We’ve experienced many changes at home over the past year and a half. Those changes made me long even more for the comfort of being truly home for the holidays. Now that the stress of moving, the long transition and much of the remodeling are behind us—or at least easing—I finally feel like we’re settling back into a familiar, cozy rhythm.
Big life changes disrupt routines and can throw off your sense of balance for a while. Adjusting to a new normal takes time, and in the middle of that adulting whirlwind it’s easy to lose the childlike wonder that makes the Christmas season feel magical.
I remember one Christmas when I felt a strong, gentle nudge to preserve the holiday through my youngest child’s eyes. A small moment years ago—funny and a little tear-inducing—reminded me how important it is to keep Christmas feeling special and full of wonder, even when life gets busy and the kids aren’t waking up at dawn to see what Santa brought.
Years ago we began collecting whimsical woodland animal ornaments to decorate our tree. Our family enjoys a good laugh, and those quirky pieces brought humor and personality to our holiday decor. Over time our style evolved into what we call a “forest & sea” Christmas—an eclectic mix of fresh and faux greenery, forest animals and coastal touches. Rather than a strict theme, it feels like a lived-in reflection of our story.
We’ve lived in several homes, but the children’s childhood homes and our beach house are all in the Pacific Northwest, where forests meet the sea. That landscape naturally shaped our holiday aesthetic. A forest and sea Christmas weaves together memories of hikes among evergreens, seaside days and the small, joyful moments that define family life. The quirkier elements—funny ornaments or unexpected pairings—help keep the season feeling playful and full of wonder.
Those familiar shapes, textures and ornaments remind us of places we love and times we’ve shared. They’re reminders of why we celebrate together, and they help make our holiday traditions feel both meaningful and delightfully childlike.
Do you have ornaments or family keepsakes that guide your Christmas decorating? Little heirlooms or silly additions can transform a room into a place that feels both personal and festive. When decorations reflect real stories—where you’ve lived, what you love, who you are—they create a warm authenticity that’s irresistible during the holidays.
