Preparing our Hearts + Home this Holiday Season

As soon as December arrives, it feels like Christmas comes rushing in with a burst of energy — decorating, shopping, planning, running from one thing to the next. But over the years, I’ve learned the beauty of slowing down and intentionally preparing not only our home, but also our hearts for the holiday season.

This year, I felt especially drawn to create a feeling of calm and peace in our home. Instead of filling every corner with Christmas decor, I wanted to be purposeful — choosing what truly brings joy, warmth, and meaning to our family.

Slowing Down the Holiday Season

Some years, decorating for Christmas felt like a race against the clock. But the older my kids get, the more I realize how quickly the seasons change. I don’t want to rush through this one with a to-do list guiding my pace.

So this December, I gave myself permission to slow down. To choose ease over perfection. To stop worrying about having every room decorated, and instead focus on creating a home that feels peaceful — a place where we can breathe, gather, and simply enjoy being together.

Simple Christmas Decorating That Feels Meaningful

When I opened the holiday bins this year, I pulled out only the pieces that sparked something in me — warmth, memory, or a simple smile. Instead of trying to reinvent my decor, I placed familiar pieces in spots that felt natural.

Here are some of the simple touches that helped ground our home in calm this year:

• Greenery first: Fresh or faux, greenery adds instant warmth without clutter.
• Warm ambient lighting: Candles and soft twinkle lights make every corner feel cozy.
• Natural textures: Wood, woven baskets, vintage pieces — they bring quiet character.
• Meaningful pieces only: If it doesn’t add joy, it doesn’t get displayed.

Less decor can actually feel more festive when it supports a peaceful atmosphere.

Preparing Our Hearts for the Holidays Too

As much as preparing our home helps set the tone, preparing our hearts has an even deeper impact. For me, this means making space for:

• quiet evenings
• intentional time with the kids
• family traditions that have stood the test of time
• rest (yes, even during the holidays!)

Instead of squeezing in one more activity, we’ve learned to protect the things that actually bring us closer together — baking cookies, watching Christmas movies, gathering around the fire, or simply sharing a slow morning with nowhere to rush.

These are the moments my kids remember. Not how many garlands I hung or how perfectly the mantel was styled.

Letting Go of Holiday Pressure

It’s easy to feel the weight of comparison — social media, magazine spreads, endless inspiration. But the real warmth of Christmas doesn’t come from a home that looks perfect. It comes from a home that feels welcoming, calm, and lived in.

If decorating every room brings you joy, do it wholeheartedly. And if keeping things simple feels right this year, that’s beautiful too. There’s no wrong way to prepare your home for the holidays — as long as it brings peace to you and the people you love.

A Season of Intentional Joy

As we move through December, I’m reminding myself daily that preparing our home is just one small part of the season. Preparing our hearts — for joy, kindness, generosity, and togetherness — is the part that matters most.

I hope this season brings you quiet moments of peace, unexpected pockets of joy, and a home that feels like a soft place to land at the end of each day.

Merry Christmas, friends. May your home and your heart be filled with warmth this holiday season.