Merry Christmas, friends! Welcome to our coastal cottage Christmas tour. Picture a warm greeting at the door: two eager pups jumping for joy, a big hug hello, a plate of cookies (I promise I’ll get to baking) and a steaming mug of coffee or tea waiting just around the corner. It’s cozy, casual and full of holiday cheer.
Come on in — I’ll show you around our seaside home, including the Tiny Cottage where my parents live, our bedroom, the snug, the kitchen and the main living areas.
I’m so glad you’re here. Can you believe this is our fifth Christmas in this house? We moved in just two months before Christmas in 2021, and time has flown. I’ve been sharing holiday home tours here for many years across several homes, and it’s such a joy to decorate and celebrate each season.
Our entryway is a lively spot — especially for Finnegan, who takes his job of greeting guests very seriously. He follows everyone from room to room and even naps with one eye open so he won’t miss a chance to see who’s coming or going.
He’s a velcro dog in the best way, always keeping an eye on me (even through the garland) and ready to join in whatever we’re doing. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
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Those pups really live the good life around here — they’re convinced every little thing I do is just for them, and honestly, they’re partly right.
This is the snug’s little bed nook. The Snug is on my list for future projects, but for now it’s perfectly cozy. I’m loving our new floral duvet and striped sheets — the cotton and linen feel is wonderful and adds a soft, lived-in elegance.
The Tiny Cottage where my parents live is connected to our home but fully independent. It’s absolutely charming and so cozy — every little personal touch makes it feel warm and lived-in. My mom already has plans for a new couch, so more updates are likely in the year ahead.
My parents added bookcase benches recently, which fit perfectly and add functional storage without feeling bulky. They also got a new round coffee table that offers a large surface and tuck-away storage for pillows and blankets — ideal for a smaller space.
The dogs enjoy visiting the Tiny Cottage and then returning for a nap by our fire. It’s a simple rhythm that makes the holidays feel calm and meaningful.
The holiday season can be hectic, but I love the quiet that comes after the rush — the time to slow down, breathe and remember what this season is truly about.
I look forward to when this house fills up with our children, their spouses and the little ones — those gatherings are the best kind of busy. Seasons change, but each one brings its own special moments.
We’ll gather in the kitchen to prepare meals and bake cookies. Little hands will delight in the festive touches, and grown-ups will delight in watching them — those moments remind us of family and tradition.
The island will be the hub for food, conversation and laughter. We’ll squeeze around the table, add an extra one when needed, and make the space feel open and welcoming — you don’t need a big house to have a big heart.
This year I found a few paper trees in different styles and colors. They fold flat for storage and open easily with a small magnet — perfect for filling small spaces with holiday charm.
This is where we’ll play games, tell stories and laugh together. We’ll politely ask the dogs to scoot over or curl up in their beds so everyone has a seat — they’re usually happy to oblige for a treat or two.
We chose not to set up a large tree this year, not for lack of holiday spirit but because our cozy home feels festive without it. Instead we’ve enjoyed twinkly lights on several faux trees and placed them on a rattan cart and tabletop spots for a warm glow.
For unto us a child is born…. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Merry Christmas, friends! We’ll be back after the holiday with our annual Christmas video. Wishing you a peaceful, joyful season filled with good company and warm memories.