There are a few more holiday projects underway (aka: slowly getting crossed off the list), so let’s jump right in. Last year I found four 3-packs of white felt tree ornaments at Target. They were marked down after Christmas from a dollar to ten cents per set, so I ended up with 12 mini felt trees for just 40 cents. They felt perfect for a casual banner that looks like hand-cut paper but is actually pre-cut felt—no cutting required, which is a win.
To make the banner I pulled a random ribbon remnant from the leftover ribbon box and laid it out on the floor to space the trees evenly. Each tree had a small gold hanging loop, so I clipped those off to keep the look clean.
Next I grabbed a stack of paperclips from the office supply drawer and used them to secure the trees to the ribbon. I could have sewn them in place or used tiny clothespins or binder clips, but I wanted something quick, casual, and made from things we already had. There’s something sweet about white felt trees on navy ribbon held with small silver paperclips—simple and a little charming. If you prefer a more polished look, swap in decorative clips or mini clothespins.
Our tabletop tree is back this year, and it’s a mix of handmade, meaningful, and treasured ornaments. The theme really is simple: meaningful, sweet, handmade, and treasured—what Clara calls “special special favorites.” We piled on lots of ornaments that we absolutely love, from finds at local craft fairs to thoughtful pieces given by readers at book tour stops, including a sweet silhouette ornament of Clara as a baby.
There are so many favorites tucked into this small tree. A felt ornament with our initials made by a reader sits near a small bike ornament John got last year. We have a small disco ball picked up years ago, a brass French horn that nods to John’s high school band days, and a quirky moose ornament we brought back from our honeymoon in Alaska—two newlyweds moose snuggling up, which always makes us smile.
Other pieces include a playful burger ornament we bought a few years ago and a felt owl made by another reader. The tree is intentionally mismatched: homemade antlers, spray-painted animals, glass bulbs filled with bright paint, preserved gingerbread cookies, and an Empire State Building ornament that reminds us of New York, where we met back in 2005. The result is a cozy, eclectic tree full of memories.
We also brought our DIY chalkboard into the display. John—who jokes that chalk is screechy—drew a festive Starbucks-inspired doodle and a snowman, using a trick of dampening the chalk slightly for bolder color with less screech. I added some snowflakes, and Clara contributed a “pretty rainbow for Santa.” It’s become a family activity: the family that chalks together, stays together.
This previously dull corner now feels downright jolly. I also updated some small ornaments that I glued to magnet backs; they’re holding up well and now share space with holiday cards on the fridge. It’s simple things like opening a fresh pile of cards from the mailbox that make this season feel cozy and exciting.
One particularly special item is a traditional German advent calendar we received from friends. Each day Clara opens a tiny envelope or box filled with a small treat—doll accessories, candy, stickers, even colorful tissues. She’s been delighted with the daily surprise, and it’s a lovely daily ritual.
So that’s the latest on our holiday decorating and projects. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s been done and what’s still on the list:
set up the big tree (gradient, baby!)get a live tabletop tree again (like we did last year)decorate the mantel, the built-ins, and the entryway console- hang our outside lights & decorate the front porch
shoot a Christmas picture of Clara & Burger for our annual holiday cardmake an advent calendar for Clara? Ahh I’m behind already!- shop for and make gifts on our Christmas list (about 90% done)
We still haven’t hung the exterior lights or finished all the shopping and wrapping, but hopefully that will happen this weekend. What’s left on your holiday to-do list? What have you already crossed off? I love the satisfaction of drawing a line through completed tasks—anyone else find that oddly euphoric? If you’ve been working on a tabletop tree, homemade banners, or other handmade decor, I’d love to hear what you’ve been creating this season.
Update: Check our favorite holiday decor finds for budget-friendly ideas and inspiration—many options are under $15.