WINTER: Celebrating the Return of the Light

Winter arrived on December 21st, 2025, heralded by the solstice and a new moon.

We in the Northern Hemisphere shift from losing light to gaining light each day... and that always makes a big difference in my moods. When I think of decorating my home for the winter season, I think of light. Because in all of its forms and iterations, light brings joy and warmth and hope...

Whatever your decorating style, architecture, or location is, you can harness the joy of light in your home. For decades, my practice has been to leave all of the warm white twinkly lights up after Christmas, as well as to add more candles and some clear glass elements to reflect that light everywhere.

More Ideas Ahead....

This approach has worked for me when I decorated in deep greens and browns in a mountain home, in light neutrals in a coastal farmhouse, and now in a colorful tropical style with a slight mid-century modern vibe in the SoCal suburbs. (Yes, even in sunny SoCal, winter brings clouds and fog and the need for some mood-boosting additional light indoors!)

Linked below are some of the simple ways that I have incorporated more light during the winter season... 


        yarn-wrapped vases with candles        .         a stylish taper candle trick


          candles in ceramic vessels              .          create unique lampshades


      glass light globe candle holders        .          glass light globe snowballs

winter whites inspiration

I hope these suggestions will inspire you to embrace this 'season of the returning light', to notice the minutes of daylight we gain each day, and embrace the ways that nature subtly shows us how to enjoy the winter season.

May 2026 begin with celebrating the light within us all...