Welcome to my home and this year’s Christmas Tour!

Welcome, welcome all, …come in! I went for a rustic, cottage vibe this year. Truly, whatever made me feel warm inside is what I did. After the year we’ve all had, I wasn’t interested in whatever was trending…I really just wanted to feel cozy at the end of the day. Here’s a peak at the most coveted seat in the house. We all take turns sitting here ( chair pictured above).

This is the Mantle and our upstairs sitting area. I shared this space in detail a few weeks back. For more details on the mantle, please click here. Aside from the kitchen, this is the most lived in space in our home. Norah plays here, we watch cartoons here, we entertain (pre-Covid19) here… it’s the catch all, for all things. So, I always decorate with all of that in mind. I usually have a ton of pillows that can serve for extra seating if needed, cozy throws, and lots of candles.

More than beautiful spaces, I want our home to be a place that cultivates moments for our family. I want our family to pause and absorb the present and each other. To create traditions, to laugh, to grow together, to do the hard work of family. To press into our relationship with God and the gift of this season.

In each space, I try to keep these key questions in mind – What are the needs of our family? What will help us press in and look up? What will help us to settle into our days and our rhythms?

It was also important to me that Norah feels comfortable in our small home. I don’t want her growing up feeling like she can’t touch the things around her. She helps me in each space and has taught me so much about the true beauty of imperfection…and how in the imperfect, I’m finding the freedom I’ve always craved.

So, as I press into this – Little Women, Pride and Prejudice and Charles Dickens – hybrid Christmas, I’m grateful for two lessons.

First, I can do whatever I want in my own home. How is this a revelation to me? Well, to this people pleaser, I still get caught up in what others think and the desire for their approval.

Second, I much prefer a messy kitchen full of laughter to a stressed out room that’s in perfect order. So, although these moments are tidy and shiny, they hardly ever happen. More times than not, pillows are all over, the sink is full of dishes and pets are comfy, at peace, and snoring.

I’ve loved sharing my home with you this season!

I hope that it inspires you, as you celebrate with your people…

Blessings to You & Yours!