I decided to start decorating for the holidays a little early this year. It felt like a simple way to lift our spirits and make the season feel special. We mostly reuse the same pieces each year — a few garlands and wreaths, some small evergreen trees, paper snowflakes and little holiday houses — and that’s all it takes to make the house feel joyful.
There’s no single right way to decorate for the holidays. Some people love an all-out transformation; others prefer subtle touches. Do what feels right for you this year. Bring out the traditional items if they spark warm memories, or try something different if you want a fresh look. It’s your home and your family, so follow whatever makes you happiest.
This is an unusual year in many ways, so if a bit of extra holiday magic helps you feel more joyful, I hope you enjoy the process. If decorating feels overwhelming, give yourself grace — it’s perfectly okay to keep things simple.
I’ve been enjoying photos from members of The Inspired Room Community on Facebook. If you’re in the group, please share photos — I’d love to see how you’ve decorated.
We’ve had a few false starts: garland that fell, paper snowflakes that came down, and Jack pulling some felt ornaments off the tree. It’s the usual mix of progress and playful setbacks, but we’re having fun with it.
I’m planning a full Christmas tour on the blog later, but here’s a sneak peek of what we’ve done so far.
We made mason jar snow globes years ago and they’re still part of our decor — they add a bit of homemade charm.
I also updated the dining room with new striped curtains that I love — the stitching detail is a nice touch.
Jack and Lily are happiest curled up by the fireplace with the tree lights on and Christmas music playing. This cozy corner is where we spend most of our time in the season — it just feels inviting and warm.
I found a new winter diffuser shaped like an owl, and I think it’s adorable. It offers soothing white noise options and comes with stickers to personalize it, plus two mild essential oils — one with a bright citrus-cream scent and another meant to support sleep. It’s a sweet gift idea or a charming addition to your own home.
There’s also a small holiday starter bundle worth checking out if you’re building a seasonal collection of items.
If you have questions about kits or products I use, feel free to text me.
Only one paper snowflake is still hanging at the moment — the rest fell down. We tried adhesive strips for the garland and snowflakes, but many came loose, so we may switch to thumbtacks to keep them up. Paper snowflakes in sets are a convenient and pretty option for quick holiday decor.
A few readers asked where our white painted bookcase lives — it’s in the living room next to the dining area. It’s lovely to have a bookcase back in this space for books and seasonal decor like boxwood garland and white houses.
I’ll share more of our Christmas decor on the blog and in my Instagram stories over the coming weeks.
Don’t miss the giveaways mentioned below.
(This giveaway has now closed.)
A giveaway for subscribers was held recently — check your email if you subscribe, or sign up to receive future announcements and offers.
Members of the Dwell Well Collective often have exclusive giveaways in their private group and on the members-only Instagram. If you’re part of the community, be sure to check those channels for details and deadlines.
If you’re looking for more ideas, I’ve shared several posts with simple, beautiful and effortless Christmas decorating inspiration and curated collections of decor I love. These roundups are helpful when you need quick, approachable ideas for making your home cozy for the holidays.
The Inspired Room Gift Guides