Stress-Free Christmas Decorating for a Warm, Welcoming Home
The secret to stress-free Christmas decorating is to keep it simple. Tell yourself whatever you do will be enough. The point is that it commemorates the birth of Christ, in a simple stable.
It’s a time for family gatherings and focusing on your loved ones. Here are my six tips for stress-free Christmas decorating. But again, if you find joy in overhauling your home with festive Christmas decor, that is absolutely fine/wonderful too.
Six Stress-Free Christmas Decorating Tips
A Simple Manger Scene
I brought this hand-made manger scene in my carry-on back from Provence in October. They have been made of clay by a family for generations in Gordes, France. The shop owner said that Jesus is attached to the cradle as too many people would lose the baby.
Check out Etsy for Manger Scenes.
Faux Pre-lit Christmas Tree
I was always opposed to a fake tree, but three years ago, life got easier with this easy to assemble, pre-lit tree from King of Christmas. We have 10′ ceilings so I got the 9′ tree. If you have 8′ ceilings, get the 7′.
We may or may not decorate the upper branches once our kids get here next weekend (as we have a 16 month old busy boy coming).
Fresh Greenery In A Vase
This arrangement from Trader Joe’s is comprised of two bunches of pine mix, one bunch of magnolia leaves and one bunch of berries.
Fresh Sprigs on the Stockings
Simple idea: I took a few sprigs from the Trader Joe’s bouquet and tied them on some of the stockings with dried oranges slices and cinnamon from Amazon. I also made dried citrus for the mantel here.
Shop Our Living Room here:
Choose One Focal Point Window To Embellish
This faux garland and wreath is a few years old and still looks good.
Use Coordinating Holiday Wrapping For A Calm Effect
I like the Sugar Paper line at Target. You can order on line and pick it up. Another tip is to wrap gifts as you get them so that it’s not an overwhelming job. I usually have a Christmas movie on in the background while wrapping.
One more thing that I decided to do for less stress since we will have two dogs here for Christmas… is to buy two linen quilted sofa covers from West Elm. They are nice material and are reversible.
That’s my minimal stress Christmas decor!
Some Things I’m Loving
Hi Mary Ann, I love your decor. Everything looks so warm and inviting! You do such a beautiful job on holiday decorating! Simple yet elegant. Enjoy this time with your family and thank you for inspiring me. Wishing you all the best this holiday season.
Merry Christmas, Diane.
I had a 12 foot King of Christmas tree years ago before we moved to a smaller house. It had the spaced branches like yours. I loved it because I could actually hang all my vintage glass ornaments all along the branches. I love yours. Enjoy your family and have a blessed Christmas.
That’s why I like ours too!
We use a faux tree as well. We travel every Christmas to my in-laws so it made no sense to buy $ one every year. I decorate with a few treasured ornaments and framed pictures of past Christmas cards. Oh and the ornaments my boys made in school. A few fresh greens for Trader Joes or other nearby suppliers. I like the idea of matching wrapping paper or at least coordinating.
Sounds like you will have a house full of love and laughter. Merry Christmas!
Cristi, we are on the same page with the Trader Joe’s greens.
Hi Mary Ann,
I love everything you created, simple and just elegant and beautiful. Your kitchen window is inviting. that was not easy to put up, wow.
Your tree is a standout in your living room. Pretty.
Thanks, Katherine.
Lovely and simple. Thanks for inspiring us.
Thanks, Linda. Merry Christmas!
I always love your decorating ideas Mary Ann! We decided to simplify this year as well and donate all our unused Christmas decor (before I changed my mind) lol. My olive wood nativity which comes from Bethlehem is the center of attention on our mantel surrounded by greenery and twinkle lights. I also have a few treasured pieces scattered around the living and dining room.. I’m amazed at how calming it can be to rid myself of all the clutter.
We gave some decor away too. That nativity scene sounds amazing.