Getting the House Ready for Our First Christmas in the New Home
We finally put our tree back up a few days ago, amid boxes and general chaos. We knew we wouldn’t be completely unpacked or perfectly organized before the holidays, but taking an hour to decorate felt essential—especially for our little one’s first Christmas in the new house. We found the perfect spot in the corner of the living room, right by the sliding doors that lead to the sunroom and near the doorway into the kitchen. It creates a cozy focal point and lets the tree be seen from several rooms.
I also hung my beloved Pottery Barn wreath (a thoughtful gift from John’s mom a few years ago) on the back of the fireplace in the living room. The fireplace will one day be double-sided, so for now the wreath helps make the area feel festive even as we imagine a roaring fire in that empty green bookcase. Little touches like that make the house feel like a home more quickly than grand renovations ever could.
On the other side of the fireplace, which sits in the eat-in section of the kitchen, we staged a few seasonal pieces. The paneling, dark brick, and red tile are a little wild, but I like the contrast between that vintage backdrop and our simple holiday decorations. We’ve kept things low-key with stockings (John and I share one, while Clara and Burger each have their own), a few feather trees, some ceramic fruit and birds, and a cardboard snowflake wreath. All of it keeps the mood cheerful until we can finally grab the primer and paint to brighten the space.
While unpacking, I also rediscovered a set of silver zebra-patterned plates from Crate & Barrel from a few years back and decided to display them on the mantel. They add a subtle, reflective sparkle that draws the eye away from the darker finishes and gives the kitchen a festive accent. It’s a small, simple trick: position a few cherished pieces where they can be seen and enjoy them instead of focusing on the things you plan to change later.
Decorating the house this year felt especially meaningful because it marked a return to familiar routines—painting, arranging, and settling in—after the upheaval of moving. Speaking of painting, we spent time this weekend finishing Clara’s room, and it felt great to be back in our painting clothes. We chose a completely different direction from her previous nursery, and the result feels fresh and personal. We can’t wait to take some photos and share the finished space soon.
Small seasonal touches throughout the house go a long way: a wreath on the fireplace, a tree in the living room corner, a few glittering plates on the mantel, and the right placement of stockings and simple ornaments. These little choices make the holidays feel warm and intentional, even when the rest of the home is still a work in progress. There’s comfort in embracing imperfection and celebrating the present moment—boxes and all—especially when it’s the first holiday in a new home with a new member of the family.
Update: You can find a curated list of our favorite holiday decor finds in our holiday decor round-up—many budget-friendly options under $15 that helped us add festive touches without a big investment.