As I think about Christmas morning, I find myself asking: How do I want to feel? And more importantly, How do I want my home to feel? The feeling of a welcoming home is everything on this special day.

December 25, 2019, was the last Christmas morning we spent as a “family.” Just 16 days later, I moved out. Since then, we’ve started a new tradition, and this will mark the 5th Christmas morning spent in this new way. My daughters spend Christmas Eve with their dad, and I pick them up at 10 AM on Christmas morning. Meanwhile, my parents pick up my grandma (who’s 92!), and we all meet at my home to open presents and enjoy cinnamon rolls and breakfast.

Over the years, my home has transformed into a place filled with love, peace, and comfort. Although it’s not how I envisioned things, I’ve learned that creating a welcoming home on Christmas morning, especially after experiencing loss, is a beautiful way to embrace the season. Christmas can be challenging for many, but focusing on the love and connection we share helps us move through the day with joy.

As Christmas approaches, I remind myself to focus on the things I can control to make the day as beautiful and memorable as possible. Lexie has four Christmases left before she graduates, and Lauryn has six. Time is precious, and every moment together is a blessing I want to cherish.

5 Senses Holiday Checklist for a Perfect Welcoming Home Christmas Morning

To Taste:

• Coffee (with Bailey’s optional)
• Orange juice (with champagne optional)
• Hot chocolate
• Homemade cinnamon rolls
• Egg bites
• Candied bacon (with Peppermint RumChata optional)
• Christmas cookies galore
• Holiday plates, napkins, silverware & cups

To Smell:

• A beautiful holiday candle
• Diffuser in the powder bath
• Freshly baked cinnamon rolls

To See:

• A safe driveway – scoop and salt if it’s a white Christmas :)
• A clean, holiday-decorated home
• A spot to put coats
• Christmas tree lights glowing softly
• The Grinch movie playing on the TV
• Presents under the tree

To Feel:

• Turn on the fireplace for a cozy ambiance
• Turn up the heat a little – everyone feels cozier when it’s warm
• Plenty of seating for everyone to gather comfortably
• Lots of love – hugs aplenty!

To Hear:

• Christmas music playing throughout the house, thanks to Alexa, including on the front porch and in the garage
• Love and laughter, with giggles of delight as presents are opened

Christmas morning in a welcoming home brings joy and comfort. The day will be filled with gathering, laughter, and plenty of presents. After my parents and grandma leave, the girls and I will make popcorn and watch Christmas movies. The dog will sleep all day, and I’ll journal as I always do before bed, thanking the Lord for everything we have. Indeed, a beautiful, simple day spent with family is truly what matters most. 😊

This year, let’s focus on the small things that make our homes feel welcoming, warm, and full of love.