Crank up “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer” and pour yourself a glass of eggnog—here are our festive photos and a few holiday notes from our home. First up, the tree. You might remember that we originally set it up in the office during our first year here. It looked lovely in front of the bay window, but this year we tried a new spot and like it even more.
Moving the tree back into the living room made Christmas morning feel cozier and more relaxed than wrapping it into a workspace. The glow of the lights, the way they reflect in the windows, and the soft pile of ornaments all add up to that special seasonal vibe that actually makes the room feel like the place to open gifts.
We’ve stopped trying to force a single color scheme and instead embrace a collection of ornaments that mean something to us. The result is a joyful, slightly eclectic tree covered in shiny baubles and glittering favorites. There’s a popsicle-stick Rudolph, a tiny sweater-clad chihuahua, and yes, an actual burger ornament—because every tree deserves at least one quirky piece.
Some of my favorite decorations are the handmade ones. For example, we have silhouette ornaments of the kids—C’s on the left and T’s on the right—and tiny round ornaments with their handprints from when they were small enough to fit. Those personal touches bring more warmth than anything bought off a shelf.
The mantel this year is intentionally simple—clean lines with a few festive accents so it feels cheerful but not fussy. Ceramic houses sit beside small decorative trees, and familiar snowflake stockings hang in a row. I added tiny elephant chains to the stockings for a playful touch; they instantly made Clara and Teddy more intrigued by their stockings and eager to see what’s inside.
In the foyer, our console table features Old Faithful, the feather tree I keep reaching for year after year. A glass cloche filled with ornaments makes for a quick, shimmering display that feels thoughtful without taking much time to assemble.
Also back this year: Christmas Moose, stationed by the front door and ready to greet visitors. We taped holiday cards to the nearby coat closet using thin navy ribbon looped over the door, which is a simple and effective way to display cards as they arrive. A small practical tip: leave extra ribbon behind the door where you secure it with tape so you can release that section to lower the front portion and make room for more cards as they come in.
Our outdoor decorations didn’t change much this year, aside from one charming addition that made us laugh: a pair of rubber boots placed near a small fir. Yes, it’s a pun on boots with the fir, and we’re ridiculously proud of it. I rescued these boots secondhand for a few dollars; because they’re rubber they’re fine outdoors and the awning keeps them from filling with water or unwanted critters.
I also shared a magnolia wreath I made after a weekend trip to a nearby vineyard where they host a wine-and-wreath workshop. We made little leaf bunches, wired them onto a form, and clamped the wreath closed—it’s a satisfying, hands-on project that yields a glossy, natural wreath perfect for the season. It looks especially pretty during the day when the magnolia leaves catch the light.
For a simple, personal gift idea, we picked up black-and-white mug kits that include porcelain pens. Clara had a blast doodling reindeer and skinny triangle trees on mugs for her coffee-loving grandmas, and the finished mugs make memorable keepsakes that feel handmade and heartfelt.
We’re enjoying our first Christmas in a finished living room and taking extra pleasure in the little traditions that have grown around our home over the years. Looking back at photos from previous seasons—half-finished projects, small rugs, and tiny toddlers—reminds me how fast time moves. One year later, the room feels complete and the kids look noticeably bigger. It’s bittersweet and joyful all at once.
This year we’re keeping celebrations a bit low-key while some major home projects continue, but we’re looking forward to sharing those updates when they’re further along. Until then, we wish you a safe, happy holiday season and a fantastic start to the new year. Here’s to family, food, fun, and a little silliness—boots with the fir, anyone?
*Some links and product mentions from past posts were referenced for context.*
