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How to Make Your Home the PERFECT Cozy Christmas Backdrop

Dec 8, 2025 | By: Animal House Photography

In my experience, there are different kinds of Christmas decorating people.

There are those who have had their house decked out since September, and honestly good for them. We all have to find the joy as we can.

Then there is the strict day-after-Thanksgiving crowd who start putting up lights as soon as the pie is eaten.

And then there are those of us who decorate when they have a moment to breathe and may or may not leave the tree up for slightly too long.

No matter which kind of Christmas decorator you are, anyone can transform their home into the cozy backdrop of their dreams.  

Family sitting on a porch with a holiday wreath on the door, brick steps, and plants around.

1. Let's talk Christmas trees.

Put that tree front and center. A Christmas tree can shift the whole tone of a room, even if it's the only item decorated. If you have limited time, decorating a tree or choosing a pre-lit artificial one can bring some festivity into your home.

Once you have the tree, decorate it however you want and don't worry about whether it's trendy. Do you like classic nineties Christmas with lots of color and decorations? Go for it. Minimal gold and green? Do it. 

Fill your home - and your tree - with whatever helps you feel that Christmas magic. In turn, your tree will be a great spot for gathering the family and taking some sweet Christmas morning photos.

A family with a child holding a stocking by a decorated Christmas tree indoors.
A family decorating a Christmas tree; a woman, man, and child smiling in a festive living room.
Toddler in a black outfit stands near a decorated Christmas tree in a cozy living room.
A baby sits on wooden floor near a decorated Christmas tree, surrounded by adults dressed in formal attire.

2. Personalized Touches

Don't be afraid to add in those family heirlooms and personal items that bring sweet memories to mind. Some of these might include:

  • Homemade Christmas decorations
  • Picture ornaments
  • Ornaments marking "firsts" 
  • Heirloom items
  • Keepsakes

Make sure you include these in your Christmas photos; they are a great way to bring family history into your holidays.

Black-and-white photo of a baby in a ruffled outfit looking at the camera indoors.
Hand placing ornament on decorated Christmas tree with lights.
A toddler in a dark outfit with a big bow waves while a woman in a dress smiles in the background.
A family in a cozy room; a man seated on the floor, a woman reading to a child on her lap in a chair.

3. Pops of Christmas

If you aren't someone who decks every single hall, choose a focal point in your home. Usually the best place is wherever your tree is, and if you aren't doing a tree consider using your fireplace or mantle. This is where the majority of your decor will go.

Then, throughout the rest of your home, put little pops of Christmas cheer. A red bow on a window. A wreath as a table centerpiece. A holiday blanket over a chair. These are subtle reminders of the season without the massive effort to decorate a whole house.

A couple embraces in a cozy room with holiday decorations, including a Christmas tree and festive ornaments.
A couple standing in a living room, decorated with flowers and candles on a wooden sideboard.

4. Cozy Textures

Think about the kinds of texture you want to cuddle up in. The velvet upholstery. The chunky knit blanket. The overstuffed pillows. The fleece jackets. 

Find ways to incorporate these textures into your decor and your home generally. These will make the background of any photos you take look homey and warm - not to mention your home will literally FEEL cozy!
Woman in a dark dress kneeling by a baby in black by a crib, next to a decorated lamp and wall ornament.
A woman holding a baby near a Christmas tree, both in festive attire.
A toddler in a velvet outfit stands holding a toy trumpet near a decorated Christmas tree.

5. Soft Lighting is Your Friend

Christmas brings with it the easiest opportunity for soft warm lighting. Think Christmas twinkle lights, warm white or even colorful lights if that is your preference. These soft ambient lights bring with them a cozy atmosphere and, as an added bonus, make for lovely pictures.

A toddler wearing a black outfit with a large bow stands near a striped surface in a dimly lit room.

How are you making your home feel cozy and warm this Christmas season?

Black and white image of a person with text about photography interests and location in Huntsville, Alabama.

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