I always seem to start holiday house tour posts with an excited shout, and this year is no exception. Here’s how we decorated our home for Christmas while keeping things simple, cozy, and kid-friendly. After last year’s push to simplify, we focused on decorations that feel festive without being overwhelming or time-consuming to install and remove. This year the living room centers on the tree and the mantel; everything else is pared back to let those areas shine.
The tree is an artificial one we’ve had for more than five years. It has very realistic branches, but many of the original light strands finally gave out. Instead of replacing the whole tree, we relit it with warm-toned LED strands from Target that match the color temperature of the older bulbs. Finding the right glow took a few tests, and we kept extra boxes of the same lights so the tree will stay consistent in years to come. The ornaments are a mix of sentimental keepsakes and homemade pieces we’ve collected over time, and the kids had a blast decorating it—probably because they’re a little older now and can help more carefully.
The mantel is more subdued this season. Sherry embraced a greenery theme and used a faux magnolia garland across the mantel to create a softer, natural look. To brighten the arrangement she added a few ceramic white houses and battery-operated fairy lights, which add a warm, inviting glow in the evenings. The overall effect is calm and refined—festive without feeling cluttered.
We introduced subtle seasonal touches on the living room bookcases too. Small figurines passed down from family and a little holiday “terrarium” make the shelves feel thoughtful rather than overdone. Those tiny accents reward a closer look and keep the room feeling personal and warm.
The kitchen follows the same restraint. Sherry placed a wooden house advent calendar under the floating shelves. It’s a charming piece that can be used in various ways—we simply reveal each number day by day. A couple of ornaments and some greenery around the shelves add interest without crowding countertops. We also added a letterboard for playful messages and holiday quotes, which has become a fun, changeable focal point in the room.
In the foyer we kept things minimal: an evergreen branch, a white feather tree, and layered textures that already make the space feel cozy through winter. This vignette has staying power and can easily remain up beyond the holidays to carry that peaceful winter vibe into the new year.
Sherry’s collection of colorful bottle brush trees lives in the home office this season. Their playful mix of hues fits naturally in a room that’s already visually busy, and they bring an extra bit of cheer to the workspace. Upstairs we kept decorations simple, with a few small trees that add charm without a lot of fuss. One favorite is a glowing tree in the bonus room that lights the hallway and can even be seen from the driveway—an easy, delightful touch.
The kids each have their own little trees this year. Our daughter’s tree sits in a painted woven basket, and our son proudly chose an inexpensive green tinsel tree and a string of colored LED lights to make it his own. We let him add a favorite knitted ornament—his “Christmas Donut”—and some shatterproof balls. It’s simple, joyful, and perfectly kid-sized.
Outside, I decorated the backyard shed with colorful LED lights and roof clips. The kids are all about rainbow lights this year, so the shed became a playful place to use color without changing the elegant white lighting in the front yard. It’s a modest, fun accent that brightens the backyard during nighttime play.
Next year our main goal is to find an artificial tree for the beach house—ideally discounted right after the holidays—so we’ll be scouting sales on the 26th. For now, we’re happy with a holiday setup that emphasizes family, favorite pieces, and low-maintenance decor. We focused on the things that made everyone smile: tree decorating, wreath making, and a few playful puns on the porch. The result feels festive, lived-in, and easier to enjoy.
Happy holidays, and here’s to simple, joyful decorations that bring your family together.
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