Every year I start off strong on my Christmas decorating, then every year I feel like things fall a little flat. I LOVE Christmas – it’s always my favorite time of year. But each year when I decorate, I tend to start feeling a little shy.
Here’s why: My house isn’t “blogger perfect.” Far from it. I have a bit of envy for those bloggers who live in big, old, gorgeous farmhouses. I see them all decorated up to the nines with wreaths and greenery and bows. All that trim and woodwork and yummy details – oh my!
Our home is full of love and joy and memories. It’s the perfect backdrop for the story of our lives. This is where I grew up. It’s where my kids grow up. It’s where my grandkids come to see Gigi & Papa (that’s us!)
It’s where we watch way too many movies, eat way too many cookies – and even spill a glass of sweet tea at least once a day. (Thankfully our rug handles all we throw at it!)
But on those days when I’m feeling a bit unimpressive, I just have to remember that it’s not about where you live, it’s about HOW you live.
When you think about the reason for this season, then all those trees, ornaments, greenery & such don’t really matter much in the grand scheme of things. Because I’m pretty sure none of it existed in that stable all those years ago.
While it does make me crazy happy to wake up in a place that’s all pretty with baubles and bows, it’s good to remember that even though I feel a bit “less than” because our double wide will never have that pretty banister covered with gorgeous greenery, we do have a home we love.
And it reflects the simple life we love. One without tons of upkeep. Or tons of cleaning. Or tons of stuff to make it cozy.
Because a perfectly simple life is best kind, don’t you think?
My best friend Angie is having a simple kinda Christmas, too! So make sure you stop by and see her home!
Char says
Gina!!! It is absolutely gorgeous! I don’t go on pin interest (or whatever) but it is just beautiful…evetry single nook!
Gina Luker says
Thank you so much Char, that just made me smile ๐ Merry Christmas!
faye says
Gina, your home is Be-u-ti-ful! Had you not said it was a double wide I wouldn’t have known that it wasn’t a ranch style house. You’ve filled it with nice pieces, but more importantly, with love. Merry Christmas from my home to yours
Gina Luker says
Thanks so much Faye, it’s home to us and we love it! Merry Christmas ๐
Judith says
You have a beautiful home. You should be proud. Your home loves you and smiling back at you.
Gina Luker says
Aww, that is so sweet, Thank you Judith ๐
Judy says
Love the tour! Your home is gorgeous – so warm and welcoming. Thanks for sharing. It inspires me! Merry Christmas!
Jody Allen says
Your house is beautiful. Simple but you can tell full of love and creativity. I always enjoy your pictures. Merry Christmas.
Gina Luker says
Thanks so much Judy, you are so sweet ๐ Merry Christmas!!
Kathy says
It looks amazing. You have such a knack for decorating and I love the big Joy and skating sign. What a fabulous idea to use crates for the two small trees on either side of your TV. I have a similar TV stand set up – but no tree in the room. I think I may copy your idea for next year and add the two smaller trees. Love it! Great job and Merry Christmas!
Gina Luker says
Thank you Kathy, you are so sweet ๐ Merry Christmas to you too!
Gretchen Gerow says
Your home looks loved and lived in, the way it should be.
Gina Luker says
Thanks so much Gretchen!
Jane says
Your home is beautiful and your Christmas decorations are perfect!
Gina Luker says
Thank you so much Jane, you are so sweet!
Sandi says
Well said Gina! I love your home. You have such great ideas and are such an inspiration. Itโs refreshing to see that some bloggers live like the rest of us. Some of the todayโs decorating trends are too over the top for my tastes. I use to follow several bloggers, anxiously awaiting their next post, but lately I have begun to feel disappointment in their posts. They seem so frivilous and unrealistic. Keep on keeping it real Gina. Remember…โThereโs no place like home!โ Merry. Christmas to you and your family!
Gina Luker says
Thanks so much Sandi, I completely agree! Merry Christmas ๐
Rachel says
Your home looks beautiful!
Gina Luker says
Thanks so much Rachel!
Anita says
Oh my gosh I think itโs just perfect! Festive and lovely details. I feel the same, though, and understand in reality none of it matters when you look back and remember the wonderful times spent with the ones you love โค๏ธ
Ilene says
Oh my goodness Gina, everything is beautiful! All of your touches are Pinterest perfect! I love your honeโฃ๏ธ
Gina Luker says
You are so sweet Ilene, thank you!
Linda says
Christmas Cozy! โค๏ธ
Gina Luker says
Thanks Linda!
Lynn says
You wouldn’t know its not an old farmhouse – great job. thanks for the tour.
Gina Luker says
Thanks so much Lynn!
Shawn says
Gina you holiday decor is perfectly you. โค๏ธ I love every little holiday touch – it’s happy and homey.
June says
Your home is perfect and your decorations right on the mark! What an awful thing it would be if we all did things the same way! Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Gina Luker says
Thank you June, I totally agree! Merry Christmas ๐
Lynda Christal says
Thanks for the tour–everything is so lovely!
Gina Luker says
Thank you Lynda ๐
Judy says
Your home is so cozy! Love all of your seasonal signs-did you make them? Also Gina, what is the color on your cabinets, a dark gray? Love it! Thank you for sharing your lovely home.
Gina Luker says
Thanks so much Judy! I did make most of the signs ๐
Patricia Brewer says
Absolutely perfect!
Gina Luker says
Thank you Patricia!
Jan says
What a beautiful, lovely and cozy home you have. I absolutely love your decorations.
Gina Luker says
Thanks so much Jan!
Mary says
Just gorgeous! Merry Christmas!
Gina Luker says
Thank you Mary ๐
Sherry says
Gina, your home is beautiful! You’re such a breath of fresh air! Your honesty and genuineness is what I love most ๐ thank you for sharing your home with us! It looks perfect to me!
Gina Luker says
Thank you so much Sherry, you are so sweet!!
sonja cobb says
Gina, I love your home! I am a simple girl and I have never wished to be or have what the other may have. I also love to decorate and take a lot of pride in my small home. I have always said a coat of paint does wonders and that’s where I tell people to start.
I really enjoy watching your videos and you did a fabulous job on your home. Merry Christmas!
Gina Luker says
Thanks so much Sonja, I completely agree! Merry Christmas to you too ๐
Jacquelin Steward says
I love your home! And you are exactly rightโits not where you go in life, itโs about who you take with you! I love the scripture about laying up treasures on earth and YOU seem like you have your heart in the right place! Merry Christmas from East TN!
Gina Luker says
Thank you so much Jacquelin! Merry Christmas to you too ๐
Jini Karelitz says
Your home and decorations are beautiful. I’m fond of all the black and white. Your aqua buffet is one we used to own-I should have saved it and painted it. Enjoy the holidays.
Gina Luker says
THank you Jini, I hope you have a wonderful Holiday season!
Kathleen Hornbecker says
All I need are my clothes and toothbrush and I’m ready for a wonderful holiday visit ….your home is perfect for Christmas!!! Just the right touches…warm and homey. Thanks for sharing.โโ
Gina Luker says
Ha ha, Thank you Kathleen ๐ Merry Christmas!
Laurie says
Your home is beautiful!! I also live in a mobile home (double wide) and love it!! It speaks to people who I am… i remember Oprah said that โyour house should rise up to greet youโ!, and yours, Iโm sure does that for you as mine does!! A home is wherever you make it, thank you for sharing yours!!
Merry Christmas!!
Gina Luker says
Thank you Laurie, I couldn’t agree more ๐ Merry Christmas!
Sandy says
Makes me happy to see your home all decked out for Christmas. I see a lot of creativity and cozy style! Happy Holidays.
Gina Luker says
Thank you Sandy, Happy Holidays to you and yours ๐
Tania says
I love your home…I think it looks beautiful and you are awesome, too! Thank you for sharing.
Gina Luker says
Thanks so much Tania,you are so sweet!
Patty says
Your house is beautiful and very welcoming. I also grew up in the house we live in. I have convinced my husband that it is time to sell and move on. It is heartbreaking and exciting all at the same time. We are both retired and the house is just too big. We have five bedrooms which require a lot of cleaning and I am too old for all of that. Keep your home the way you have and enjoy your home and your family.
Yvonne says
Gina
Thank you for your refreshing honesty. Yes, your home is truly lovely but what really matters is the love that lives there and not how perfectly decorated it is!
I too scaled back this year to spend more time with the people I love making memories. Maybe the best decision weโve ever made at Christmas time.
Peace, Love and Joy
Yvonne
Gina Luker says
Thanks so much Yvonne, I couldn’t agree more! Merry Christmas ๐
Norma Rolader says
Very simple but very beautiful and thank you for bringing us into your home
Phyllis Tisler says
I think it’s stunning perfection..I just watched your “story”..I am so proud of you and impressed.
Gina Luker says
Aww, thanks so much Phyllis!
Christine says
what was that saying?! ‘…those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.’
You have created a wonderful home for you & your family! I always enjoy seeing your ideas because they are so down to earth! There are so many of us who are in the very same mindset.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Gina Luker says
Thanks so much Christine, Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Carole Prisk says
It looks lovely..I adore the crowns on the trees.
Gina Luker says
Thanks so much Carole, I do too ๐
Wren Smart says
Seriously, the reason I love your blog. A real home, with real comfort. I look around our 1928 farmhouse and see all the things that I need to “fix”. Visitors walk into our home and tell us how cozy and warm it is. I see photos of your home and think I could just walk in, kick my shoes off and cozy up on your sofa without worrying about messing something up! Now that’s an awesome home!
Gina Luker says
Thanks so much Wren, that is so sweet!
Yvonda says
Love your country home and your easy crafts! Merry Christmas!
Gina Luker says
Thanks so much Yvonda ๐
Gabi says
Gina-your home is gorgeous! Don’t sell yourself short! I am going to pin your lovely home on my Pinterest page. I too am a great fan of turquoise and I love how you have incorporated it into your warm and stylish home!
Have a blessed Christmas!
Katy Beacher says
It is after Christmas, I know. But I just discovered your site and I LOVE your home. What a decorator!
What is that cute three tiered stand that you have on the kitchen counter?
Gina Luker says
Thanks Katy, I got it at Pottery Barn, not sure if they still have them but it is awesome year round not just at Christmas time ๐
Tara says
As always, I love every single detail about your home! You have the best style. I always love seeing your decorating ideas, as they are never dull and boring like all the other repetitive posts I see on my Instagram feed. Keep doing your thing girl, because you are rocking it!
Richella J Parham says
SO beautiful, Gina, and so very spot-on. . . just exactly the kind of message that needs to be shared this time of year. I think you know how I feel about comparing our homes with others’–it’s an easy trap to fall into, isn’t it? I am so proud to know you, so proud to be your friend. Heaps of Christmas blessings to you!!
Gina Luker says
Thanks so much Richella ๐
Smith says
I Loving your idea of adding in Childhood Ornaments to your tree!! Maybe I raid my momโs Christmas Tree that year at the family Christmas. Everything looks lovely! Merry Christmas!!
Gina Luker says
LOL, go for it!! And, thanks ๐
susan says
Gina, your house is lovely! I get so tired of trying to keep up with the bloggers and that envy that comes sneaking in. Itโs home to you and filled with the most important things….love and memories. Youโve done a beautiful job and youโre way ahead of so many of us wishing to live the simple life! Merry Christmas from the coast of North Carolina!