(A birthday post from a mom who loves cozy, simple Christmas)

It’s my birthday today and every year around this time I feel the same thing: deep gratitude for the life I get to live and the simple traditions that make our home feel warm and cozy in the midst of the busiest time of the year. 

I used to want perfection, but the older I get I realize I don’t need “perfect.” I just want cozy, connected, simple and Christ-centered. Here are a few Christmas rhythms that make me smile—easy, meaningful, simple and totally do-able with my husband and growing kids (9, 11, and 13) and real life in the mix.

1) We decorate early and slowly (on purpose)

I used to decorate the house from top to bottom in a day or two. But for the last few years I want to enjoy decorating and I want it to be simple, warm and cozy. Brett Eldredge has a Christmas song called Warm and Cozy, and that’s what I want: warm and cozy with my family. We don’t do everything in a day. One cozy corner at a time: a wreath here, a candle there, blankets, pillows and then a tree when we’re ready. The goal isn’t Pinterest; it’s peace. The kids help decorate a couple of trees (imperfectly and wonderfully), Jimmy handles lights, and I add simple touches—blankets, a nativity, small little decorations and twinkle glow.

“Christmas doesn’t have to happen in a day—let it unfold in cozy moments.”

2) Morning lights + a quiet heart

My favorite: early devotions with the tree lit and the kitchen lights off. Thirty quiet minutes with God before the day begins anchors everything. (Coffee or my morning energy drink helps, too). My workout in peace starts my day in the right way. 

3) Christmas mugs & simple breakfasts

We pull out our Christmas mugs and keep breakfast easy: muffins from the freezer, egg bites or sheet-pan pancakes. Growing kids = always hungry, so simple + hearty wins. It’s not fancy, it’s us. Little fun touches of Christmas makes the day brighter and fun. 

4) Hallmark/GAC nights + snack boards, popcorn or hot cocoa

We pile on blankets, put a movie on and sometimes we build a “coffee table dinner”—fruit, crackers, cheese, veggies, something sweet. Zero stress, all together. The kids love it, and honestly, so do we. I love just snuggling with Jim and the kids watching Christmas movies. 

5) Serving together (small and local)

We look for one or two ways to give—church outreach, blessing a family or simple kindness like baking for neighbors. The conversation around why we give is part of the memory.

6) Faith at the center

We read sections of Luke 2 through the month, light a candle at dinner and talk about hope and gratitude. It doesn’t look perfect. It looks like a family.

7) Kid-made gifts & tiny businesses

The kids love creating—jewelry, baked goods, handmade gifts. It’s learning, generosity, and ownership all wrapped together (and it saves last-minute shopping stress).

8) A few “big” thing, lots of little moments

We pick 1-3 Christmas outings (festival, lights or holiday market) and keep the rest simple: nature walks, hot cocoa drives to see neighborhood lights or a puzzle by the tree. Less planning, more presence. It’s not just me who loves simple things, but my family does too. 

A birthday reminder (to me and maybe to you)

I’m not trying to be the mom who does it all. I’m choosing to be the mom who’s present. The house won’t be perfect, but the memories will be real—and that’s what I’ll remember next year on my birthday.

Friend, your Christmas can be simple and still be beautiful.
Choose a few gentle rhythms, release the pressure and let your home feel like a soft place to land.

If your holidays are already filling up and you want a calmer plan for your home, meals and rhythms, The Simplified Home Course will walk with you—step by step, personalized to your season. Because peace doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from intention.
Start your reset today with The Simplified Home ➡️Here

Love and Support,