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Myquillyn Smith: The Simple Joys of the Christmas Season

The blogger, decorator and author of Cozy Minimalist Home: More Style, Less Stuff says to “free yourself” from all your Christmas clutter. Let go of rewrapping gifts and endless decorating, she says, and realize that finding Christmas joy is as simple as welcoming Jesus into your heart, friends into your home and family into every moment.

The blogger, decorator and author of Cozy Minimalist Home: More Style, Less Stuff advises you to “free yourself” from all your Christmas clutter. Let go of rewrapping gifts and endless decorating, she says, and realize that finding Christmas joy is all about welcoming Jesus into your heart, friends into your home and family into every moment.

Myquillyn Smith, the Merry Minimalist, photographed January 2, 2019, in her home for Guideposts Joys of Christmas 2019 edition.

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Myquillyn Smith used to believe that keeping things she may want or need made her a “good steward”. As a result, she has kept every Christmas decoration she’s ever received.


Myquillyn Smith, the Merry Minimalist, photographed January 2, 2019, in her home for Guideposts Joys of Christmas 2019 edition.

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The minimalist decorator reveals that she has scaled back her Christmas decorating to make room for the most important gifts of the season: treasuring Jesus, family and friends. A decorative plaque by Myquillyn’s cabinet reads, “And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6).”

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Myquillyn Smith, the Merry Minimalist, photographed January 2, 2019, in her home for Guideposts Joys of Christmas 2019 edition.

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Her grandma Morland is credited as the driving influence behind her over-the-top holiday decorating. She loved the holidays and went all out on decorating; the tree went up early and stayed well past Christmas. Myquillyn wanted to recreate the decor, holiday music and smells of her grandmother’s magical Christmas home—but in a cozy, simpler way.


Myquillyn Smith, the Merry Minimalist, photographed January 2, 2019, in her home for Guideposts Joys of Christmas 2019 edition.

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By lighting a few candles, having a warm pot of soup on the stove and cookies in the oven, Smith’s Christmas spirit is quickly rejuvenated. Flannel bed sheets and hot cider and cocoa also contribute to the simple warmth of her home.


Myquillyn Smith, the Merry Minimalist, photographed January 2, 2019, in her home for Guideposts Joys of Christmas 2019 edition.

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Smith, and her husband, Chad, keep it simple by enjoying a streamlined Christmas.

Myquillyn Smith, the Merry Minimalist, photographed January 2, 2019, in her home for Guideposts Joys of Christmas 2019 edition.

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A Nativity scene or crèche is a treasured holiday tradition in many households during the Christmas season. Smith has chosen a simple, minimalist porcelain Nativity scene to pay homage to the famous story of the birth of Jesus. 

Myquillyn Smith, the Merry Minimalist, photographed January 2, 2019, in her home for Guideposts Joys of Christmas 2019 edition.

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Firewood and pine garland with fairy lights are some simple ways that Smith adds a clean, Christmas touch to her family’s home.  

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Myquillyn Smith, the Merry Minimalist, photographed January 2, 2019, in her home for Guideposts Joys of Christmas 2019 edition.

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The Smith family often gathers in front of this warm fireplace during the holidays. Here, Chad roasts marshmallows while Myquillyn and her sons engage in joyful conversation. Read more about Myquillyn Smith’s story on how she decorates for Christmas!

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