This is the first Christmas my husband and I have spent in our 1927 home. I decided to break it in by having all of our family over for a traditional Christmas celebration. This is the dining room post-holiday dinner. It honestly was not as much of a disaster as I thought it would be, and it gives a super satisfying aesthetic. The red walls naturally exuded a festive feel, and the original chandelier and sconces made the area feel so 19th century. Everything about this room made it the perfect centerpiece for the day.

“Christmas is the day that holds all time together.” — Alexander Smith

This picture was taken by my best friend during our Friendsgiving, but I feel it deserves a space here. The lighting was perfect, and it would be amazing to perfect this lighting all the time—so warm and nostalgic.

We went to downtown for our anniversary, which is also a week before Christmas, and enjoyed the amazing lights. We went to a beautiful restaurant in the Mission Inn and treated ourselves to a fancy dinner. The lights on the trees were so inspiring, and you can’t imagine how breathtaking they are in real life. People were jumping rope in the street, which was closed off for celebration; the nightlife was amazing.

This is the view after getting home; the warm lights of the chandelier from the gazebo made the season feel so festive. Side note: I put up all the Christmas lights myself! I am so proud of how much I was able to successfully do—just me, myself, and a ladder—and a pool stick.

The lights around my house were a trial-and-error process. I was so inspired by the lights on the willow trees downtown that I had to try and add some to my own home. Surprisingly, they held up—mostly.

I love shopping at HomeGoods; they have been putting in a lot more effort toward the end of this year. I found this amazing Lunar New Year spread. I wanted to get some pillows, but they were a little expensive for me. However, they have some super gorgeous pieces like the red koi plate and pillow.

Jumping right to my Christmas gift! I had to show it off because I have used it almost every day since. My husband found this Mac on Facebook Marketplace and set it up for me. I am so thankful, and I will have to make an inspiration board for it! I’m really excited to use it for my blog, and hopefully for school when I go back this year for my master’s!

My lovely aunt and I spent what felt like all night decorating Christmas cookies! They turned out so well and added so much Christmas spirit.

Here is a picture from my gazebo where you can see some of my meteor lights. These made such a statement this year. They look like shooting stars, and the lights flow down in a super pretty pattern. I highly recommend them if you want something new and exciting for your Christmas decor. I think I got them at Light in the Box. They were really hard to find but totally worth it.

Now for the centerpiece of our Christmas decor; the TREE! I think this tree came out so well for being so last minute. We went for a silver tree that is still somewhat traditional. We incorporated so much tinsel, and we found some super cute diamond gems at Hobby Lobby. Then my husband found these super big bulbs at Ross; they made the tree pop and look more high-end. And if you are wondering what those wings are at the top of the tree, that would be a 3D printed Seraphim. We thought it would be so different to have a type of angel at the top of the tree rather than the traditional angel with a dress. My husband has a 3D printer, and honestly, it really pulled it off. It does look a little creepy in this image, yes—maybe next year we will print a bigger one and put a light in it!

This is the view of the tree when you walk in. It looks a little less impressive when it’s hiding behind the palm trees! Oh well – it looks like the couch is the real showstopper from this angle. It is usually covered because it gets dirty so easily. Right now we are covering it with old throw blankets, but it’s worth it when you uncover it and see it so clean and brand-new looking. I can’t wait to get new couch covers!

I hope you have some newfound inspiration for Christmas 2026! I know that when I look back in time, I can see everything I want to perfect in the future. For now, I will rest and recharge for next year! You should go get some rest too!