‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to embrace the holiday spirit than by taking a stroll through a festive wonderland? Welcome to our (belated) Christmas Home Tour 2023.
It seems as though as the years pass, my taste for Christmas changes. Sure, I change up our colour scheme on the main tree each year, but I’m also noticing that “less is more” is becoming my new mantra more and more. I’ve gravitated away from the bright colours and cartoon Santas that I slathered over every surface when the girls were younger, and now appreciate simple pinecones and berries for their winter-longevity.
Our outdoor lighting doesn’t change from year-to-year. After my separation I hired a company to put up lights for me and haven’t taken them down since (It was ridiculously expensive, so it’s not moving). I don’t plug them in until December, and I’m very fortunate that they are neatly tucked under my soffits so they aren’t noticeable the rest of the year.
Greeted by Glittering Lights: The front door hosts a berry wreath I made years ago; a small pop of red against my black door. I did string garland and lights, but I didn’t fill the garland with ornaments and candy canes as in years past.
White and red Christmas tree: our main tree is a 9 foot I purchased as a gift to myself a few years ago. It was expensive, but I haven’t regretted it one bit. With a million branches and hundreds and hundreds of lights, it could easily stand un-decorated and be just as beautiful as it is with ornaments. This year Miss Madison requested all white ornaments with just small pops of red here and there.
I didn’t quite have enough to completely cover the tree, so I tucked a few faux hydrangea branches here and there to fill it out.
I picked up a few small ornaments (mostly because they were too cute to resist) and they were a huge hit with the girls.
That’s not a pickle he’s carrying – it’s a tree – but if I’m being honest, I kinda wish it was a pickle. lol
Christmas trees always look better at night don’t they? I LOVE sitting in the family room soaking up the warm glow.
Cozy Fireplace Nook: As you continue your Christmas home tour, you’ll find yourself drawn to the fireplace nook where draping garland and old-timey bells adorn the mantle.
Holiday-themed cushions, a cuddly throw and a chaise lounge invite you to snuggle up with a cup of cocoa. The crackling fire creates the perfect ambiance for a cozy Christmas evening.
I was actually watching an army movie before taking this, and I noticed in the first few photos that there was a guy laying on a torture table covered in blood. Sort of wish I’d planned this out better so I was showcasing a Holiday movie or YouTube fireplace – but my secret is out; I fall asleep to men getting killed. . Not women, children, or animals – just men. There must be something my psyche finds soothing about it? ♀️
Our sectional is decorated with a few Holiday pillow covers, and my DIY Demi-lune side table holds my few Christmas village pieces.
Simple, sweet, nothing extra or over-the top… just a gentle glow.
Delights in the Dining Room: Our dining room is rarely used, but I do host for Christmas Eve dinner. This year for our Cozy Christmas home I went small and set up a smaller tree than usual in the corner. The ornaments are from previous years in navy and raspberry/burgundy.
The little characters on the tree were a special wedding gift from another Christmas-loving friend. Have you heard of Patience Brewster and Christmas Krinkles? They are so whimsical, you can’t help but smile.
Beyond the tree, I decided to only decorate with ornaments in the dining room. A cake stand with a few candles and a wreath at the bottom – filled out with coordinating navy and raspberry balls.
More ornaments tucked into bowls and dishes in my china cabinet. It turned out really well – again, the less-is-more theory is really working for me this year.
The tree is set up on our bar cart, and the shelf below holds all of the gifts for friends and neighbours that needed delivery.
Bedroom Bliss: While I didn’t put up all of my trees this year, there are two that I just can’t go without; the family room and my bedroom. With my newly painted accent wall in the primary bedroom, I thought I’d try a black, white and red tree.
I didn’t nail it, and I don’t think I’ll do this colour scheme again, but Cricket (our cat) thoroughly enjoyed knocking every ornament off and pulling down the ribbon, so it was a win for her.
What I do like about this tree, beyond the warm glow at night, is that it is next to my view of my “Happy, happy, joy, joy tree” in the yard:
A Whimsical Wonderland in the Back Yard: this dancing lights tree was an indulgence for myself this year. I’ve always wanted a tree that can sync to music and has different lighting options, so when I found this *8.2′ LED tree on Amazon, I had to have it! (Amazon affiliate links. For full affiliate disclosure, please see the bottom of the page)
Everyone chose their own setting – there are dozens, plus we programmed a few ourselves – and every night we had a different pattern twinkling, dancing, climbing and shining. I called it the “happy, happy, joy, joy tree” mostly because I thought it was funny when I made the girls call it by name, but also because it just radiates warmth and joy.
As our Christmas Home Tour comes to a close, we hope you’ve enjoyed this festive journey through our holiday haven. I believe that Christmas is not just a holiday; it’s a feeling – a feeling of togetherness, joy, and the magic that surrounds us during this special time of year. From our home to yours, we wish you a season filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
Wishing you all the best in 2024!