It’s cold as heck outside here so it’s the perfect time to make a list of holiday-related cozy little things to enjoy before the season passes. I know I need to be reminded to slow down, step out of my comfort zone, and open to joy and wonder…maybe you do too. Please do pin any ideas that strike you as worth saving so others can discover simple Christmas cozies for now and for years to come.
![Lovely holiday window box in London with ivy wreath, white mums, and lemony cypress - photo by Hello Lovely Studio. #holidaywindowbox #windowbox #holidaygreenery #holidaywindow](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/hello-lovely-london-cypress-window-box.jpg)
Simple Christmas Cozies
Christmas Cozies: The Best & Simplest of All
Light the candles. If you prefer flameless, that’s good too.
![Christmas cozy tablescape - @liekes_world. #romanticchristmas #rusticchristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/liekes_world-christmas-tablescape.png)
Light the “good candles” that weren’t picked up at the grocery store. Light the grocery store candles. Light them inside and out. But just light ’em each night and notice how something within you may shift.
![Farmhouse Christmas decor in my kitchen with fresh wreath and fairy light over a farm sink. Hello Lovely Studio. #farmhousechristmas #christmasdecor #farmsink #freshwreath](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/001-hello-lovely-christmas-kitchen-white-farm-sink-frasier-fir-wreath.jpg)
Does this sound too woo-woo? Because I get it. But with so much information overload, uncertainty, and downright confusion everywhere in the culture, we all need help with perspective. Small gestures such as lighting candles and enjoying the glow may open a channel…to hope, to blessings, to gratitude, to wonder…to a transformed way of seeing reality.
![Beautiful holiday decor inspiration from interior designers and bloggers. Come discover 28 Amazing Christmas Decorating Ideas! #christmasdecor #holidaydecorating](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/4f755b1a049c2a06cb7670e0eac42676-1.jpeg)
One of the things I learned from my training as a psychotherapist is that no one takes advice. It’s a gift, and folks may remember it down the road, but rarely does anyone conclude “yep, you know me better than I do so I’m gonna __________.” I think that is one of the reasons images are powerful inspirationally and aspiration-wise.
![Simple glass hurricanes and whtie candles line a staircase with fresh greenery garland in a French inspired home. #christmasdecor #simplechristmas #frenchcountry #frenchnordic](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/hello-lovely-studio-the-french-nest-co-interior-design-1.jpg)
Just seeing photos of candlelight calms me!
![Pink pointe shoes and fluffy white pom pom wreaths for rustic pink Christmas vignette by Hello Lovely Studio. #pointeshoes #pinkchristmas #pompomwreaths](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/pointe-shoes-christmas-decor-holiday-pom-pom-wreath-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
And my oh my my candles often make a mess here at home, but I can live with that. Peek inside my house after the first dusting of snow last year:
Citrus Fragrance & Beauty
Whether it is added to a simple pot on the stovetop…
![Christmas citrus simmer pot with grapefruit, cranberries, rosemary, citrus, cloves - Hello Lovely. #christmasscents #simmerpot #citrussimmerpot](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/citrus-simmer-2.jpg)
or plays a starring role in garland:
![Heather Chadduck Hillegas & Buff Harget Miller - photo: Laurey Glenn. #holidaygarland #holidayfireplace](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/citrus-christmas-heather-chadduck-hillegas-buffy-harget-miller-photo-laurey-glenn.jpg)
or simply rests in its colorful glory on the counter…
![Southern Christmas decor from James Farmer in his Georgia cottage - here a topiary with a pale blue ribbon and woven basket filled with citrus feel naturally elegant and festive - Atlanta Homes. #southernchristmas #naturalchristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/james-farmer-farmdale-cottage-holiday-christmas-topiary-atlanta-homes-citrus-perry-georgia.jpg)
Citrus during the holidays can be so pleasing to the senses!
![Citrus Christmas garland - Mark Thompson in Veranda (Cedric Angeles). #christmasgarland #citruschristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/citrus-christmas-veranda-mark-thompson-door-garland-photo-cedric-angeles.jpg)
And not just for our sense of smell. I love how Amber of Follow the Yellow Brick Home studded faux clementines with cloves for this sweet topiary arrangement.
![Christmas topiary with clementines (faux!) studded with cloves and attached to a cone - FollowtheYellowBrickHome. #christmascitrus #christmastopiary #christmascenterpiece](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/followtheyellowbrickhome-faux-clementine-clove-topiaries.jpg)
Real tangerines are wonderful, but should you need your arrangement to hold up for photoshoots, holiday parties, or just because…give it a whirl.
Old Fashioned Ambient Light
Not sure if you spied my sconces flanking our front doors in the entry in my video toward the beginning, but even though they are electric, I chose to insert real candles and not wire them as light fixtures. You can see one of them here:
![Piano in my music room at the Georgian - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/dining-room-piano-hello-lovely-studio-001-1440x1920.jpg)
I wanted Old World glow. Don’t forget about the magic of real candelight, and even chandeliers can be used without wiring them!
![Cozy fireplace in Old World style kitchen - via @aquietlifeathome. #kitchenfireplace](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/fireplace-in-kitchen.jpg)
Restraint With Mercury Glass
For an elegant monochromatic look, mass the mercury glass and skip the other metallics and traditional Christmas colors.
![French country dining room with mercury glass on table - Desiree Ashworth (styling by Bonnie Broten for COUNTRY FRENCH magazine). #frenchcountrydiningroom](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/001-desiree-french-country-dining-room-mercury-glass-1.jpg)
![Inspirational Ann Voskamp faith quote relevant for Christmas on Hello Lovely Studio. #annvoskamp #faithquotes #christmasquotes #christianity](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/faith-quote-hello-lovely-studio-ann-voskamp.jpg)
Christmas Carol Sheet Music
I love almost any wreath including hoop wreaths! But if it is too bare for your taste, embellish it simply like this:
![Beautiful holiday decor inspiration from interior designers and bloggers. Come discover 28 Amazing Christmas Decorating Ideas! #christmasdecor #holidaydecorating](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/24312686-10159818238885515-678342714702376107-n-3_orig.jpg)
Here’s a printable if you’ll be crafting with sheet music:
![Vintage Silent Night sheet music to print and frame - Hello Lovely Studio. #sheetmusic #christmasdecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/silent-night-sheet-music-1440x1864.jpg)
So Much Beauty Here:
![Inspirational Ann Voskamp faith quote relevant for Christmas on Hello Lovely Studio. #annvoskamp #faithquotes #christmasquotes #christianity #gratitudequotes #thanksgiving](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/faith-quote-hello-lovely-studio-ann-voskamp-7.jpg)
Paper Embellishments
Scandi style is so charming for Christmas decorating ideas, and aren’t these paper ornaments hung simply from branches just magic in this vase?
![Lovely handmade paper Scandi ornaments dangle from bare branches in a vase for this holiday moment by Herzenseinrichtung.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/cozy-scandi-hygge-christmas-decor-vase-branches-paper-ornaments-herzenseinrichtung.jpeg)
I love working with paper for holiday decor whether it is tissue paper, watercolor paper, or plain ol’ white paper bags. Here’s a floral garland that is no longer available from Ballard, but it continues to inspire me:
Oh mercy, I just need three whole days to make a garland myself since I can’t buy it readymade!
Let me know if you have seen a similar paper garland anywhere else in the marketplace!
![Encouragement quote and tweet from @jonathanldent. #encouragementquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/safety-quote-jonathanldent-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Food Can Be Cozy, Doncha Know
I meant to do this last year and never got around to it. Why not buy donuts and decorate them as you would cookies?
Another possibility? Store-bought cakes that you can display on a pedestal as is or decorate fancifully.
![Encouragement quote reminding us we have struggled and overcome - Hello Lovely Studio. #encouragementquotes #strugglequotes #overwhelmquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/encouragement-quote-diagram-percentage-of-all-time-worst-days-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Snow Globe Placesettings
Do you love placing small favors at each place setting?
![Atlanta Home for the Holidays Designer Showhouse Christmas placesetting by Liz Williams Interiors with a lovely snow globe at each plate.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/AHL_Home-for-the-Holidays_Breakfast-Room-by-Liz-Williams_PC-David-Christensen-1SH.jpg)
How special to include a sweet simple snow globe (handmade or not) at each place for decoration.
Rustic Bowl With Sparkly Ornaments
Whether you have an antique dough bowl or not, create a centerpiece with plain ol’ bulbs.
![French Country dining room decorated for Christmas. in pale tones and sophisticated Old World style. Beautiful holiday decor inspiration from interior designers and bloggers. Come discover 28 Amazing Christmas Decorating Ideas! #christmasdecor #holidaydecorating](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/hello-lovely-studio-the-french-nest-co-interior-design-008.jpg)
I think it’s the contrast of rough and smooth, matte and sparkly that works so well in a rustic elegant setting.
Leave the Table Set
It’s the little things, and sometimes we need to be reminded of their power! Whether your dining table is used daily or rarely, let it stay pretty in between meals and occasions!
![Beautiful Christmas tablescape in a rustic cottage - CozyChristmas on Tumblr. #cozychristmas #rusticchristmas #holidaytablescape](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/cozychristmastumblr-rustic-holiday-tablescape.jpg)
Doesn’t this make perfect sense!?!
Pretty Pink Accents
You know I’m all for delicious colors beyond the traditional ones. Just look at this yummy hue for ribbon:
![Atlanta Home for the Holidays Designer Showhouse bedroom by Kristin Kong with Christmas tree. #christmasdecorating #pinkchristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/atlanta-AHL_Home-for-the-Holidays_kristin-kong-bedroom-4-sugar-plum-suite-mali-azima.jpg)
Isn’t all the delicious plum romantic?
![Festive pink and green bedroom decorated for Christmas with Cath Kidston duvet - Dimples and Tangles. #pinkchristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/christmas-pillow-cath-kidston-duvet-cover-dimples-tangles-pink-christmas.jpeg)
Is it truly as simple as a pink ribbon in lieu of a red one?
![Wooly pom pom wreath on a wee pink chair in the snow by Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/hello-lovely-studio-christmas-pom-pom-wreath-pink-chair.jpg)
Oui!
Simple White Light Strings
It can be tricky to decorate a bedroom for Christmas, but for the easiest simple Christmas cozy tweak – add twinkly lights.
![Cozy bedroom decorated Scandi Christmas style - CozyWinterWorld on Tumblr. #cozybedroom #christmasdecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/cozywinterworldtumblr-scandi-christmas-room-dog-bed.jpg)
![Inspirational Ann Voskamp faith quote relevant for Christmas on Hello Lovely Studio. #annvoskamp #faithquotes #christmasquotes #christianity](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/faith-quote-hello-lovely-studio-ann-voskamp-5.jpg)
Festive Front Doors
Have you noticed from your social feeds how it is sort of typical to paint your front door seasonally? If you don’t mind a little labor, changing it up for the holidays can give your entrance a fresh look.
![Cozy Christmas decorated exterior - Wintercozy on Tumblr. #christmascozy](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/0001-wintercozy.tumblr-christmas-front-door-snow.jpg)
But which green? See THIS, THIS, and THIS.
Preserved Boxwood Wreaths
If you have never lived with preserved boxwood, ooh la la – I do love it. I spritz mine occasionally with water, but talk about no fuss!
![Simple wreaths hung on from kitchen cabinets by solid red ribbon in a showhouse for Christmas decor. Beautiful holiday decor inspiration from interior designers and bloggers. Come discover 28 Amazing Christmas Decorating Ideas! #christmasdecor #holidaydecorating](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/design-indulgence-atlanta-holiday-showhouse-0025.jpg)
Tone-on-Tone Holiday Greens
We are so accustomed to traditional red and green contrasts during the holidays that it is more remarkable to see tonal shades of green together!
![Elegant Christmas decor planters at Atlanta Home for Holidays Designer Showhouse 2021 - Boxwoods Gardens & Gifts. #outdoorchristmasdecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/AHL_Home-for-the-Holidays_Greenery-Boxwoods-Gardens-Gifts_PC-David-ChristensenSH.jpg)
![Inspirational Ann Voskamp faith quote relevant for Christmas on Hello Lovely Studio. #annvoskamp #faithquotes #christmasquotes #christianity](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/faith-quote-hello-lovely-studio-ann-voskamp-4.jpg)
Isn’t it interesting to see this Christmas tree against a green wall?
![Christmas tree topped with feathers and adorned with colorful modern pops of color and sophistication in an Atlanta home for the holidays showhouse. Beautiful holiday decor inspiration from interior designers and bloggers. Come discover 28 Amazing Christmas Decorating Ideas! #christmasdecor #holidaydecorating](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/design-indulgence-atlanta-holiday-showhouse-0021.jpg)
And now we must pause to pay homage to squirrels in winter!
![Heartwarming winter quote about squirrels and mushroom jerky on Hello Lovely Studio. #winterquotes #squirrelquote #animalquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/winter-quote-squirrels-mushrooms-jerky-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Aren’t they delightful?
![Beautiful squirrel in tree in winter - Soosseli Wildlife Photography. #squirrelphotography](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/001-soosseli-wildlife-squirrel-winter-2.jpg)
Decorate What Others Hide
Does the big black box above the fireplace have potential to be a star?
![Elf movie night projected in Christmas cozy living room - @tilldeathdousart. #elfmovienight #christmascozy](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/0001-tilldeathdousart-christmas-cozy-elf-movie-night.jpg)
![Inspirational Ann Voskamp faith quote relevant for Christmas on Hello Lovely Studio. #annvoskamp #faithquotes #christmasquotes #christianity](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/faith-quote-hello-lovely-studio-ann-voskamp-1.jpg)
Here’s a cozy touch to add to the kitchen…I have these, and the quality is better than you may expect:
Fleecy Fuzzy Wuzzy Nubby Sherpa Serenity
Oh that the fuzzy wuzzy cozy could linger all winter long!
![Winter wonderland woods in snow and cozy room with sherpa chairs - @theglampingland. #cozychristmas #snowywoods](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/theglampingland-cozy-christmas-winter-snowy-forest-sherpa-fleece-vibes-cabin.jpg)
![Funny cat quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #catquotes #cathumor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/cat-quote-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
![Christmas quote: May your heart be warm, your holidays grand...Irish Saying on Hello Lovely Studio. #christmas #quotes #hoildayquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/christmas-quote-holiday-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-irish-saying-.jpg)
![Holiday Balloon 16 oz. Red Wine Glass](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/72013848/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/5775/57751316/Holiday+Balloon+16+oz.+Red+Wine+Glass.jpg)
Mirror To Magic
I realize some of these cozy making suggestions may not appear “simple” at first blush; however, if you can paint a surface black and rub on letters or stencil a phrase, you can create magic. You could also skip the chalkboard look and stencil directly on the glass mirror for an etched look. (Wash it off later if you like!)
![Rustic farmhouse Christmas decor at Urban Farmgirl. #farmhouse #christmasdecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/hello-lovely-studio-farmhouse-christmas-decorating-ideas-006.jpg)
Retro Tree in a Bucket
Folks are so creative with their tabletop trees, and for a country look, the proportions here also feel just right.
![Beautiful sage green country cabinet and Christmas decorations with vintage style at Trove in Rockford, Illinois. #countrychristmas #rusticdecor #christmasdecor #holidaydecor #vintagestyle](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/hello-lovely-studio-vintage-christmas-decor-trove-0020.jpg)
![Kamron Buffalo Cotton Throw Pillow](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/32696811/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/4001/40015541/Kamron+Buffalo+Cotton+Throw+Pillow.jpg)
I know it’s tricky to find these oversized Christmas bells which I find at Urban Farmgirl.
![Oversized galvanized Christmas bell suspended from green vintage door at Trove Vintage. #holidaydecor #christmasdecorating #bell #vintagestyle](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/hello-lovely-studio-vintage-christmas-decor-trove-012.jpg)
![Funny quote with humor: If your mom doesn't have an old gift bag filled with other old gift bags, is she even a mom? #funnyquote #holidays #humor #momhumor #quotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/humor-funny-quote-hello-lovely-studio-gift-bags.jpg)
Mums, Ivy & Lemony Cypress Together
When these three varieties get together? So dang cozy. I snapped this of a window box I loved in London.
![Lovely holiday window box in London with ivy wreath, white mums, and lemony cypress - photo by Hello Lovely Studio. #holidaywindowbox #windowbox #holidaygreenery #holidaywindow](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/hello-lovely-london-cypress-window-box.jpg)
Delicious Stripes
I love these stripes especially when they are softer reds and raspberry!
![Inspiring New Year quote to promote hope, peace, love, and encouragement in the days ahead - Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #newyearquotes #encouragementquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/001-inspirational-new-years-quotes-hello-lovely-studio-last-years-words-t-s-eliot.jpg)
Silly Movies
Is it really possible we are 26 days from the birthday of the King?
I hope December will be extra extra gentle with us. We need afternoons that stretch long to just BE. We need quiet evenings where we can escape in a book or film.
Are these on your list?
![Christmas movies grid](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/christmas-movies.jpg)
![Funny Christmas humor and holiday quote. #quotes #funnyquote #christmas #humor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/blue-holiday-christmas-funny-quote-hello-lovely-studio-humor-home-alone.jpg)
That English Cottage in THE HOLIDAY!
The Holiday is one of my favs, and this tent scene will also usher us right into cozy loveliness:
![Kate Winslet's cottage in The Holiday movie - where they filmed in Shere, Surrey in the English countryside. #theholiday #englishcottage #moviehouses](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/english-cottage-movie-house-the-holiday-shere-surrey-england.jpg)
You’ll also find favorite Christmas movies spotlighted below.
My own favorite was released the year I started writing. In case you’re curious, I started another blog in 2018 even before Hello Lovely launched in January of 2010!
Christmas Movie Favorites
Take these Christmas movie snippets for a spin to remember, to laugh, discover, and also support this site (time spent on Hello Lovely = support to keep it afloat).
Love Actually
It’s a Wonderful Life
A Christmas Story
White Christmas
The Family Stone
While You Were Sleeping
Christmas Vacation
From the Christmas movie scenes above, No. 5 is my favorite…yours?
![Funny Christmas humor and holiday quote. #quotes #funnyquote #christmas #humor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/blue-holiday-christmas-funny-quote-hello-lovely-studio-humor-mistletoe-tacos.jpg)
![Shop My Home Holiday Decor Hello Lovely Banner - find the timeless Christmas decorations I rely on each season. #hellolovelystudio #christmasdecor #holidaydecorations](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/SHOP-MY-HOME-HOLIDAY-DECOR-HELLO-LOVELY-STUDIO-BANNER.jpg)
![Funny Christmas humor and holiday quote. #quotes #funnyquote #christmas #humor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/blue-holiday-christmas-funny-quote-hello-lovely-studio-humor-all-i-want.jpg)
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!
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I laughed out loud when I read your comment, and remembered the best piece of advice my Dad ever gave me. It was this. “Don’t ever try to tell anyone anything, because they’re not going to listen anyway.” So true!!! He raised 3 daughters so he should know. None of us listened, but we always remembered his advice!! Wish he was here today. I would be asking all the time. I agree about lighting the candles. We need the simple pleasures to give us comfort and a bit of peace. We also need a home that is decorated in a fashion that we love. We need a haven to escape to for a moment, and if candles help I will light a million of them!! I will look for the little moments we need. The world is not an easy place right now. Thank you for your insight. Hope all is well with you, Merry Christmas!!
Author
I love this idea that we take advice and keep it in our pocket as a remembrance – hahahaha. I can’t say I understand the power of candlelight. I allude to it in today’s hygge post as well – so mysterious and powerful. We are drawn to the flame and calmed by its presence. There are so many unhealthy ways to escape pain and anxiety, so it’s extra important now to create spaces where hearts can heal and minds can rest. I’m learning that it’s not so much an escape that I need as a new entrance into joy. Joy that does not depend upon my circumstances or any outcomes. This is where all the fruit is. Merry Christmas, friend. Thank you for being here on the journey with your lovely heart open.