Merry Christmas, friends! Welcome to our coastal cottage Christmas tour. Imagine a warm greeting at the door, two excited pups, a big hug hello, a plate of cookies and a steaming mug of coffee or tea waiting just inside. (I promise I’ll try to make those cookies before Christmas!)
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.
Is this really our fifth Christmas in this house? Time flies — we moved in two months before Christmas in 2021, and I’ve been sharing Christmas tours here for nineteen years across four homes. It feels both familiar and new each year.
Our entryway is a favorite spot for Finnegan, who loves to follow everyone coming and going from any room or up and down the stairs. He even naps with one eye open so he doesn’t miss anything. He’s a velcro dog, always keeping an eye on me — even through the garland — and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
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It’s a “ruff” life for these pups — they think everything we do is for them, and they’re not entirely wrong. They love visiting the Tiny Cottage to see Grandma and Grandpa, then returning for a nap by the fire.
This cozy bed nook is in our snug. The snug is one of those spaces that’s quietly perfect as-is, though I have plans to refresh it someday. Right now I’m loving our floral duvet and striped sheets from Piglet in Bed — their cotton and linen bedding feels lovely and the patterns bring a soft, homey look.
The Tiny Cottage, where my parents live, is connected to our home but fully independent. It’s the cutest little spot, cozy and full of thoughtful touches. My mom just ordered a new couch, so I expect more little updates to share next year.
They added bookcase benches recently, which fit the space perfectly — functional without feeling bulky. A new round coffee table gives them a large surface and storage underneath for pillows and blankets, which is ideal in a small, cozy room.
Their personal touches fill the Tiny Cottage with stories — that’s what makes a home meaningful.
The holiday season can be busy, but I love the quiet that follows — the chance to slow down, breathe and remember what this season means.
I look forward to the day this space is filled with our three children, their spouses and the little ones, all celebrating together. Seasons change, and each one is special in its own way.
We’ll gather in this kitchen to prepare meals and bake cookies. The island becomes the natural hub for conversation, cooking and catching up.
The little ones love the festive touches, and their excitement reminds us of family traditions. We’ll squeeze around the table, add an extra one when needed, and make room because a welcoming home isn’t about size but warmth and creativity.
These paper trees were a fun find — they come in several styles and colors, fold flat for storage and open easily with a small magnet. They’re great for compact homes or as simple seasonal accents.
This is where we’ll play games, laugh and make memories. We’ll ask the dogs politely to scoot over or head to their beds so everyone can sit — and they usually oblige, after a brief negotiation.
We didn’t set up a big tree this year — not for lack of festive spirit, but because our cozy home feels merry without it. Instead we enjoyed twinkly faux trees placed in thoughtful spots, like the rattan cart which makes a charming little display.
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 season filled with warmth, light and the joy of being together.