Whether you find it easy or a little more difficult to get into the Christmas spirit, here are seven simple, joyful ways to bring the holiday magic into your home. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year — I hope these ideas help you enjoy it to the fullest.
My Magnolia Wreath Christmas Home Tour // “O Come Let Us Adore Him” from Gracelaced (no longer available)
I adore the holidays, but I don’t love trying to squeeze everything into the final frantic days of the season. That’s why I start preparing a bit earlier than most — often in November — so gift buying, wrapping, and decorating are mostly done before December arrives. When the month begins, I want to spend my time making memories with family instead of rushing through to-dos.
For our family, the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are especially joyful — both of my daughters have birthdays during that span — so we lean into gratitude, giving, and celebration. Whether you prefer to wait to fully celebrate until after Thanksgiving or begin now, I hope these seven ideas inspire you to get into the Christmas spirit in a relaxed, meaningful way.
Christmas Nights Candlelight Tour
Below are seven approachable ways to invite holiday warmth into your home — from music and lights to simple decorating swaps and intentional planning.
7 Ways to Get in the Christmas Spirit
1. Listen to Christmas Music
Music sets the tone more than almost anything. I start playing holiday tunes early because the right playlist brings instant cheer and nostalgia. If you’re looking for a ready-made mix, try my Christmas playlist on Spotify — my family listens to it every morning on our way out the door. Whether you prefer classic carols, jazzy instrumentals, or modern holiday pop, a curated soundtrack will lift your spirits daily.
2. Hang Seasonal Art
Swapping a few prints or framed pieces for the season is an easy, affordable way to refresh decor. I love using free printable art for quick, festive updates — they’re perfect for mantel displays, entryways, or gallery walls. I’ve created a variety of printable options so you can choose the styles that suit your home.
Access all the free Christmas printables here
3. Bring Out Plaid and Cozy Textiles
Layering blankets, pillows, and woven baskets instantly increases warmth and texture. Plaid and buffalo check patterns are classic choices that add a cozy, wintery feel without much effort. Small swaps — a new throw, a patterned pillow, or a textured runner — can make rooms feel ready for the season.
4. Make a Gift List and Check It Off
Thinking about others opens the heart and brings the holiday spirit into focus. I keep a simple spreadsheet to track gifts — who it’s for, ideas, and whether it’s purchased and wrapped. Setting a goal to finish shopping and wrapping early reduces stress and ensures you’ll have time for the things that matter most.
Our Gift Guides are a great resource for finding thoughtful presents for everyone on your list.
5. Schedule DIY Projects, Crafts, and Baking
Plan time for the activities that make the season special: baking cookies, building gingerbread houses, or crafting teacher gifts. Use a calendar or a holiday planner to schedule baking days, craft sessions, and decorating times. Having supplies on hand and dates set will reduce last-minute stress and ensure you actually enjoy these moments with family.
We use a Holiday Planner to map out baking, gift planning, and events — it helps keep everything organized and joyful.
6. Put Up the Lights
Twinkle lights instantly change the mood of a room. Put your tree up early, string the lights, and enjoy the warm glow — even before the ornaments go on. Pair it with a cup of hot chocolate and cozy blankets for relaxing evenings that feel like a holiday movie scene. Properly placed lights can make your tree glow and create a peaceful nightly ritual.
How to string lights so your Christmas tree truly glows
7. Plan Your Holiday Decor and Theme
You don’t need to overhaul everything every year. Keep a few core pieces like trees and large decor items, then refresh with a couple of new accents — a new tree collar, stems, twigs, or berries can make a big impact. I keep one kid-friendly colorful tree and another more neutral, elegant tree. A few thoughtful swaps will make your space feel new without a full redo.
I also add new finds to my Christmas Decor Shop as I discover them — it’s fun to browse and pick one or two items each year that keep the look fresh.
To recap, simple ways to get in the holiday mood include:
- Crank up festive music
- Decorate with seasonal art and printables
- Layer plaid and cozy textiles
- Make a gift list and check items off
- Plan crafting and baking sessions
- String warm twinkle lights
- Plan a cohesive decor theme with a few new accents
Wishing you happy holiday dreaming, planning, and preparing. I’d love to hear what traditions or plans help you get into the Christmas spirit!
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- 50 Festive Free Christmas Printables for Your Home