Who doesn’t love the warm glow of Christmas lights and a steaming mug of hot cocoa? Welcome to my Christmas Nights Home Tour — come see the house all lit up for the holidays and settle in for a cozy chat by the tree.
This season I’m choosing to slow down, let go of the frantic dash of errands and obligations, and simply enjoy the moments. My holiday to-do list is almost complete, and I’m ready to curl up on the couch, put on Elf, and sip a rich cup of hot chocolate. Those last few days before Christmas feel peaceful — a time to rest and remember the true meaning of the season.
To me, peace on earth looks like a quiet night filled with twinkle lights and gentle candlelight. I’m sharing this tour as a relaxed conversation — imagine we’re sitting together by the tree and swapping stories. I mixed things up this year and tried a slightly different approach to decorating; I hope you enjoy the change of pace.
Pour yourself a cup of cocoa or apple cider, pull up a chair, and let’s chat about holiday decorating, traditions, and favorite recipes.
Q: Do you decorate differently each year? What inspired this year’s look?
I like to refresh my decor yearly while still using many of my favorite pieces. Last year I decluttered a lot — removing items I hadn’t used in a while — and it made opening my Christmas boxes this year a pleasure because everything left felt intentional. I did change up my main tree completely, which meant a bin of ornaments went unused. I plan to clear out those extras so my storage stays streamlined, and I often donate the items so another family can enjoy them.
This winter I challenged myself to create a mainly neutral palette. I’ve fallen for soft neutrals lately and cut back on both fall oranges and traditional Christmas red. Instead, I used understated tones with unexpected accents like navy and soft pink to keep the look fresh and modern.
I drew a lot of inspiration for my flocked farmhouse tree from Erin at Cotton Stem — I loved her use of cotton stems and lamb’s ear for texture and a cozy farmhouse feel.
A Flocked Farmhouse Christmas Tree
Q: Where do you save and where do you splurge on holiday decor? Do you DIY?
I save wherever I can — DIY projects are my go-to when they cost significantly less than store-bought items. I especially make my own large art pieces, which can be expensive to buy. For example, the oversized wooden art on my mantel was a DIY project that adds big impact for much less.
Q: What’s your favorite holiday recipe?
While hot chocolate and cider are seasonal favorites, nothing beats a pan of fresh homemade cinnamon rolls straight from the oven. We eat them every Christmas morning — a tradition that goes back generations to my great-grandmother’s recipe.
Find the cinnamon roll recipe here.
Q: Do you have favorite holiday traditions?
Some of my favorite traditions are attending the Christmas Eve church service, giving the girls their Christmas pajamas on Christmas Eve, and enjoying cinnamon rolls and sausage balls on Christmas morning. I also cherish baking Christmas cookies with my mom during the week before the holiday. Throughout December we love movie nights at home — gathering with the girls to watch holiday films is a simple pleasure we return to every year.
Q: What is your favorite holiday movie?
My top pick is Elf — it’s a holiday staple for me and I don’t feel quite like Christmas until I’ve watched it. I also enjoy The Family Stone because it reflects the chaos and warmth of a large family. Four Christmases always makes me laugh, and I like to watch The Holiday quietly while wrapping gifts after everyone has gone to bed.
Q: What’s at the top of your Christmas list?
A robot vacuum would be a dream — with a toddler at home I’m sweeping constantly, so an automated helper would be amazing. I’ve also been eyeing a pair of quality riding boots for the season because I wear leggings and boots often. And a reliable label maker would make organizing bins and baskets so much easier.
What about you?
I’d love to hear about your holiday traditions, favorite Christmas movies, and the top gifts on your list this year. Share your thoughts in the comments — let’s keep the cozy conversation going! 🎄😊
My Christmas Home Posts:
- Last Year’s Christmas Nights Home Tour
- A Flocked Farmhouse Christmas Tree
- A Very Merry Farmhouse Christmas Kitchen
- A Neutral Christmas Entry Way
- A Christmas Wrapping Station
- Easy Hot Chocolate Bar
- A Neutral Christmas Dining Room
- Farm Fresh Christmas Trees Mantel