Christmas always feels a little extra magical out here on the homestead. Even though things quiet down outside, the house fills up with warmth, good smells, and little traditions that make this season special. And this year, we’re starting a few new Christmas traditions — all simple, cozy, and homestead-inspired.
Creating a Cozy Home for Christmas
With the colder weather rolling in, I’ve been leaning hard into making the house feel warm and inviting. A few simple things make the biggest difference:
- Soft blankets everywhere
- Warm lighting and lamps instead of harsh overheads
- A simmer pot on the stove (orange peel, cloves, and cinnamon is my go-to)
- A simple centerpiece on the table to make the home feel festive
Nothing fancy — just the kind of cozy that makes you want to slow down, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy being home as a family.
Homestead-Inspired Decorating (The Real-Life Version)
We didn’t dive into homemade décor this year — and honestly, that feels right. Instead, our Christmas decorating has a warm, sentimental vibe. We brought out a few sweet crafts our child made this year and mixed them in with pieces we’ve collected as a family over time.
My favorite part is always the tree.
It’s filled with meaningful ornaments, including several from my husband’s childhood. There’s something incredibly comforting about hanging those up each year — like bringing little pieces of his memories and our family history into the season.
It’s simple, cozy, and perfectly us. No pressure, no picture-perfect Pinterest décor — just the things that hold meaning in our home.
Spoiling the Animals (Our Favorite Part!)
Christmas isn’t just for the humans around here — our animals get a little holiday love, too.
For the ducks and geese:
- Extra clean, fresh straw (they act like it’s Christmas morning!)
- A warm mash treat on especially cold days
- Some extra attention and slow time outside with them
For Nutmeg, our hearty Rex rabbit:
Nutmeg doesn’t need much — he’s built for winter — but he still gets:
- Fresh straw
- A handful of his favorite greens
- A little extra snack because… Christmas
Spoiling them just a little makes the season feel even sweeter. Animals bring so much joy, especially this time of year.
Simple Family Traditions We’re Beginning
This year, we’re focusing on traditions that bring us together and that we can build on as the years go by:
- Hanging our sentimental family ornaments
- Taking a drive to look at Christmas lights
- A Christmas Eve movie night with blankets and cocoa
- Baking a small treat together (something gluten-free and cozy)
- Reading a Christmas story before bed
None of it is complicated. But these are the things that eventually become the core memories of Christmas. We love making memories for our babies.
Slowing Down & Soaking It All In
Homesteading always reminds us that the simple things matter most: warmth, family, animals, and small moments of peace. This Christmas, we’re choosing to slow down, savor the season, and build traditions that feel right for our family — ones that grow with us year after year.
From our home to yours, Merry Christmas from G’s Homestead. 🎄❤️