How To Decorate After Christmas: 29 Post-Christmas Winter Decor Ideas

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Once the excitement of Christmas has passed and all the presents have been opened (sad), it can be a bit tricky to figure out how to keep your home feeling cozy and festive without the full-blown holiday decor. After Christmas, your home doesn’t need to feel empty or bare.

In fact, it’s the perfect time to embrace winter decor that’s simple, calming, and still full of warmth. You can keep that cozy vibe going by transitioning your space into a winter wonderland that’s not so tied to Christmas.

I find that this is the time of year when I want to scale back on the reds and greens and opt for natural colors and textures. Think soft knits, lots of greenery, and natural elements like pinecones or twigs.

It’s all about keeping the cozyness of the holidays alive without feeling like Christmas is still lingering. It’s also a great time to mix in more neutral tones while still keeping some of the wintery touches like mini trees and snowflakes.

This post will walk you through what to keep out and what to pack away IMHO. By making a few small swaps, you can create a space that still feels festive, just more in tune with the winter season. Ready to give your home that perfect post-Christmas vibe? Let’s get into it.

What To Keep

After Christmas, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel and redo your entire deco. There are a number of decor pieces and items that you can reuse or use in a different way. This is great because it definitely will save you a lot of money! Plus, it’s less work and I can’t complain about that haha.

1. Knitted Decor

Knitted decor is perfect for keeping your home feeling warm and cozy after Christmas. Whether it’s knitted blankets, pillows, or even some cute knitted garlands, these pieces add texture and warmth without feeling overly festive.

I love keeping out chunky knit blankets because they create that snuggly feeling we all crave during the colder months. Plus, knitted pieces work with almost any color scheme, so whether you’ve got neutrals or bolder shades, they fit right in. It’s all about comfort during winter, and having soft, knitted decor around makes your home feel inviting and perfect for relaxing.

2. Greenery

Greenery is one of those decor elements that works well throughout the entire winter season. After Christmas, you don’t need to put away all of your greenery: just the pieces that are overly decorated or too Christmasy. Simple pine garlands, eucalyptus, or even some faux greenery on your mantel or tables can add life and freshness to the space.

I love how greenery brings in a touch of nature, especially when everything outside feels so cold and bare. Keeping it simple and natural makes it perfect for transitioning from Christmas to a more wintery, laid-back vibe.

3. Pinecones

Pinecones are a great element to keep around after Christmas. They have that earthy, rustic feel that works all winter long. Whether you place them in bowls, scatter them across your mantel, or add them to a wreath, pinecones bring a natural touch that doesn’t scream Christmas.

I always find that they add a bit of warmth to the room, especially when mixed with greenery or candles. Pinecones work well with other natural textures like burlap or cotton, so they fit seamlessly into a winter-themed decor scheme without feeling out of place.

4. Checkered Patterns

Checkered patterns, especially in neutral tones like black and white or browns, are a great way to keep your space feeling cozy and wintery after Christmas. I love using checkered throw pillows or blankets to add a bit of pattern without going overboard.

Checkered patterns remind me of flannel shirts and warm winter cabins, making them perfect for keeping that comforting winter vibe alive in your home. It’s a simple way to add texture and interest to your decor without it feeling too festive.

5. Twigs and Berry Branches

Twigs and berry branches are another natural decor piece that works beautifully in the winter months. You can keep berry branches in vases on your coffee table or use twigs to create a simple centerpiece for your dining table.

The bare look of twigs adds a touch of the outdoors, while berry branches bring in a subtle pop of color that still feels wintery. I often place a vase of twigs and berries on my mantel to keep things feeling fresh and natural without it being too overdone.

6. Burlap and Cotton Materials

Natural materials like burlap and cotton work perfectly for post-Christmas decor. Burlap adds a rustic, earthy vibe, while cotton brings in a softness that balances everything out. You can use burlap table runners, cotton throw blankets, or even wrap candles in these materials to add texture to your space.

I always find that these materials ground the room and make it feel cozy without being too festive. They’re versatile, so you can pair them with other winter decor like pinecones or mini trees to complete the look.

7. Snowflake Decor

Snowflake decor is an easy piece to transition into your post-Christmas setup. Snowflakes are more about winter than Christmas, so they work perfectly for keeping a festive feel without being holiday-specific.

I like to keep snowflake decorations on my shelves or hang a snowflake garland across the fireplace. Snowflakes bring a sense of lightness and playfulness to the room, keeping the winter spirit alive long after the holidays are over.

8. Winter Signs

Winter-themed signs, like those that say “Let It Snow” or “Cozy Up,” are great to keep around during the winter months. I love how they add a bit of charm without feeling like they belong just to Christmas.

These signs remind us that winter isn’t just about the holidays—it’s also about the cozy, slower pace that follows. Placing these signs on your mantel or shelves keeps the wintery vibe going while making your home feel warm and welcoming.

9. Mini Trees Without Ornaments

Mini trees can easily stay out after Christmas, especially if you remove the ornaments. I like to keep small, simple trees on side tables or mantels because they add that touch of greenery without feeling overly festive.

You can keep them plain or wrap them in burlap for a more natural look. Mini trees without ornaments still give off a wintery, fresh vibe and fit perfectly into any neutral winter decor.

10. Wooden Decor

Wooden decor, whether it’s rustic signs, wooden trays, or carved figures, adds warmth and texture to your home after the holidays. I love incorporating wooden pieces into my decor because they bring an earthy, grounded feel that works well for winter.

You can mix wooden elements with other natural materials like burlap or cotton to create a balanced, cozy space. Wooden decor fits seamlessly into a winter-themed setup without feeling too holiday-specific.

11. Cocoa Bar

Just because Christmas is over doesn’t mean you have to put away the cocoa bar! In fact, I think it’s the perfect time to keep it going, especially during those chilly winter days. A small station with mugs, cocoa mix, and marshmallows is both functional and fun.

It’s a cozy little corner that keeps the warmth of the season alive. Plus, having a cocoa bar out during the colder months is a great way to bring a little joy to your home, whether you’re hosting friends or just enjoying a quiet night in.

12. Ice Skating Decor

Ice skating decor, like small figurines or signs, can add a playful touch to your post-Christmas decor. Since ice skating is something people enjoy throughout winter, these pieces fit perfectly into the winter theme without feeling too holiday-specific.

I like to place small ice skating figures on shelves or even incorporate them into a winter village display. It’s a fun way to keep the seasonal spirit alive without leaning into Christmas decor.

13. Farm Truck Decor

Farm truck decor works beautifully for winter, especially when paired with neutral colors or natural elements like burlap and greenery. I love using small farm truck decorations as part of my tablescape or on side tables.

These trucks add a rustic, farmhouse charm to your space, and they feel more wintery than holiday-specific, making them ideal for keeping your home feeling cozy and seasonal after Christmas.

14. Natural Colors

After Christmas, shifting to a more neutral, natural color palette is a great way to refresh your space while still keeping it cozy. Think whites, soft blues, greens, and browns. These colors bring a sense of calm and serenity to your home, perfect for the winter months.

I love using neutral-toned throw pillows, blankets, and decor items to create a space that feels peaceful yet still warm. Natural colors work well with the other decor pieces mentioned, like burlap, cotton, and wooden accents, helping to create a cohesive winter look.

What To Remove

After Christmas, there are definitely a few decor pieces that should be packed away to avoid your home feeling stuck in holiday mode.

While keeping things cozy and wintery is key, there are specific items that have a more Christmas-centric vibe and no longer fit with the neutral, laid-back winter theme. Here’s a breakdown of what to take down or store until next year.

1. Sparkles (Unless They’re White or Light Blue)

Sparkles and glitter might look amazing for Christmas, but they often feel a bit too festive once the holiday season is over. I find that sparkly decor in gold, silver, or bright colors can make a room feel like Christmas hasn’t quite ended yet.

However, if the sparkles are white or light blue, you can probably keep them around, as these shades fit more into a winter wonderland vibe. If you’re not sure, it’s usually best to tuck away the super glittery pieces until next December.

2. Baubles

Baubles are one of the clearest signs of Christmas decor. Whether they’re on your tree or scattered throughout your home, once Christmas is over, they need to go.

Baubles, especially in holiday colors like red, green, or gold, are too Christmas-specific to transition into general winter decor. I always feel like it’s easier to create a fresh, simple winter look once the baubles are packed away, letting you focus more on neutral tones and natural elements instead.

3. Santas and Nutcrackers

Santas and Nutcrackers are classic Christmas decorations, but after the holidays, they should be one of the first things to take down. While they add tons of charm to your Christmas decor, they don’t blend well with a more neutral, winter-themed space.

I pack away my Nutcrackers and Santas right after Christmas to make room for decor that feels more appropriate for the rest of the winter season. These pieces are best saved for next year’s festivities.

4. Christmas Tree

Whether you’ve got a real tree or an artificial one, it’s time to take it down once Christmas has passed. The Christmas tree is such a big symbol of the holiday season that keeping it up into January makes your home feel like Christmas is still here.

I know it’s hard to say goodbye to the tree, but once it’s gone, you’ll notice how much more space you have to transition your home into a cozy winter feel. Focus on replacing it with greenery or simple winter elements like pine branches or twigs.

5. Colored Christmas Lights

Colored Christmas lights are another holiday-specific decor item that doesn’t carry over well into the winter season. The bright reds, greens, and blues of traditional Christmas lights are festive, but they definitely say “Christmas” more than “winter.”

I like to switch out colored lights for softer, white string lights if I want to keep some sparkle going throughout the season. White lights bring a warm, cozy glow without feeling too tied to the holidays.

6. Christmas Village

A Christmas village is a lovely piece to display during the holiday season, but it should be stored away once Christmas is over.

These little villages, with their snowy rooftops and tiny Santa figures, are fun to look at, but they tend to feel too festive for the post-Christmas period. If you want to keep a similar vibe going, try swapping out the village for something more neutral, like a few Nordic-style houses or natural wood decor.

7. Nativity Scene

The nativity scene is a beautiful and meaningful part of Christmas decor, but it’s definitely something that should be put away once the holiday has passed.

While it’s a wonderful tradition to display during the lead-up to Christmas, it doesn’t fit into the more general winter decor theme. Packing it away gives you space to bring out more neutral or nature-inspired elements that can carry you through the rest of the winter months.

8. Christmas Wreaths

While wreaths can be beautiful, they often feel too Christmas-specific, especially if they’re decorated with red ribbons, baubles, or other holiday ornaments.

After Christmas, I like to swap out my wreath for something simpler, like a bare pine wreath or one made of twigs and greenery. This keeps the natural feel without the holiday overtones, making it perfect for the winter season.

9. Bright Holiday Colors

Bright holiday colors like red, green, gold, and silver are perfect for Christmas, but once the holiday season is over, it’s time to transition to softer, more neutral tones.

I always find that shifting to whites, light blues, and natural colors like browns or greens helps make the space feel more relaxed and cozy. Keeping a more neutral color palette makes the decor feel less festive and more wintery, which is exactly what you want after Christmas.