There’s something refreshing about the holidays once you’ve downsized or moved into a 55+ community—especially here in North County San Diego. Life gets lighter. Homes feel simpler. And suddenly, the idea of minimalist holiday decorating feels not only practical, but downright peaceful. If you’re looking for ways to make your home feel festive without overwhelming your space, you’re in good company.
When you live in a smaller, low-maintenance home—or in a beautifully landscaped, resort-style community like Ocean Hills—holiday decorating doesn’t need to involve storage bins, ladders, or a garage full of “just in case” décor. In fact, many people find that a simpler, more intentional approach to the season feels better than anything they did in their larger homes.
When we downsized, we got rid of so many of our holiday decorations – bins and bins of “stuff”. It felt great at the time to let it all go. But now, as new grandparents, we realize, we want to put some intention into how we ‘dress up’ our house for the holidays. We want to be festive and fun, but without the clutter and storage.
If that sounds like you, here are a few simple, minimalist ways to bring the holidays to life in your smaller space.
1. Choose a Holiday “Mood,” Not a Theme
Most of us collected years’ worth of holiday décor in our larger homes. But when you downsize, you get the chance to start fresh — and choose a “feel” rather than a long list of decorations.
Try picking one mood for your space this year:
- Cozy + Calm: soft whites, warm neutrals, candles, natural textures
- Green & Earthy: eucalyptus, fresh garland, olive branches, wood
- Coastal Winter: light blues, sea glass tones, soft twinkle lights
- Simple & Cheerful: pops of red, a few ornaments, and fresh greenery
When you choose a mood, everything feels more coherent—and you’re far less tempted to over-decorate.
2. Bring the Outdoors In (Your Patio Counts!)
One of the biggest gifts of living in North County San Diego is our indoor-outdoor lifestyle. You don’t need giant wreaths or inflatable snowmen — just a few thoughtful touches.
A few easy ideas:
- A potted rosemary tree near your entry (smells amazing, lasts all season)
- A small strand of lights on your patio railing
- A bowl of fresh citrus on your outdoor table
- A bundle of eucalyptus or olive branches in a tall vase
Simple décor draws your eye to the beauty that’s already around you — especially in a community where landscaping is pristine year-round.
3. Choose Quality Over Quantity
If you’ve downsized, you already know the relief that comes from letting go of excess. Apply that same feeling to seasonal décor.
Here’s a minimalist guideline I love: One Tree + One Wreath + One Statement Piece.
That’s all you need. Then skip the rest.
Maybe your statement piece is:
- A cozy garland along your kitchen pass-through
- A favorite holiday photo displayed in a simple frame
- A ceramic nativity or menorah
- A beautifully scented candle on your coffee table
The restraint becomes the beauty.
4. Opt for Toxin-Free, Natural Materials
This is especially important in smaller homes where air circulation is tighter — and for anyone who wants a healthier, cleaner environment.
Choose:
- Beeswax or soy candles
- Real greenery instead of heavily scented artificial pieces
- Wood, ceramic, or linen décor instead of plastics
- LED lights that don’t heat up or off-gas
It’s amazing how much more peaceful your home feels when décor is simple and natural.
5. Let Go of “Holiday Pressure”
Maybe the most important minimalist shift isn’t in how you decorate — but how you think about the holidays.
You don’t need to recreate the holidays you had in your larger home.
You don’t need to keep all the old traditions.
You don’t need bins of stuff to feel festive.
Sometimes the greatest joy comes from deciding: “This year, I’m doing it differently.”
Final Thought
If you’re new to Ocean Hills Country Club or considering a move in the coming year, know this: the lifestyle here naturally encourages a simpler, calmer holiday season. Smaller spaces, gorgeous weather, and a community full of people who value connection over clutter make it easy to embrace a minimalist approach. So give yourself permission to experiment and try something different. And be sure to share your wins with your neighbors, so we can all learn from each other!
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