Yesterday, someone asked me what I love most about the holidays…I really had to think about it. Christmas is a lot of work and I want everything to be just so. I love to be surrounded by beauty. Most years, I’ve had someone to put up my greenery outside and inside, but this year, she wasn’t able to help, so Baldy and I had to do it ourselves (we still have a bit to do). That only added to the work. I’m behind on shopping and haven’t planned my menu yet. Still…I love Christmas. It brings something magical in spite of the work involved.

After thinking about the question, here is my answer. I most enjoy the moments on Christmas after the chaos of opening presents has ended, when everything is calm. Baldy is doing the dishes, everyone is tired and full from the excitement and delicious breakfast and the house is quiet. That’s when I get just one more mimosa and pour over a new book (I always receive a beautiful book). It’s something I look forward to! Everyone is still in the house, close to me, but not so close to me…I just know they’re there and that gives me comfort. Everyone is happy, tired, full and so grateful for the memories of another Christmas together. Somehow, in these moments, all of the hard work was worth it.

Today, I’m sharing some holiday inspiration…just in case you aren’t finished!

This tree with the chinoiserie is beautiful but my grandsons are a little too rambunctious for this to ever work at our house!

“Don’t spoil Christmas Day by anticipating how it will be.

Let is unfold as it does, and be grateful for whatever comes.”

“Every day is a gift. But some days are packaged better.”

― Sanhita Baruah

I love following Steve Cordony on Instagram! His decor ideas are gorgeous and whimsical as you can see from the porch above!

On Christmas morning in the Smith home, mimosas come right after coffee!

This is our breakfast room from 2018 when our home was featured in Southern Home Magazine!

The two pictures above are also from the feature in Southern Home! The house looked so beautiful that year…it was a lot of work but a really fun memory!

I’m including a boutique of some gifts that I think are very special at all price points!