I spent a delightful afternoon decorating for Christmas this week. Even though we haven’t pulled any boxes out yet and we don’t have a tree up (yes, I’m still planning that open house!), it felt good to start with what I already had.
It was even more fun because I didn’t have to rummage through bins this first time around—at least not yet. We’ll get the tree this weekend when the kids are here to help, and that will be a whole other adventure.
I enjoy decorating with items I already own, especially pieces that feel festive without being the usual red-and-green clichés. This year I added a fresh garland from Costco plus a new set of small holiday plates and some polka-dot napkins to the table. Most of my dishes are white, so I like to mix in a few seasonal pieces and festive linens to create a cozy holiday look. I’ll take more photos once the table and mantel are finished—so far it’s looking charming with just the things I had on hand.
Here is Jack — looking innocent right before the “garland incident.”
What made decorating especially memorable this year were my boys and their big fluffy dog, Jack. Jack is a six-month-old Goldendoodle who had never encountered Christmas decorations before. He was mesmerized by the fresh garland I placed on the stairs.
He was so excited by the garland that he got into a mischievous routine: sneaking around to the other side of the railing, untying the twine with his teeth so the garland would fall, and then chomping on it as if it were a tasty salad. I kept running around to stop him and re-secure things, which became a slightly frustrating but funny game.
Here he is, casually checking if the coast is clear before grabbing the garland and the starfish and making a run for it.
He even made off with a small decorative starfish I was hanging, sprinting around the house while I chased him to retrieve it. He thrives on games like that; I don’t. Jack seems to live for mischief all day long. We keep him well cared for—he has toys, bones, and lots of attention—but his curiosity and energy are nonstop. If I ever had extra time, I could fill a blog with his antics. He’s endlessly entertaining.
Caught in the kitchen with the starfish.
Aside from rescuing decorations from Jack, the best part of the afternoon was when my son arrived home from school. His face lit up when he saw the garland back on the stairs, the decorated mantel, and the festive dining table. He was so happy he began listing our family traditions and asking where we would put the tree this year. He remembered last year’s decision to skip a big tree and wanted to return to the tree farm experience we’d enjoyed before. His excitement tugged at my heart.
His reaction reminded me how much these small traditions and decorations mean to children. As the youngest in our family, and with several years between him and his siblings, it’s easy for me to forget how magical the season feels from a child’s perspective—even though I love Christmas myself.
During difficult times—like the year we moved at Christmastime or seasons when time and money were tight—it’s tempting to scale back everything. Sometimes I simplify too much, thinking I’m being intentional, but in doing so I can unintentionally remove things that matter to my kids. I need to remember to see the holidays through their eyes.
Christmas isn’t only about decorations; it’s about teaching children what truly matters. We should be intentional with our time and simplify when necessary, but it’s also important to hold on to a few special traditions. My daughters often remind me to keep traditions alive for their brother, and I appreciate their care.
Even when resources are limited or spirits are low, keeping a few simple traditions can be meaningful and restorative. You might not be able to provide an extravagant tree or matching pajamas for everyone, and that’s okay. A little extra effort to maintain a few rituals—setting up a favorite display, baking a familiar treat, or hanging a particular ornament—can lift your family’s mood more than you expect.
Watching my son’s joy (and Jack’s exuberance) brought back the feeling of being a child: wonder and excitement in small moments. Childhood is fleeting, and those twinkling memories count. I’m determined to make this year count.
How is your decorating coming along? Here was my first step in holiday decorating. I hope you’re having as much fun as I am!