Hey friend! I’m so glad you’re here. Yes, you came to the right post. It isn’t Christmas anymore — though you might spot some holiday decor in my photos. Those things are put away now. Let me explain.
At this time of year many of us are not only setting goals, but also craving simplicity.
Beyond clearing out possessions, I’ve been reading about people stepping back from social media because keeping up has become overwhelming. Scrolling through carefully curated feeds can make us feel inadequate, and content creators often feel pressured to maintain a constant image and pace. Even some founders of these big platforms seem to be advocating for a slower, more meaningful way of living.
Many of us are yearning for a slower, simpler life — whatever that looks like for each of us or our families. We want to feel uplifted instead of more frantic. We want calm. Now.
I’ve noticed people saying they miss the days of enjoying a few favorite blogs with morning coffee. Do you remember that? It’s interesting how life sometimes circles back; what once felt “bigger” or “better” doesn’t always meet our needs.
Maybe many of us are seeking to return home to simpler pleasures. But how do we get there? What must we let go of to find the simplicity we long for in life and in our homes?
I believe it’s a good moment to “slow the scroll.” Quieting the noise and visuals can help us decide what we truly want around us.
At the same time, while trying to balance the chaos outside, we can put unrealistic expectations on our homes. In the pursuit of a perfectly styled space, we risk losing the warmth of lived-in life.
This year our Christmas tree had only lights until Christmas Eve. That wasn’t a design decision so much as a way to create more free time for our family. While we enjoyed the tree in its natural simplicity, we also cherish our traditions.
On Christmas Eve my son and daughter brought out our forest-and-sea creature ornaments to decorate the tree. They had fun, and seeing the finished tree delighted everyone on Christmas morning. I’m so glad they followed what felt right to them; their joy blessed us all.
It might not have felt like Christmas if Jack hadn’t snuck in days later and claimed a few plush animals from the tree. We try to put decorations high up, hoping this will be the year he ignores them, but he always finds a way. It’s become a yearly tradition — who are we to be annoyed by the harmless mischief he loves?
Every year we end up crawling around looking for ornament heads and bodies scattered across the room, spotting furry tails peeking from Jack’s mouth as he declares his innocence. After the initial shock of finding dismembered ornaments, we always end up laughing.
I think we feel better when we focus on making happy memories rather than chasing perfectly styled, serene images. That often means keeping items that spark memories and letting go of a need for complete control so those memories can live on.
Sure, we’d have less to clean if we got rid of everything. We’d have less to do and less stress without pets. But paring down to a perfectly controlled, photo-ready home can also create a generic story that doesn’t touch the heart the way a lived-in space does.
The truth is, Jack sometimes unmakes the bed after I make it. He tosses my pretty pillows on the floor, barks in my face during quiet moments, has been known to be sick on the rug, and scratches the Dutch door. He destroys ornaments. Does that mean we shouldn’t have nice things? Not at all.
I love those things. I love the memories. I love that dog. Those small moments weave together a vivid story of our life.
Making peace with the ever-changing state of our home — and the imperfect creatures in it — often means letting go of control more than letting go of stuff. Allowing life’s little messes to mingle with the simplicity and beauty we seek helps create a home that’s perfect for us.
A beautiful life and a home that fits us might look a little messy, out of style, or a bit chaotic, and that’s okay. When a home comes undone and things unravel, it’s usually because there’s love inside. Living among those un-photoshopped, candid imperfections is where the real, lasting stories of life are written.