I’m one of those people who starts decorating for Christmas long before the turkey is carved or anyone has said their thanks. Let’s call it “Merry Thanksmas.”
This year, though, things are a little different. I’ve wanted to paint my kitchen cabinets white since I first moved in, but there always seemed to be another project, a hosting obligation, or simply poor timing. The truth is, there will never be a truly convenient time to tackle cabinet painting.
A couple of weeks ago, when my girls were sick and cabin fever set in, I needed a project to focus on. So I painted the kitchen cabinets—right before Thanksgiving, right before Christmas, and right before my girls’ birthdays. Instead of shopping and decorating, I found myself sanding, cleaning, taping walls, and replacing cabinet trim. In short: I may have lost my mind a little bit, but I’m thrilled with the change.
All of my Christmas decorations were still in the attic, but I did drag a new tree into the living room to calm the seasonal panic whenever a holiday song came on the radio. Setting up even a single tree makes everything feel more manageable.
Images from Instagram & Facebook
While I wait for the cabinets to dry, I wanted to share a bit of Christmas cheer from past seasons and some of my favorite decorating ideas—small traditions and easy projects that make the holidays feel special without requiring a full overhaul.
Back in 2013 I went all-out with tartan for a “Pretty in Plaid” holiday look. I loved the cozy, classic feel of tartan accents, and I plan to bring some of that back this year—plaid is timeless and so easy to layer in with pillows, ribbon, and throws.
Dining room chairs and DIY striped curtains were part of that look.
Last year I tried a more neutral palette and deliberately left most of the red behind. I still had a few small pops of color, but the focus was on texture—burlap, greenery, and soft metallic touches. Because I was preparing to welcome a baby, I broke the tour into room-by-room posts so sharing felt manageable instead of overwhelming.
A simple burlap mantel was one of my favorite easy, rustic touches.
One small project I loved was a framed chicken wire Christmas card holder. After the season ended, I cut the photos out of the cards and left them up year-round—those faces and memories are worth displaying long after the holidays.
I have a little sentimental tree filled with homemade ornaments, and this year I’ll need to find a new spot for it while the big tree takes center stage. Every year I try to add one or two new ornaments to my main tree—small updates that keep the tree feeling fresh.
Last year I decorated the kitchen for the first time, setting up a cozy coffee and hot cocoa station. Family recipes and familiar rituals—like my grandmother’s hot cocoa—make quick, homey additions to any holiday setup.
I also added a chalkboard stamp in the eat-in dining area and plan to hang a colorful advent calendar there this year. Fingers crossed the kids leave it alone long enough for us to enjoy it!
My dining room tree last year was rustic-glam with glittery accents, and I’ll likely keep that theme for consistency. I also enjoy making simple DIY garlands—last year I made a scrapbook-paper garland that resembled sheet music, and I have a new garland idea in mind for the flocked tree. DIY projects are a bit of a gamble, but when they work, they feel especially rewarding.
I rounded out the season by dressing the dining table and entryway with simple, natural accents—greens, candles, and a few sparkly touches. Those small vignettes set the tone for guests as soon as they enter the home.
My mom is helping me paint this morning, and I hope we’ll have time to decorate a bit before the full holiday tour goes live next Monday. There’s a lot to do, but little by little the house will come together.
Wish me luck—and if you’re juggling projects and holiday plans, know you’re not alone. Sometimes the best memories come from imperfect, busy, joyful homes.