Happy December my friends! Today feels like the perfect day to share my cozy Christmas living room with all of you. I tried to keep things really simple this year. I mean, let’s be honest–the living room pretty much belongs to my kiddos. With that in mind, I made the wise decision to focus on using items that are not breakable or fragile, unlike the nativity set I really wanted to put out. By the way, what is it about kids and nativity sets? I don’t know if your kids do this, but it’s like a moth to a flame every time mine catch a glimpse of a nativity set. And then I have to explain for the 123rd time that while these little people do look just like miniature dolls, they are not toys. NOT TOYS. Put down baby Jesus. This conversation happens every time. And honestly, I just don’t have the energy to do it this year. Hopefully one year soon when they’re a little older it can make a glorious return to our home, but for now it’s safely tucked away in storage. Kinda sad, right? I mean, how do I decorate for Christmas without a nativity set? I don’t know my friends, I just don’t know. But this is what I’ve come up with, so I’ll stop rambling and get on with it!
This adorable Grain Sack Pillow is from Farmhouse Wares–you can find it here if you’re interested. Surely it’s acceptable to leave this pillow out all year round. Reindeers aren’t just for Christmas…right?
I always get so many questions about this set of baskets hanging on the wall. I found them at Hobby Lobby over a year ago. I’m not sure they carry these exact ones anymore, but I bet you can find something similar.
This may be the most simple holiday mantel ever, but I love it. Simple is just winning out for me this year. I made that Christmas wreath in about 10 minutes. You can see how easy it was to create in this post.
I know I already said it, but the simplicity of this room is really wining my heart over this year. Sometimes I think we can stress too much about decorating for the holidays. And I’m guilty of that myself. But the truth is it’s a lot of work. And time. And energy. And we all know it’s so tempting to get sucked up in that familiar game of comparison. But I’ve noticed a few changes in myself over the past year or so and the main thing that sticks out to me is that I love easy. I love simple. I love when things aren’t too cluttered and when I can focus on one or two accent pieces without feeling like every inch of the room is fighting for attention. Does that make sense? I hope so. And my philosophy is really no different when it comes to holiday decor. I’d honestly rather go light than overdo it. Subtle rather than over the top. And I think opting for the simple route can still result in a home that is cozy and warm for the holidays. Plus you’ll probably have more time for cookie baking, movie watching, and other merry holiday activities. And that’s a BIG win.
Well I seem to be rambling today, so I’m going to stop here and just say thank you for visiting my blog. I always feel so much gratitude when I finish writing each and every post because I think about all of you. I am seriously so appreciative that you take time out of your day to read my posts. It means so much to me!
Shop the Room
It looks very cozy!
Have you thought about a “kid friendly” nativity scene? I have one that is done in felt like a child’s toy & my Grandgirls just love to play and act with it. I got mine from Hallmark.
I’ve actually had a few suggestions on kid friendly nativity sets Jan! I’ll definitely check out your set from Hallmark too. That’s the perfect solution, then my nice set doesn’t get broken! Thanks for sharing!
Looks wonderfully simple. Please don’t forgo Jesus, what about a kid friendly nativity set like the little people ones? Merry and bright to you…
I’m just looking into this Little People nativity set. Totally ordering one, my kids would LOVE it. Thanks for sharing Brittney!
It looks cozy and fabulous! Love the simplicity! I went simple this year as well because you are so right it gets really stressful. Great job!
Simple is really winning out for me lately Donalee and I’m glad to hear it’s working for you too!
My kiddos love the little people Nativity scene and spend hours playing with it! I bought it 2 years ago and it’s definitely worth the money… your house looks lovely and I agree simple is best…. Merry Christmas !!
Oh my goodness, I just googled this and WE NEED ONE! Perfect. My kids would love it and then nothing gets broken. Thank you for sharing Crystal!
When our kids were young – they are now range between 18 and 30 years old – we began to build a nativity set with the Fontanini line. We wanted a set that was unbreakable so that our children could handle it and rearrange it as they pleased. We started out with a few pieces and added on each year. We have the 5 inch figures and each one is a work of art. They are beautiful and so life-like. We found them in a Christmas store but they can be ordered on line.
https://www.fontaninistore.com/storefront.html
I just put our nativity set out for this year for us to enjoy and for our first grandchild to touch and rearrange and wonder what it might have been like.
Those are awesome Joan, I just checked out the website. So lifelike too! My kids would love those.
Love it! Can’t wait to see your Christmas tree 🙂
Thank Mary! I actually already shared our Christmas tree a while back, you can see it here: https://sarahjoyblog.com/vintage-farmhouse-christmas-tree/
Beautiful, as always, warm and inviting. I say, put your nativity set out – it’s essential that your kids know why we celebrate. And Jesus would want to be touched by kids. So what if a piece gets a little battered? Glue it back together. Years from now, you’ll treasure that memory.
Aw that’s such a good way of looking at it. I might just do that, thanks Barbara!
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!! I needed this post. It’s refreshing to just simplify life and spend time actually being in the moment. God bless you and your family. Keep the post coming….
Amen to simplifying life, Bonnie! I’m all about it. So glad you enjoyed the post!
Very pretty, thank you for sharing. Your my favorite site.
Oh Jonita, I need to hug you. Thank you SO much!
Inspiring! Thank you so much for sharing!
Thanks for stopping by Julie!
I love the simplicity of your Christmas living room. It looks so inviting! Merry Christmas, Sarah!
Thank you Leigh, simple for the win!
Love, love love this living room! I love how welcoming and comfortable it looks. Merry Christmas!
Thank you so much Jessica!!
It looks lovely Sarah, very effective with no one piece fighting for attention x
Thank you Helen 🙂
Very nice. I have done the same thing this year also. We are starting phase 3 of our house remodel. Upstairs bathroom and new backsplash in the kitchen. Crazy to do this at Christmas time. No Christmas tree this year just simple decor (my kids are grown). Your house looks charming and inviting.
Oh wow, you definitely have your hands full this Christmas season, Dawn. I’d take the easy route too! But it sounds your you’re getting close to being done. Hang in there!
I love this, Sarah!! You are so right about your nativity set and kids…I think it might look like a little dollhouse to them. I was lucky to keep it away from ours but unfortunately the dog got it! lol!
Love the simplicity of your decor. I think many times we say we’re going to do it and then get overwhelmed with all of the homes we see on blogs and Pinterest. I think you’ve stayed true to yourself. I love your mantel and the vintage bowl with greenery on your coffee table. Just perfect.
I’m not an expert but I’d love for you to come and have a look at my post on some time/money tips for making the holidays easier.
Happy Holidays to you and your sweet family!
Not sure how a light, white, beige living room can belong to”the kiddos.” I want to say, “Are you nuts?” But hopefully your home is at least pet free. It is beautiful & tasteful. Kid friendly, no.
Celeste Cull
Mount Joy, PA