Hello, friend! Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a healthy, joyful holiday season from our home to yours. I wanted to share a few snapshots of our home dressed for the season and some thoughts as we wrap up the year.
We kept our holiday decorating simple this year—just enough for our family to enjoy without feeling overwhelmed. I usually prefer a pared-back approach, though I may be inspired to do more next year.
I’m already thinking about new possibilities for the year ahead. Lately it’s been busy as we plan upcoming remodel projects and a few major things my daughters and I have been working on for The Inspired Room. We’re excited to begin sharing those early next year.
We decorated early this year so we could host family at Thanksgiving. I’m glad we did—our relatives were able to enjoy the home while they were here. Last year a snowstorm kept them away, so it felt nice to have the house festive for their visit.
Keeping things simple let me enjoy the season without pressure to do more. Even amid the busyness of planning and work, the house has felt peaceful.
We celebrated early with family this year, which may become our new routine. The Northwest surprised us again with a foot of snow on the ground. While a white Christmas used to feel rare here, it seems more common lately.
The snow changed our plans for the week, and I know the weather has been difficult in other parts of the country too. I hope you’re staying safe and warm.
Our dogs have loved the snow; we enjoy watching them play from the window. Fortunately the forecast promises warmer temperatures in time for Christmas, so we may still fit in a family gathering—late, but welcome.
I miss some of our original family traditions, but I’m also learning to adapt to life as empty nesters. Once our remodel is complete we’ll feel more settled and will create new traditions that feel right for this season of life.
We plan to take a few days away from work, social media, and blogging to celebrate and focus on the reason for the season. In the meantime, I’ve scheduled a couple of posts for Christmas Day and right after Christmas if you’d like to stop by for holiday inspiration. There will also be an email after the holidays for subscribers.
Scroll down for more photos from the past couple of months.
I have so much to share after Christmas. I’ll look back at the year and then begin to look ahead—there’s more to tell about our home addition, the new kitchen, and other remodeling projects planned around the house.
If you’re curious about the other project my daughters and I have been working on, you can get a sneak peek of the new community and resources we’re creating. There will be opportunities to sign up for updates as we pull things together. We’ll share many more details in the coming weeks.
It promises to be an inspiring year. We look forward to creating a sanctuary together with you in 2023.
From our home to yours, Christmas blessings to you!
(Scroll down for lots more photos from the past couple of months!)
Find similar coastal ornaments in my Christmas/Winter shop.
Merry Christmas!