How to Create a Calm and Cozy Holiday Home

I’m all about the calm and cozy (or hygge) year round, but especially during the holiday season. If you feel the same, I’m sharing some simple and doable ways to create that feeling in your own home below— and it doesn’t require purchasing a thing!

There are a few key things I focus on to create warmth and calm in our home during the holidays.

1. Clear away the clutter and start with a clean slate

   When we add decor to an already cluttered space, it just feels like more clutter instead of decor to be admired. Clear away the fall items, pack them away, clear the countertops and grab a box to fill up with donations.

2. Always keep the “feeling” you want to have front and center

   Type it in your phone notes, write it on a piece of paper or post it and stick it somewhere you will see it daily, or just keep it in your mind. When you bring something out or purchase something ask yourself, “will this contribute to a calm and cozy holiday home?”.

3. Mindful decorating

   Before you start bringing out the decorations (or purchasing more), consider how much you really need to create a festive space. Sometimes less speaks louder. Give yourself a limit, i.e. 2 totes of decorations. Whatever fits within that stays and whatever doesn’t gets donated.

4. Focus on nature

   Natural items like pinecones, evergreen clippings and dried orange slices make for beautiful decor this time of year. Nature brings about a calmness and warmth and you may be able to gather them in your own backyard!

5. Think about lighting

   Soft lighting can greatly contribute to a feeling of coziness. Lamps, candles and twinkle lights are all great options for creating a cozy glow.

6. Set up to enjoy the things (or people) that are important to you

   Arrange your home in a way that makes it easier to enjoy the things that are important to you. Is it calm solitude? Then maybe set up a cozy corner with warm blankets and low lighting or a special candle to enjoy tea and a book. Is it togetherness with your family? Putting out a favorite game within easy view will make it more likely you will reach for it and gather your family maybe with some hot cocoa by fireside! Or is it baking and cooking? If so, maybe your focus is more on the kitchen and setting it up for easy holiday baking and. creating a festive atmosphere.

7. Allow imperfection

   I find this to be one of the most important parts in creating a meaningful, welcoming and cozy holiday home. Put up those homemade ornaments, get the kids involved in decorating and don’t worry if the garland is a little crooked.