Take a cozy tour of our small townhouse, dressed in nostalgic Christmas decorations—full of bright colors and treasured memories.
Hi, Sweet Friends — come on in! After a week of dreary, rainy weather, the sky cleared and sunshine returned, so I grabbed my camera and took pictures of our little townhouse all decorated for Christmas.
I love sharing these photos because many of you enjoy holiday decorating ideas, and because photographing our Christmas each year has become part of our family story. The photos help us remember what changes from year to year and what stays the same.
Over the years I’ve also collected posts about decorating, including tips for choosing a Christmas tree and budget-friendly Christmas decorating ideas. This year I combined two traditions — a home tour and our Christmas card family update — so if a little holiday peek feels like a card from us, that’s the idea.
Nostalgic Christmas Decorations in the Living Room
Soon after my husband and I became engaged, we sought advice from happily married couples. One piece of wisdom that stayed with us was, “Prepare for the empty nest even before you have kids. One day it will be just the two of you, and you’ll want to enjoy being together.”
So in a way we’ve been preparing for this year for decades—this will be our first truly “empty nest Christmas” after 34 years of marriage. We did enjoy a lovely July visit when we got to see all of our kids and spend time with our granddaughter, and we’re grateful for those memories.
This holiday season we’re not planning to sit quietly and mourn the change. Instead we’re crafting new traditions, leaning into the joy of the season, and surrounding ourselves with familiar ornaments and lights that bring comfort and cheer.
Christmas Decorations for Bookshelves
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Christmas angels and a kissing Santa & Mrs. Claus—pieces that remind me of childhood. -
The little Christmas mice belonged to my mom; the china is my Grandma’s. -
You can make a TV look like a framed piece of art by displaying rotating YouTube art videos. -
Stack old books to create a simple, creative Christmas tree display on a shelf.
This year’s theme is nostalgic and cheerful. We pulled out our favorite decorations collected over the years and arranged them where they feel right. It’s the comfortable, familiar way we decorate—what some call a little “Coastal Grandmother” style—soft, layered, and sentimental.
Christmas in the Dining Room
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Our small faux tree is dressed in cheerful red, white, and gold. -
The shelves above the buffet are perfect for a tiny Christmas village or a few treasured figurines.
Because our townhouse has one main living space, the Christmas tree sits between the living and dining areas, sharing its glow with both rooms. We’ve also brought back Grandma’s angel chimes now that we found candles that fit—another small joy that sparks memories.
Watch our Holiday Home Tour
I recorded a short video tour of our decorated home and included a little family update. If you enjoy a virtual stroll through holiday details and a peek at our seasonal touches, the video captures the feel of our cozy, nostalgic Christmas.
Merry Christmas from our home to yours!
More Christmas Decorations Articles:
- Hygge Christmas decor
- Vintage Christmas prints (that work as wall art all winter)
- Christmas color scheme ideas
- Christmas dinner table decor ideas
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