How to Create a Christmas Bedroom

Although it feels as if I’ve hardly finished washing the Thanksgiving turkey pan, it’s time to decorate for Christmas. And since Thanksgiving was so late this year, there’s not a moment to lose! So, what room do I tackle first? If you guessed the living room, dining room, or den, you’d be… wrong. Because the first decorating task on my list each year is to create a magical Christmas bedroom.

Why decorate the bedroom for Christmas? Unlike the “public” areas of my house, the bedroom is just for me. So, I go all out utilizing décor and ornaments that have special meaning. For example, the tree (a 7’ “pencil” tree, which fits snugly in a corner) is covered in every sentimental ornament I’ve ever received. Pieces include craft projects by my (now adult) children spanning decades, irresistible bits and bobs I’ve collected since high school, and plenty of items that were not originally intended as ornaments which I’ve repurposed (kitchy travel souvenirs, doll house furniture, old skeleton keys to my Grandmother’s house). To most people, this may look like nothing more than a collection of junk. However, it must be the magpie in me, because each item makes me smile when I carefully unwrap it to hang it lovingly on the tree!

Of course, in my Christmas zeal, I can’t stop at just a tree for the bedroom. Instead, I swag the (faux) fireplace mantel with greenery (and plenty more ornaments), change out the bed covers, add a growing Santa collection to any horizontal surface, and this year, I hope to festoon the new chandelier, too.

If you’d like to create your own Christmas bedroom, you need not go to such extremes (unless you want to, in which case I fully support you!). Simply swap out some art for a pretty holiday wreath. Swag above the headboard with extra greenery. Top a nightstand or dresser with a collection of holiday candles. Or, toss on a holiday themed pillow to the bed, side chair or bench.

And, since most of us don’t have a bedroom color scheme that will easily coordinate with holiday decor, when decorating, think beyond traditional red and green. (Personally, I am loving the pink, blue, and lime green combo I keep seeing in stores). Fun white trees with colorful ornaments are an option. Or, go bare, like actress Michelle Pfeifer recently did, with her pared back, minimalist tree. (See it here.)

Of course, you can’t forget the kids! Providing each child with a tiny tree to decorate in their own personal style is a wonderful way to kick off the holiday. (Fashion designer and style icon Tommy Hilfiger’s children famously decorated their tiny bedroom trees with their own toys.) This need not be an overly pricey endeavor – I recently a faux Christmas tree on Amazon (4 ft. version) for about $55, and the quality is excellent. It’s also available in 3 ft. and 2 ft. options for as low as $24.

Absolutely no budget? No problem! Go natural and gather pinecones, cut pine boughs, or clip some English ivy from the yard for a rustic feel. Bare tree branches spray painted white and twined with simple white lights give a soothing Scandi vibe. Or embrace a full-on English cottage aesthetic and craft whimsical paper chains to drape across headboards and doorways, or suspend from chandeliers.

Small touches create a big impact, and waking up in a Christmas bedroom makes every morning in December feel like Christmas.

Here’s some great inspiration to get you started!