5 Ways to Make Your Christmas Home Extra Cozy {A Different Approach}
Everyone dreams of a cozy Christmas home – the kind where you can almost hear Bing Crosby in the background. But turning that dream into reality? Easier than you think.
It’s not about cheesy wall art, the latest matching set of figurines from Home Goods, or enough pine tree candles to scent a stadium. The secret to a truly inviting holiday home is this: make it feel alive.
Here’s how.
1. Real greenery, berries, or live decorations
Artificial greenery is cheap and easy, but nothing beats the real thing, especially at Christmas. If you can manage, in any way, to add real greenery to your home this winter, do it.
A living thing, whether a dog or a tree branch, always makes a house cozy. Why? Because living things need care, which requires a nearby human presence. This means that when a living thing is present, it signals that a home is inhabited, alive and well cared for.
And in winter, when the days are short, your home calls out for such a thing. If you can’t afford to buy fresh greenery from a florist, there is no shame in that. (Neither can I!)
Go outside with some shears and a bucket and see what you can scrounge up. There are pine branches, holly, and boxwood for the taking almost everywhere.You can get fancy and make a natural wreath or put your fresh greenery in a pitcher of water.
No, it won’t last forever. That’s the point.
2. Homemade food
Let’s face it: food is a big part of the Christmas celebration. But Christmas food is more than just delicious like, say… football food.
It’s also beautiful. Imagine a tray filled with pretty cookies, a lovely Bundt Cake, or fancy appetizers at a holiday party.
And in the spirit of beautiful Christmas food, let’s make sure we are using food to bring life and charm to our homes. Why not have a bowl of pretty candies on the counter? You can also enjoy a pot of hot apple cider on the stove. There are countless delicious homemade holiday goodies to try. Homemade food brings a kitchen and a home to life, especially for the holiday.
Need beautiful food inspiration? Try some of these:
3. Fire, candles, or lights
This is what comes to mind when thinking of a cozy Christmas house. An evening next to a fire and a glowing Christmas tree is a classic Christmas image. And there’s a reason for this!
Winter days are short, and they can feel gloomy. To make evenings happier, add something bright and cheerful to the house. There is no real substitute for a fire in the house…but a beautifully lit tree is a good runner-up 😉.
Candles are another excellent way to chase away the winter gloom. Put them on your fireplace mantle, kitchen windowsill, or in a rarely used room like a dining room. You’ll see them as you pass by.
4. Music
Music is the unsung hero of Christmas coziness. And this one is easy! Put on some Christmas music and be happy. Instrumental music is less distracting. You can listen to it for longer without going crazy.
If you have an Alexa or other smart home device, tell it what you would like to hear. You can request particular songs, or artists, or say “play traditional Christmas music”.
If you don’t have a device like that, make another plan. It’s important that your Christmas music is easy to get to and set up so that you can enjoy it.
5. Add some more
While minimalism has its charm, Christmas calls for a touch of the extra. Don’t worry; you don’t need to put plaid blankets everywhere.
But see where empty areas of your home could use a little holiday touch. This might mean things we’ve already discussed: greenery, berries, a cookie jar, or a candle.
It could be seasonal pillows, Christmas tea towels, or cards on your fireplace mantle. You could smooth a tablecloth on your breakfast table. You could also line copper cookie cutters along your kitchen window.
This doesn’t mean run out and buy a bunch of Christmas junk! It’s just a reminder that in winter, a bare house can look cold, and a little extra cheer never hurt anyone.
More on making a house a home at Christmas:
It’s all all about simple, handmade, and warm.
Why it matters
And as you go about your holiday preparations, I hope you share this joy and warmth with others. There are many people out there who would love an invitation to a cozy home like yours ❤️.
Enjoy the twinkling Christmas lights and festive music. Take pride in your home. Let it be a place of comfort and joy for you, your family, and your guests. It’s not supposed to a beautiful showcase. It’s a place to live and share.
I wish you a merry, bright, and (most of all!) cozy Christmas.
By Katie Shaw
Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.