I love our old New England country house all year, but it’s my favorite at Christmastime. With its hand-hewn beams, creaky floors, and long history it really comes into its own when it’s all dressed up for the holiday. When we first moved into our home eight–almost nine years ago, I had no idea what to do with the spaces. The low ceilings, mismatched floors, and dark imposing beams were a big change from the mostly new builds we’d lived in on the West Coast. Everywhere I looked, I saw design problems and no solutions– I had no idea how cozy an old home could be. It took me a while to learn that in a house like this, you have to embrace all the little quirks that feel like hurdles, because they’re also what makes a house like this feel special.
I sometimes joke that this house taught me more about coziness than any design book ever could. Once I stopped trying to “fix” every uneven corner and started letting the character shine, it felt like the whole house came to life. And at Christmastime, that quiet charm really works its magic. Drape garland over the stone mantle, get a fire crackling in the wood stove, and suddenly the rooms feel like they’ve stepped out of another century.
Which is probably why, year after year, I find myself drifting toward a Little Women inspired Christmas, not fussy or overly polished, just warm and humble and full of heart, with lots of organic and hand-made touches like dried orange slices, eucalyptus sprigs, hand-dyed linen ribbons, and homemade paper chains and stars, rather than anything store-bought or extravagant.
After surviving the last two and a third centuries, this old home deserves nothing less than a nod to all the old nostalgic traditions that have made Christmas feel cozy and good. In short, a Christmas fit for the March family. So let’s proceed, with a little tour of our Little Women-inspired Christmas house.
Decorating with Tradition in Mind
When it comes to Christmas decor, I keep things simple but sentimental. Garlands draped over the mantle, on the stairs, and in doorways, Christmas trees in all the living spaces and kitchen with handmade ornaments, paper chains hanging from the old wooden beams, and velvet ribbons affixed to the art and light fixtures. I like to mix in natural elements like pinecones, evergreen sprigs, and dried oranges—a nod to the way families like the Marches might have brought the outdoors inside, long before store-bought decorations existed.
Rug. Sofa. Chairs. Similar ottoman. Christmas tree.
Rug. Sectional. Similar end tables. Similar ottoman. Similar lamps. Pillows. Frame TV art. Design books.
Cozy Corners
Our fireplace and wood stove are the heart of the home during the holidays. There’s nothing quite like curling up in front of a crackling fire with a cup of cocoa, a good book, and the soft hum of Christmas music in the background. We’ve found that creating a few intentional cozy corners—complete with soft throws, comfy pillows, and maybe a small basket of toys or books, a puzzle waiting on the shelf—invites everyone in the family to pause, relax, and enjoy the cozy moments of the season together
vintage inspired herbariums. similar chandelier.
Breakfast nook rug. Light fixture.
Creating a Nostalgic Holiday
My biggest hope when I think about what I’m trying to create for my family during the holidays is that my children look back on their childhood and think: “That sure was cozy.”
I decorate my home with nostalgia in mind— classic pieces, natural textures, handmade touches, basically the kind of Christmas that feels like it’s been gathered slowly over decades, that belongs to our family. Ultimately, our holidays are about slowing down, honoring traditions, and finding joy in the little things. Whether it’s warming up by the fire, singing along to carols, or sneaking a bite of the first batch of cookies before dinner, this season is all about warmth, whimsy, and the kind of simple joy that feels like stepping into the pages of a beloved book.
