. I love our things, the memories they carry, and I love that dog.
Those imperfect moments weave together the vivid memory of our life.
Learning to accept the ever-changing state of our home and the imperfect creatures in it often means letting go of control more than it means letting go of stuff. That allows our wonderfully messy life to coexist with the simplicity and beauty we crave.
A beautiful life — and a home that feels perfect for us — may look a little messy, out of step, or chaotic at times. That’s okay. A home becomes lived-in and warm when there’s love inside. Embracing the candid imperfections is how those true, happy stories get written.
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Dwelling: Simple Ways to Nourish Your Home, Body, and Soul.
Find more of my books about the home.
