I absolutely love everything about the Christmas season and traditionally I’ve gone over the top when it comes to Christmas. However, over the years I’ve certainly been taking a “less is more” approach and adopted a minimalist Christmas decor.
It seems each year I downsize just a little more and am happier and happier. As I started taking stock of what Christmas decorations I was actually hanging onto, packing, and unpacking every single year, I realized that I really didn’t love a lot of what we had.
By letting go of those things I didn’t love, my home remains festive and fun without all the stress and craziness of over the top decorations.
6 Ways to Create Cozy Minimalist Christmas Decor
If you’re looking to downsize, knowing where to start can seem impossible especially if you’re sentimental about all things Christmas. But creating minimalist Christmas decor doesn’t have to be hard. And you don’t have to sacrifice your favorite cozy Christmas decor.
With these simple decorating tips, you’ll have your home stylish and holiday-ready in no time.
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Decide on What’s Important
To start, take some time to reflect on what makes Christmas the most meaningful for you and for your family.
Minimalism is different for everyone, it’s about deciding what matters most to YOU and your family. Your minimalist Christmas decor should make a statement about your personality and reflect your personal style.
Just take some time to think about what decorations really add value to your Christmas. What does your ideal Christmas feel like?
Now realize that all those decorations that you own, but didn’t think about when deciding what is meaningful to you, well those things are most likely a distraction. It’s time to think about eliminating them.
Be prepared, this is not easy. Once you start opening all those Christmas bins all of a sudden it will all seem important. Memories of Christmas past come flooding back. But the truth is that doesn’t mean you love those decorations. Or that you need to put them up every year.
It also doesn’t mean that you need to necessarily get rid of them right now. Why not leave those items that you don’t absolutely love in those bins? At the end of the season, when you’re packing up the decorations you are using, think about whether you actually missed any of that stuff. Chances are the answer is going to be no. In which case, you can toss or give them away, at the end of the season.
Personally, I’ve found myself getting rid of more and more items each year. I’ve yet to miss anything I’ve gotten rid of.
Have you heard the saying “When everything is important, nothing is important”? Well, it really is true. When we have so much stuff in our homes, it prevents us from noticing the few things that would make Christmas the most meaningful to us.
What we want is to create a warm and cozy home with space to enjoy our family and loved ones. To create a minimalist Christmas decor that is still warm and cozy Christmas, consider the following:
The Christmas Tree
Nothing says Christmas like a beautifully decorated tree. However, that doesn’t mean you have to pick out the biggest bushiest tree on the lot.
Going for a smaller tree may be the ticket for your minimalist Christmas decor. It will take up significantly less space and you won’t feel compelled to use every ornament you own. Instead, you’ll be able to really focus on those ornaments that you love and have the most meaning to you.
Another thing to consider is a fake tree. Up until last year we’d only ever had real trees. However, we were on a tight budget that year and I got an amazing deal on a fake tree. It was actually less expensive than purchasing a real tree. I figured I’ve we hated it, I could donate it and go back to having a real tree.
Well, I have to tell you I love it. It was so easy to take down and put away and virtually no mess to clean up. And this year I already have it up and ready for the season. Plus, the money we would be spending on a tree can now go towards a fun family experience.
Add Lights Everywhere
I think we can all agree that one of the things that makes Christmas time so magical is all of the beautiful lights around. There’s just something so calming and peaceful about sitting in the quiet, dark living room surrounded by the soft glow of Christmas lights.
Not only can you hang lights on the tree, but also hang them along your windows. Add a small string along the fireplace mantel, lay a string along the T.V. stand, or anywhere you want to create some instant ambiance.
I’ve even hung them in the bathroom and enjoyed them while soaking in the tub, that’s how much I love them! Plus, my kids loved bathtime with just the Christmas lights glowing.
Christmas lights are a great way to create that warm and cozy minimalist Christmas decor without creating a bunch of clutter.
Bring in Throws and Pillows
The holidays are all about feeling warm and cozy. You can make your home feel that way by adding chunky blankets in warm tones like soft ivory, brown, or red. I’m in love with this chunky knit blanket. Nothing is better than snuggling up on the couch with a warm blanket, and a warm drink surrounded by the beautiful soft glow of the Christmas tree.
Also, investing in a few couch pillow covers allows you to easily create a festive look. Consider a lovely warm Christmas plaid or neutral Christmas pattern for a warm and cozy vibe. Amazon has a great selection of inexpensive options.
Decorate Your Tables Simply
Whether it’s your dining table or your coffee table, adding a few small touches can make a big impact. This is an area where less really is more.
To create your minimalist Christmas decor, throw on a tablecloth or runner in a warm holiday color, add a candle or two, and a simple vase with some natural greenery and you’ll feel like Joanna Gains.
Decorate With Candles
You simply can’t beat the soft glow of candlelight to create an instant mood for a warm and lovely holiday.
Not only do candles allow you to create that special holiday glow, but they also allow you to bring in those special Christmas scents that are a special part of the season.
Having made the switch to a fake Christmas tree, I use candles to add the smell of a real tree back into our home. Yankee candles will fill the entire room with the scent. The Balsam and Ceder scent is perfect in the living room to add the scent of a real Christmas tree. I also love their Christmas Cookie scent, I have one in the kitchen and one in the dining room. They make excellent gifts as well.
Candles are truly the perfect simple Christmas decor to bring that warm and cozy minimalist feel to your home.
Related: 15 Simple Ways To Care For Yourself Over The Holidays
How to Ensure a Simpler Christmas
You can pair down your Christmas decor and still have a home that is festive and meaningful. In fact, by pairing down your decorations, you just may find you’ll have the cozy Christmas home you’ve always longed for. Why not give it a try this year.
[…] Adopting a minimalist approach to Christmas decor offers several benefits: […]