All my life, I’ve loved decorating my home. I come from a long line of women who take home décor very seriously - and the holidays are no exception.
If you ask me, there’s really only one redeeming quality about Halloween (besides the endless supply of Reese’s Pieces): the very next day, it’s officially Christmas time! While some might call it controversial, I have a good reason for jumping in early. With multiple trees, themed rooms, and two stories to decorate, it takes me a couple of weeks to get everything just right.
But it’s not just about unpacking bins of décor - it’s about the tradition and meaning woven into each piece. Some items are HomeGoods finds, others are treasures I’ve carried with me since I first moved out on my own, and many are antique pieces passed down through generations. Mixing them together is like telling a story. Every wall, every shelf, every tree...they all hold a memory.
One of our family traditions is collecting Christmas ornaments from every place we visit. While I may keep a careful eye on how each room looks, our family tree is the one place my type A personality loosens its grip (well…mostly). That tree is a true collage of our life: a Mexican fighting mask next to a picture of the Savior, a tiny hand-knit Swiss sweater under an iguana, homemade ornaments alongside glittering souvenirs.
It may not be the best example of Feng Shui, but I can’t imagine anything more beautiful. That tree tells our story - the laughter, the memories, the hands that made each keepsake, the silliness and the reverence of it all. It is our tree, and that’s what makes it irreplaceable.
This year, I also embraced a non-traditional tablescape, layering warm candlelight with soft pinks and fresh cut greens, rattan napkin holders, and delicate sprigs of baby’s breath. A reminder that Christmas doesn’t have to follow the rules, it can be a blank canvas for artistry and creativity.
So how can you weave your story into your home this Christmas? Here are my top five tips to help you get started.
1. Give Yourself Time to Create
Don’t wait until the first week of December — transforming a space takes time. Starting early lets you enjoy the process instead of feeling rushed or enjoying it for only a short time!
2. Mix Old and New
Blend fresh finds with heirlooms and sentimental pieces. The magic happens when stories and style come together.
3. Embrace All the Looks
Who says you must pick just one? From elegant neutrals to playful color pops, each room can have its own theme - from traditional green and red, Santas and snowmen, Candy Cane Lane, woodsy, Nativity, the ideas can be endless!
4. Make it Personal
In our household, each child receives a new ornament each year that reflects his or her current interests. This is a special tradition for them so that when it is time for each of our kids to leave on their own, they will already have some wonderful ornaments and memories to fill their own trees!
5. Focus on the Feeling
At the end of the day, it’s not about perfection — it’s about how your space makes people feel. Aim for warmth, joy, and connection. The glow of laughter around the tree will always outshine perfect placement. And personally, white lights hits this tip every.single.time!