This year, I wanted my Christmas decor to feel nostalgic — like the kind of home you’d want to curl up in with a blanket, a cup of cocoa, and a stack of old Christmas movies. I let go of the need for everything to be perfectly styled or magazine-ready and focused on creating a space that simply feels warm and lived in.
A Return to Nostalgia
Growing up, my favorite holiday memories weren’t about perfectly coordinated decorations — they were about the feeling. The soft glow of the tree lights at night, the sound of wrapping paper crinkling, the cozy clutter of stockings and gifts under the tree.
So this year, I leaned into that same sense of nostalgia. You’ll see classic red and green tones, gold accents, and timeless patterns — plaid ribbons, brass bells, and vintage-style ornaments that remind me of Christmases past.
Instead of aiming for perfection, I focused on layers:
- Cozy throws and pillows in warm textures
- Velvet bows tied on wreaths and garlands
- Candles flickering in every corner
- And little hints of whimsy (like my homemade paper chain garland)
The Imperfect, Cozy Home
There’s something so freeing about decorating without worrying if everything matches. The tree isn’t symmetrical. The ribbons are tied differently from branch to branch. And that’s exactly what makes it feel real — it’s a home that’s meant to be lived in.
The goal wasn’t to impress, but to create warmth — a home that invites you to sit down, stay awhile, and maybe even make a little mess while baking cookies.
I always say: a cozy home isn’t about perfection — it’s about the feeling you get when you walk in.
My Favorite Spaces This Year
Here are a few of my favorite corners from this year’s Christmas decor:
1. The Christmas Living Room: Classic, Layered, and Movie-Night Ready
The living room is where we spend the most time in December, so my goal was to make it feel like a classic Christmas scene without overwhelming the space. My viral twinkle Christmas tree is trimmed with layered ribbon, nostalgic paper chains, rich reds, and sparkling lights — the timeless combination that never goes out of style.
The mantel is decked with my favorite faux garland, stockings, and a few gathered pieces that look like they’ve been collected over the years. I also focused on creating that cozy nighttime glow we all crave this time of year: the fireplace crackling, table lamps on, twinkle lights reflecting off the windows. The result is a warm, inviting room that feels just right for holiday movies, hot cocoa, and quiet nights in.
3. The Christmas Office: Cozy, Charming, and Surprisingly Festive
I love decorating unexpected spaces for Christmas, and this year the office became a tiny magical corner of the house. This year’s tree is simple but charming — a little nostalgic, a little traditional, and just festive enough to brighten the space without feeling cluttered. The paper chain garland and ribbon accents tie it back to the rest of the house for a cohesive look.
The burl wood desk, the cozy electric stove heater, and my Santa mug make working from home feel extra special during the season. It’s a small room, but the warm lighting and layered details make it feel so cozy — like a quiet holiday nook tucked away just for me.
4. The Christmas Bedroom: Warm, Nostalgic, and Comforting
This year, our bedroom might be my favorite space in the whole house. I wanted it to feel warm, nostalgic, and deeply cozy — the kind of room that reminds you of childhood Christmas mornings but in a grown-up, collected way. The burgundy walls already bring so much mood, so I leaned into it with soft textures, creamy bedding, and a simple wreath above the headboard.
The handmade paper chain garland is one of my favorite additions. It’s imperfect, charming, and instantly sets a nostalgic tone. The wreath above the bed. Add in the velvet bench, layered pillows, and a little tartan throw, and the whole room feels like a cozy holiday retreat where the pressure to be “perfect” melts away. Just warm, lived-in Christmas comfort.
Shop My Christmas Decor
I’ve linked everything I used this year — from my tree to ribbons, ornaments, candles, and throw blankets — so you can recreate this nostalgic, traditional look in your own home.
You’ll find everything linked below and my Amazon Storefront.
Linked: Twinkling tree, brass bells, plaid ribbons, vintage ornaments, cozy throws, Philips Hue bulbs, and more.
Final Thoughts
This year taught me that cozy, nostalgic decor doesn’t need to be perfect to be beautiful. The little imperfections — a ribbon that’s slightly uneven or a candle that drips — are exactly what make it feel real.
It’s a reminder that our homes aren’t meant to be staged… they’re meant to be lived in.
So here’s to a Christmas that feels warm, inviting, and full of love — just the way it should.
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