Even though it’s technically less than 4 hours away until the start of a brand new year, I figured it was better late than never to take you on a tour of our home this holiday season. After all, I’m one of those people that keeps my Christmas decor up at least through first week of January, so I think I’m still in the clear.
If I’m being totally honest, I felt a little late to the Christmas game this season. With starting a new job just before Thanksgiving, the craziness of the holidays came at me full force and I never quite felt like I got a good grip on it this year.
However, that didn’t stop me from decking the halls in the usual fashion here at home.
Through our main hallway, is our family’s Advent wreath and Willow Tree nativity scene. This is always the very first thing I set out for the Christmas season. I was able to find this vintage-inspired wooden Silent Night sign at Hobby Lobby, and I felt it anchored this space quite nicely.
We spend the most time together this time of year in our family room, gathered around our Christmas tree. The glow of the lights is hard to resist.
I added some faux garland and white twinkling lights to our fireplace mantle, along with stocking holders that spell out P-E-A-C-E…something this world needs now more than ever.
In lieu of the tragic event that occurred here in the Waukesha holiday parade just before Christmas, I purchased this beautiful dove print from a local artist and Instagram friend of mine, Melissa from @housefenway. All proceeds were donated to the United of Waukesha Community Fund set up for the victims by the United Way.
The Christmas dove is a sign of peace and strength through some of the most darkest times. It was comforting as prominent reminder for such a time as this.
I was also able to add some of my favorite vintage finds in this room as well this year.
The red mitten garland and little sledding boy cutouts are perfect pops of color for the season.
And new this year, I was able to find a few vintage tape tins that I set out to add some festive flair. As you can see…our countdown to Christmas has officially ended! It came and went so quickly.
The kitchen this year had a playful Gingerbread baking vibe…
I was inspired by these adorable little gingerbread cookie display pieces I found while out antiquing.
I think this is my favorite display in our kitchen currently, and all it took was a few battery operated twinkle lights and some faux snow!
Along with the vintage coffee tins displayed in our coffee nook, I also found some really unique 12 Days of Christmas tumbler glasses that I turned into votives. They were just too pretty to drink out of.
Around the corner, our dining room also gave me a chance to feature some of my favorite vintage glasses, with snowy village scenes.
A smaller tree alongside our dining sideboard is decorated with a traditional popcorn and berry garland, and some snowflake and gingerbread ornaments.
Our dining hutch seemed like the perfect spot to place our hot cocoa bar this season, complete with marshmallows and and all the toppings.
I found some beautiful little vintage Putz houses too this year; I’d really like to start collecting more of them for display at Christmas. I love the way they sparkle.
And of course, my favorite sentimental items also found a way back into our decor. These are some of my most precious keepsake photos of my kids from when they were really little at Christmas.
These singing angels set in my office are from Hallmark, and I love how they represent each of my kids so perfectly. They still sing in unison and are a lot of fun to play with each year.
The hand print reindeer frame was a gift from my mom many years ago – she secretly works with my kids each year to gift me something especially meaningful – and I have many treasured items as a result of this tradition.
I think that’s what hit me the most this season….despite the fact that things felt rushed and often times downright “non-Christmasy”…I tried to focus on my family and what really matters, more than having it all together this time of year. Let’s face it, most of us don’t, and never will, and that’s ok.
It’s being in the moment that counts. I pray that you all had a holiday season that was full of those kinds of moments. And that your new year ahead in 2022 has many more to come!
Merry ‘belated’ Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you!
The warmth of your home and your writing invites one to come and rest!
I love all your decor Katie….always so cozy. My favorite “take-away” from your post is the comment, “I tried to focus on my family and what really matters, more than having it all together this time of year. Let’s face it, most of us don’t, and never will, and that’s ok.” This is so true…..this year and every year. I remember when you and your brother and sister were younger and home….you always loved Christmas…..not because of the gifts but because of the traditions and the love that surrounded us all. Love ya lots Sweetie:-)