One of my favorite parts of autumn is looking forward to Christmas. I know Thanksgiving hasn’t happened yet, but there’s a special pleasure in anticipating the season — especially when there’s still time to plan and decorate slowly and enjoy the process.
Last year I intentionally kept my holiday decorating very simple and it was delightful: low stress, minimal mess, and no big expectations, yet enough touches to make the season feel festive. I plan to keep things fairly pared-back again this year, but I’m tempted to add a little more than before. Not everything will come out of the storage bins — too much stuff quickly feels overwhelming — but I’m considering a few extra accents to make the home feel a bit more magical.
I appreciate the beauty of a restrained Christmas statement that doesn’t rely on excess. At the same time, there’s something lovely about doing one or two unexpected things that bring whimsy, sparkle, or warmth to the season. Small, thoughtful details can make the atmosphere feel special without taking over the house.
I’ll share more of my plans and inspiration soon; I’ve already begun a few simple decorations. The photos here are from last year — they capture the calm, cozy mood I aim for during the holidays.
Many bloggers decorate early for sponsored posts, but I’m decorating for my family and myself, and I’ll open the house for an online Christmas tour again in December so friends and readers can stop by. I’m looking forward to savoring the season in practical, joyful ways.
PS. If you had a chance to introduce yourself and say where you live in the comments of the Home Sweet Home post, thank you — I loved reading your stories. It’s a joy to hear how so many of you make a house into a home.
Is anyone else already decorating for Christmas? 🙂
Catch up on the Loving Fall Series: Intro, Day One: Getting In the Rhythm, Day Two: Quiet, Day Three: Cozy Imperfections, Day Four: Rust, Coral, and Orange Fall Inspired Rooms, Day Five: Fall Nights by the Fire, Day Six: Candlelight, Day Seven: Turkish Towels, Day Eight: Fall Traditions with the Pups, Day Nine: Settling In, Day Ten: Displaying Small Trinkets and Treasures.