Holiday Home Transformation: My Journey from Disney Magic to Canadian Cozy

If there's one thing I’ve learned about myself, it’s that my life is split right down the middle—like a travel show with two very different destinations. On one side, there’s the whimsical, colorful world of Disney; on the other, the peaceful, woodland charm of Canada. And honestly? I love the balance.

While I packed up our home in Disney for the season, I thought it would be the perfect time to take you along for the ride. So grab your cozy drink (hot chocolate, anyone?) and let’s chat about Christmas decor, Disney vibes, and the transition back to the snowy forests of Canada.

Disney Christmas: All Play, All Day

Let’s talk about Disney first, because oh boy, the holidays here are something else. Living so close to Magic Kingdom means the celebrations feel like they spill right into my living room. My Disney home is decked out with festive touches—like garlands wrapped around a three-story banister and twinkly fairy lights that make everything feel warm and magical. It takes barely any time to set up, but the effect? Pure holiday cheer.

Some of my favorite decorations this year:

• Elves everywhere: From mischievous elves on the staircase to little ones peeking out from unexpected spots, these little helpers bring a playful energy to the whole house.

• Cluster lights galore: These aren’t just any lights—they’re the kind that sparkle like the ones you see in Disney parks.

• Gingerbread magic: I’m obsessed with my yearly gingerbread house tradition, complete with glowing fairy lights underneath.

It’s quick, it’s colorful, and it feels like stepping into a Mickey-approved wonderland.

Next stop? The Canadian countryside, where the vibe shifts dramatically.

The Canadian Contrast: Woodland Whimsy Awaits

Life in Canada is the complete opposite of my Disney days. There, it’s all about quiet moments, home-cooked meals, and living side-by-side with woodland creatures (yes, I have a chipmunk friend named Dale). The decorations take a bit more effort, but the result? A North Pole-esque wonderland.

After a whirlwind trip to Disney, it felt both surreal and peaceful to be back in the quiet, snowy woods. Our Canadian home is all about rustic charm, snowy scenes, and cozy vibes for days. There’s something about balancing the brightness of Disney with the calm of a Canadian winter that just works for me. I’m excited to share more about how we’ve turned our guest room, our kitchen, and our entire home into a festive wonderland — blending a little Disney magic with cozy Canadian charm.

First, let's talk about the guest room transformation for my mom and dad. It all started with the inspiration I found during summer: adorable vases with cardinals. These little touches became the heart of the room's theme. Add some flowers, festive décor, and voilà — a cozy space ready to welcome them for the holidays.

But the holiday home transformation didn’t stop there! There’s nothing quite like coming home to snow-covered trees and the crisp, cold air. It’s like nature wrapped itself in a blanket of white just for us.

And just like nature got a cozy upgrade, our kitchen is getting one, too! While we're not finished yet, the vision is coming together. We’re replacing our half-kitchen with a fully functional space that includes:

• A beautiful stone arch with Mediterranean-inspired mosaic tiles.

• A new coffee bar area for those cozy morning moments.

• A larger island for baking and gathering with loved ones.

I’ve already sprinkled some Mrs. Claus’s Bakery vibes throughout the kitchen, with pink candy cane décor, oversized hanging ornaments, and a tiered tray decked out in holiday cheer. It might sound a bit extra, but during the holidays, I’m embracing the joy of being a full-on maximalist!

Life at home is a perfect contrast to the Disney hustle. It’s all about peaceful walks, crackling fires, and reconnecting with nature. Every day, I bundle up and head outside, often with Carl (who’s loving the snowy adventures!). We trek down to the lake, visit our chipmunk friend Eugene, and keep an eye out for Dale — who, if you didn’t know, has a habit of making me tear up when we part ways.

It’s fascinating learning about our little woodland neighbors. Did you know chipmunks don’t fully hibernate? Some just go dormant, depending on how much food they’ve stored. I guess we’ll find out if Dale pops out of his cozy hideaway before spring!

The Joy of Coming Home

After the bustling restaurants, twinkling lights, and Disney magic, there's something grounding about returning to our quiet, snow-dusted retreat. The lake is almost frozen over, deer are making their way across it, and the outside of the house is decorated with wreaths, garlands, and even a little Charlie Brown tree.

Our lives may bounce between theme park excitement and woodland serenity, but in both places, I try to bring a sense of joy and magic — whether it’s in the decorations, the shared moments, or the peaceful rituals.

I hope you enjoyed coming along on this adventure! If you love seeing these glimpses into my daily life, feel free to leave a comment or share your thoughts. I always love connecting with you and sharing these moments. There’s plenty more to come, and I can’t wait to share the next chapter with you!

Shop this post: