Just in case I hadn’t mentioned it yet?
I’m so happy you are here.
Truly.
Happier than the time I found an entire congregation of tiny paper birds with glitter wings on sale after Christmas for $0.19 each.
Happier than the time I found a blue and white pattern that matches with everything.
Happier than the time I fixed this giant mistake.
And that’s happy with sprinkles on top.
Maybe I’m extra happy because I just finished Christmas decorating in the kitchen and family room.
Usually, I’m done decking the halls before the jack-o’-lanterns are finished twinkling.
But this year?
It’s taken me a bit longer.
And here’s why.
I’m not sure what it is about this Christmas, but I think it’s my favorite so far.
Maybe it’s because it hasn’t taken itself too seriously, yet.
I know this might seem almost unbelievable to you…
…but I can go a bit overboard at times.
(I see you laughing over there behind the rim of your coffee cup)
There was the year of the 28 Christmas trees.
And the year I color coordinated every room with matching window decorations.
The year the outdoor reindeer wore ugly Christmas sweaters and coordinating red noses.
And let’s not forget the year I made my own monogrammed paper and wrapped the presents with burlap ribbon I wrote carols on.
Or the year I decided we needed a wreath on every single window on every single story of our house.
Or the year I invited the entire church over to our house that evening from the choir loft.
They were all great years.
Each and every one.
But this year stands apart.
This is the year I relaxed.
I know that might seem like an oxymoron to introduce relaxation in the middle of a post about decorating, but it’s true.
I’ve taken each day as it comes along.
I’ve hosted an entire dinner party with pre-made soups instead of stressing about trying to be a Christmas chef.
I’ve made the sweetest ornaments in five minutes.
I’ve decorated with handmade things.
I’ve taken drives to look at Christmas lights.
I’ve used what I had and made a bow for my mantel from a tablecloth.
I’ve sung Christmas carols at the top of my lungs and danced in the middle of the aisles at Hobby Lobby and sat in the quiet with coffee and twinkling lights, painting gingerbread bags.
And in the middle of all that simplicity and handmade and coffee and pausing, something amazing happened.
Fun showed up instead of stress.
I know, right?
Can you even believe it?
All this slowing down helped me remember what is truly important.
What I adore.
What will be there after the tinsel and ornaments and trees and stockings and reindeer with Christmas sweaters are gone.
So this Christmas season I want to press pause and remember all the incredible bluessing I have.
This season, I’m so thankful for:
Six cups of coffee in Santa mugs.
Five mornings full of Christmas carols playing throughout the house.
Four laughing (kind of grown-up) children.
Three cold noses from watching the Christmas parade.
Two twinkling eyes.
And joy in a pear tree. 🙂
PS I hope your Christmas season is full of all the blessings and joy the season can bring.
And that you press pause on all the busy (even for just a moment)….
….to enjoy it.
What a wonderful story to read first thing this morning! It says so much more than even said. Thank you for your inspiration once again.
The prettiest Christmas decorations I’ve seen online. God bless
KariAnne, thank you for this Christmas blessing. You inspire me. I want to wish you and your family a blessed and joyful Christmas. You’re right, pressing pause (often) is a good idea. When we pause, it gives us an opportunity to remember our Lord and Savior. 🤗💕
I love this! I'm trying to relax this year also. So far so good! I love hearing about your other Christmas experiences. I can so see that!😂
I thought you were embracing the Ralph Lauren look this Christmas?
Yes I thought so too.... I was wondering how that was going and was looking forward to seeing the results if you decided to go for that. Merry Christmas!
This is the back of the house! I always decorate this neutral! Ralph Lauren is the front of the house!!!!
Merry Christmas and a Wonderful 2026 to you and your family. May the blessings be merry and the troubles be few.
Merriest of Christmas and the biggest blessing for a Happy New Year! May your stories be plentiful, the joy overflowing and you feel the love all year long!!
A very Merry Christmas and Healthy Happy New Year to you and your family
What a sweet reminder. And how did you know I was drinking coffee?
Love this post! You are so loved by your readers everything you do and share is always so uplifting and fun! I too have slowed down this Christmas and enjoyed more moments with family, making homemade gifts, singing along to Christmas music, attended multiple grandkids performances and truly felt the spirit more. 🥰 Thank you Karianne for always being you! Hugs and Merry Christmas 🎄
A good lesson to learn! The holidays can be busy and full without being stressful. It is a time to spend with family and friends and should be relaxed. I enjoy reflecting on the year that has passed and looking forward to the new one coming. Happiest of Christmases to amazing you and your wonderful family and the best of wishes for the New Year!
Merry Christmas KariAnne! laura Everyday Edits
Merriest sweet blessing Christmas to you and yours, friend! I love that you are slowly moving through the season enjoying each day and focusing on the Greatest Gift of all...the Lord Jesus' birth! Our focus is the same, AND we are also awaiting the birth of our grandson any day! Our plans are all in flux, we are on call 24/7, my daughter and I are "nesting" like crazy, and we are SO EXCITED!!!
Yay! The best advice ever. I came to your conclusion decades ago. Probably when I was your age. Now, I make sure my shopping, decorating, and a lot of my baking is done (and in the freezer) before the first of December 1, so I can "take every day as it comes." If someone wants to go to lunch or a Christmas play, parade or concert, I'm ready, and if no one calls, I'll just go by myself. Every year there are people who are celebrating Christmas while grieving or going thru an unusually difficult time. I lost my husband of 54 years last year and I discovered a new Christmas song that fits the title of your post perfectly: "If Christmas Hits Different this Year" by Toby Mac. Check it out if Christmas is different this year for you.
What a great and wonderful thing to say. It's so true we need to sit and enjoy all of what Christmas is about. You have a wonderful time with your family and singing all the Christmas songs you like, hugs!
Thank you for your beautiful message. I've really struggled with this world this past year. I'm praying for peace and a better year ahead.
Your the best What a great way to reflect and your right! Thanks KariAnn as always, your an inspiration 😍
I decided that I would slow down this year as well and I'm enjoying the holiday more than ever. Could it be "maturity" or the realization that what really counts is all the good things (family, friends, the true meaning of Christmas)? I also wanted to thank you for the DIY of the painted and baking soda dipped ornaments. I made one for each family member and they love them. Karen B.
Your house is beautiful, but what I appreciated even more was your perspective! I needed to hear that today. Thank you for sharing. Valerie M.
Thank You. You have brought a happy and joyful light into my life. Best wishes and blessings always. Big Hugs
Now this is next level!! "And let’s not forget the year I made my own monogrammed paper and wrapped the presents with burlap ribbon I wrote carols " It is this type of gifted genius we hope for and relish. A level to strive for! I made white chocolate peppermint sprinkle pretzel rods for some family that has had a rough patch and was nervous with a new project but thought of you and rose to the occasion. Thanks for the sleighride you imagine and fashion!!
Wonderful blog! If you didn’t tell us your age, it is completely clear between the lines. You are in your forties!! There is something about the forties where we women come into our own characters. We no longer need approval when we choose to relax and take time to let the joy sink in. Bravo Kari-Anne! I am so glad to see you in this place.
The one Christmas memory you forgot was, to me, the most iconic because it started it all..... The missing tree skirt photos! We never missed the tree skirt. Everything was so beautiful. God bless you and your family!