Who doesn't love the glow of Christmas lights and a steaming cup of hot cocoa? Join me for the Christmas Nights Home Tour as I show off my home all lit up for the holidays!
This is the season to set down the frantic, rush-around-doing-everything pace and simply enjoy the holidays. I know my to-do list is nearly finished, so I'm ready to claim a spot on the couch, put on Elf, and sip some hot chocolate. I love these few days right before Christmas when things start to slow down and we settle in for the coming celebration of the newborn King.
Peace on Earth is how I want my home to feel at this time of year, and nothing says peaceful like a silent night and the glow of twinkle lights. So come join me as I sit by the tree and share some Christmas thoughts in the form of an interview.
I thought it would be fun to share some thoughts on decorating and Christmas as if we were sitting in my living room chatting. So I tried something a little different this year. I hope you don't mind.
Grab a cup of cocoa or cider, pull up a chair, and let's chat about all things Christmas.
Q: Do you decorate differently every year? What was the theme and inspiration behind this year’s decor?
I do try to mix things up each year, but I also reuse a ton of the old decor. Last year I did a deep purge of anything I hadn't used in a while and got rid of it. It was such a treat when I opened my Christmas decor this year and found only the things I truly loved. Then I totally changed my main tree this year, and I had a whole bin of tree decor that never got used.
I'll be clearing out what I didn't use this year as well, so I don't have too much unused clutter in storage. I love donating it all to the local thrift store so another family can use it next year!
This year I really challenged myself to use more neutrals in my Christmas decor, because I've fallen in love with neutrals. For the first time in my life, I didn't decorate with orange this fall, and I try to keep the red to a minimum at Christmas anyway. So the goal is lots of neutrals along with some unexpected colors like navy and pink!
I got the inspiration for my Flocked Farmhouse Christmas tree this year from Erin at Cotton Stem. Her tree last year had cotton stems and lamb's ear stems, and I just loved the look!
A Flocked Farmhouse Christmas Tree
Q: Where do you save and where do you splurge on holiday decor? Do you like to include any DIYs?
I try to save money whenever I can, so if I can make something for way less than I'd pay to buy it, I'll definitely tackle the DIY project. I especially like to save on large art, since it can be so pricey to buy. One example is the DIY large wooden art I have on my mantel right now. See my Farm Fresh Christmas Trees mantel right here!
Q: What’s your favorite holiday recipe?
I love hot chocolate and apple cider, but nothing beats a pan of fresh, homemade cinnamon rolls straight out of the oven. We eat them every Christmas morning, a tradition that's been around for decades because the recipe came from my great-grandmother.
Find the cinnamon roll recipe here!
Q: Do you have any favorite holiday traditions?
I'm sure I have more than I realize, and they just seem normal to me, but some of my favorites are going to church for the Christmas Eve service, giving the girls Christmas pajamas on Christmas Eve, eating cinnamon rolls and sausage balls on Christmas morning, and making Christmas cookies with my mom the week before Christmas.
We love watching Christmas movies all through December, too. So movie nights at home with the girls are a family favorite.
Q: Speaking of movies, what is your favorite holiday movie?
I love “Elf.” It's been my favorite for a long time, and it doesn't feel like Christmas until I've watched it. After that I'll watch “The Family Stone”, which I think I love because I come from a large family and I totally get all of the funny big-family dynamics. “Four Christmases” is hilarious and definitely one we watch every year. And “The Holiday” is one I like to watch by myself while wrapping gifts after everyone has gone to bed.
What are the top things on your Christmas list?
Oh, what I wouldn't give for a Roomba remote vacuum. LOL I literally have to sweep my floors twice a day to keep them clean with my 2-year-old. Not having to sweep all the time would be awesome!!
I really want these Sam Edelman riding boots. I've heard wonderful things about them, and I wear a lot of leggings and boots this time of year. I need a good-quality pair of boots.
And finally, this label maker would be awesome for quickly labeling my bins and baskets around the house. I'd love to be able to label all the things! (There is only one star review on the site, but several friends own this one and recommend it.)
What about you?
I'd love to hear about your favorite holiday traditions, favorite holiday movies, and what gifts are at the top of your list this year. Tell me all about it in the comments!
