I spent a delightful few hours decorating for Christmas this week. We haven’t even unpacked the boxes or put up a tree yet, but it was still fun to begin with what I already have. Getting started felt light and easy—no rummaging through holiday bins—until we bring the tree home this weekend when the kids are here to help.
Using items I already own is my favorite way to decorate. I especially enjoy incorporating pieces that feel festive without being overtly holiday-specific. This year I added a fresh garland from Costco, a new set of small holiday plates and some polka dot napkins to the table. Most of our dishes are white, so I like mixing in a few cheerful plates and napkins to give the setting a seasonal lift. I’ll share more photos of the finished table and mantel once everything is in place.
Here is Jack, looking innocent right before “the garland incident.”
What made the afternoon especially memorable was my son and his big, fluffy dog, Jack. Our six-month-old Goldendoodle puppy, at about 35 pounds, had never experienced Christmas before and was utterly captivated by the fresh, fragrant garland I draped on the stairs.
Jack was so excited he kept sneaking around the other side of the railing while I worked. He would untie the string with his teeth so the garland would fall, then chomp on it like a tasty green salad. I chased him back and forth trying to keep him from eating it. He even grabbed a decorative starfish and bolted, forcing me to recover the ornament and restore order. Cute, but slightly frustrating—he loves that game; I do not.
Here he is, looking around to see if the coast is clear before he chomped the garland, grabbed the starfish and made a run for it.
Jack keeps us entertained with constant mischief. He has toys, bones, and plenty of attention, but his curious, playful energy is non-stop—much like a busy little kid. If I had more time I’d write a whole blog just about his antics; he’d provide plenty of material.
Caught in the kitchen with the starfish.
Aside from retrieving ornaments from Jack, my favorite part of the afternoon was when my son came home from school. His face lit up when he saw garland on the stairs (I had put it back up), the decorated mantel, and the festive dining table. He was so happy. He immediately began listing the Christmas traditions he loves and asked where we’d place the tree this year. He remembered last year when we skipped a big tree and wanted to return to the tree farm where we had cut one before. He recalled the details of that trip so vividly—my heart melted.
His excitement reminded me how much our family traditions and holiday decor mean to the children. As the youngest in our family, he experiences many traditions through the eyes of older siblings, but his pure delight brought home how important these rituals are. When life gets hard—whether due to moving, tight finances, or lack of time—it’s tempting for adults to simplify too much. We may think we’re being intentional, but sometimes we trim away things that matter deeply to kids. It’s important to remember Christmas through their eyes.
Of course, the season isn’t only about decorations. We must teach children the deeper meaning of the holidays and be intentional with our time. That said, holding on to a few simple, meaningful traditions—especially when time and money are limited—makes a big difference. It doesn’t require extravagance: a small tree, a favorite recipe, or a special ornament can create memories that last.
Even when energy is low or budgets are tight, keeping a handful of traditions alive is worth the extra effort. Setting up a beloved Christmas village or hanging a special garland might take a little time, but the boost in family spirit can be surprisingly uplifting.
Seeing my son’s excitement (and Jack’s exuberance) reminded me of what the holidays feel like to a child: magical and fleeting. Childhood goes by in the twinkle of an eye, and this year I’m determined to make those moments count.
How is your decorating coming along? I started my holiday decorating with poinsettias and small touches that made an immediate difference. I hope you’re enjoying the process as much as I am.