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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Mix & Match Mama

Christmas, Inside Our House ·

Holiday Home Tour 2024


Happy HOLIDAY HOME TOUR Day!

You guys, I know I post these pics and say the same old thing every year, but it’s because I mean it from the very bottom of my heart.  I truly wish I could invite you all over.  I would welcome you in, pour you a cup of coffee (or maybe some eggnog!), and we’d have the loveliest visit.  The pine candles would be burning, the fireplaces going, and SHAY’S CHRISTMAS PLAYLIST would be on the speakers.  Since I can’t actually have you all over, today, I have a tour 🙂 .

A few things to note:

1: Last year, I shared my HOLIDAY HOME TOUR + TIPS AND TRICKS.  If you want to know my best tips for decorating easily, storing items, displaying Santa photos, swapping out pillow covers, and SO MUCH MORE, make sure you read that post.

2: This winter/spring, we did a little refresh of our kitchen and great room.  You can see the “before and after” pics on THAT POST, but since this is my first holiday season with my new paint/furniture/wallpaper, I sprinkled some more “before and after” holiday edition photos throughout this post below.

3: Because of Andrew’s spinal fusion, we decided to retire our BIG tree and bought a 9 foot tree instead.  After 10 years with the 14 foot tree, we thought this would be a nice change and moving forward, we would go smaller.  We were wrong.  The Shull children miss the big tree.  For four kids who don’t pay that much attention to things around the house, you would have thought we cancelled Christmas with the smaller tree.  Ha!  All four of them were like “it’s nice but I miss the big one”.  Guess that new spine gets to bring out the big one next season. 😉

4: I have a fun promo at the end, so make sure you read the whole post!

I have a few captions but mostly this is just photos.  I hope you’re comfy, cozy, listening to carols, sippin’ something festive and ready to come on in.

Welcome to our holiday home!

Nothing says “understated Christmas” like a 20 foot Santa Claus.

Come on in, friends!

My mom’s dad passed away, and I inherited his beloved custom built grandfather clock. My dad’s dad passed away, and Andrew inherited the veterans hat that he wore every day.  Both are invaluable and always on display in our home.

This library is truly my favorite room during the holiday season.  It’s just so cozy and warm.  That being said, if I’m being super transparent, while taking these photos, I saw a HUGE bug (and bugs don’t often bother me), so I grabbed an Amazon box from my front porch (because of course there was an Amazon box on my front porch), dropped the box on the bug and waited until Andrew was home to remove it.  Just making sure we’re keepin’ real this holiday season 😉 .

Moving on…

My mom gifted me these acrylic deer for my birthday.  Aren’t they so pretty?!

And now for some “before and after” pics…

I know, I know, you miss the big tree too, don’t you?

Side note, when we’re making dinner at night, it drives Andrew crazy to have dogs in the kitchen.  He always says things like “they’re just in here looking for food” and I say back to him “um, hello, they’re only in here BECAUSE I’M STANDING HERE”.  If I went up to Smith’s room right now, they’d follow me up there too.  I have four little shadows that follow me constantly 😉 .

For the life of me, I’m not sure why in every picture it looks like half the garland lights aren’t working.  I promise you, they’re all working 🙂 .

From our trip to Frankenmuth 🙂 .

I bet you can’t guess where our elf was “hiding” on this day.

Thank you so much for stopping by!

It’s always such a pleasure to “have you over” for my holiday home tour. 🙂

Now, where do we store all of this seasonal decor?  You can check all the deets RIGHT HERE!

Don’t forget that we’ve updated so many rooms in our house!  If you’re looking for specific sources from specific rooms, these posts here will be the best bet for you to find that information: 

KITCHEN & GREAT ROOM REFRESH

OUR HOME GYM

ASHBY’S “NEW” ROOM

MADELEY’S NEW ROOM

KENSINGTON’S NEW ROOM

FOYER UPDATE

OUR (NEW) UPSTAIRS BATHROOM

UPSTAIRS LAUNDRY STATION

FAMILY ROOM RE-DO

LAUNDRY ROOM RE-DO

GUEST BATH

GREAT ROOM

PRIMARY BATHROOM

MY NEW OFFICE

PRIMARY BEDROOM

BACKYARD UPDATE

THE DINING ROOM

One more thing before we go…my very favorite skincare AND haircare brand Colleen Rothschild Beauty wanted to collaborate because today through the 16th, you can get 30% off site wide with no code and 50% off all boxed gift sets(excluding The Icons and full size bundles) PLUS Free 2-Day shipping on orders over $95!

This 30% OFF SALE is an excellent time to grab my faves like RADIANT CLEANSING BALM, RETINOL SUPREME EYE SERUM, VITAMIN C NOURISHING CREAM  or the QUENCH & SHINE TRAVEL HAIR ESSENTIALS KIT now for 30% off!  Don’t forget, you also get free 2-Day shipping on orders over $95 right now too!

Again, thank you for stopping by!

I hope you all have a wonderful, wonderful day! xx

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Comments

  2. Mary Straus says

    Good morning Shay,

    First as always I love your home tours. You out do yourself every year.

    I love the deer your mom gifted you for your birthday. My question is are they glass or acrylic?? I have to get some ASAP.

    Happy holidays 🎄,

    • Mary Straus says

      Hi Shay,

      I apologize to bother you again. I know this is an extremely busy time if year for you and everyone.
      I have been a big fan of your since Sean was on the bachelor, however this is the third post that you haven’t responded to a simple question I asked or even when you were in Michigan i said welcome and offered places to visit with no response. Maybe it wasn’t something you were interested in or responding to. I had to let you know my feelings and won’t send you anymore questions as I feel maybe you aren’t interested in responding to me.
      Hope your holidays are well.
      Mary

      • Mix and Match Mama says

        Hi Mary! I just checked and you posted all of your comments today while I wasn’t checking comments. I just now checked comments for the afternoon and saw all three of yours. To answer your question, the deer are acrylic. I did a search and those are the only three comments I see that you’ve posted, but if you have any other questions, please let me know! Have a great day!

  3. Dana P says

    So beautiful, Shay! I spied my favorite Christmas carolers. I did find them on ebay last year, by the way. And I LOVE all the candles. I have a new favorite one- Munich Christmas Market by Yankee. Normally they’re not my fav, but this one is so good! I also love Winter White. Pura makes a scent for it as well and it was my absolute FAVORITE when we were in the US. I love how you’ve really helped me develop my love of coziness. 🙂

  4. Karen says

    Thanks for sharing your amazingly festive home with us! It is so beautiful! Can I say three random things here not Christmas related?
    1. I have searched without success to find the brand of your cooktop, can you please share?
    2. We are getting ready to take our second trip with your travel agency that the AMAZING Clare planned for us and my family couldn’t be more excited!
    3. I gifted one of your book recs to some of my special friends and they asked where I heard of it and I told them….”from my internet friend!” BAHAHA! Sounds weird but it is correct! Thanks for the time and energy you put in your blog! Merry Christmas from “your internet friend”in Oklahoma!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Of course you can!!
      1: It’s a Viking.
      2: Thank YOU for letting us be a part of your vacations. We are SO blessed by it!!
      3: That it truly the ultimate compliment. Thank YOU, thank YOU for being my internet friend. I’m blessed by it! xx

  5. Marla says

    So fun and festive . I love all the changes you have made in your home. It just feels brighter, lighter and happier (if that is possible) , just like you! As you get healthier and more radiant so does everything and everyone around you.
    Thanks for sharing Shay. Happy December 12’th!

  8. Kristen says

    House looks beautiful! Question about all your candles burning.. do you go around and light them all at once in the am , I only light one daily and I always forget to blow it out -eek!!!! Do you light and relight every time you leave the house?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I lit them all for the pics but other than that, I only light a few throughout the day (some in the morning, others in the evening…all when I’m entertaining). I always blow them out when I leave.

  9. Lindi says

    Very festive! I think I would cry, though, if I had all of this to put away after. Lol I scaled my decor back dramatically this year in pursuit of simple.

  10. Alyssa Norman says

    Love it all!! Where do you get you’re garland from? Both the stairs and fireplace are so lush and full, mine looks so puny compared!

    Everything looks absolutely beautiful ❤️ 🎄

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Oh good question. I bought the garland several years ago online (I think treesandtrends.com) and then added the lights and ornaments myself.

      • MMM says

        I thought the garland was made by your mom? For some reason I remember you saying she went out while you were away and redid it? Or am I misremembering?

  11. bette says

    thank you for always sharing your home during the holidays. everything looks so festive and beautiful. it’s understandable why the kids prefer the bigger tree. my question though is did andrew get the smooshed bug?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      He was barely out of his car after work when I was out in the garage saying “you have to come get this bug under the Amazon box in the library”. Bahahaha!

  12. Sandra Roberts says

    I love everything, but the house with the RV in your kitchen = classic! Merry CHRISTMAS to you and yours!!

  13. Angela says

    You always have a beautiful home and do a wonderful job decorating. But I’m not going to lie… I like the bigger tree too 🙂

  14. Angela says

    Beautiful, as always, Shay!!!! Thank you for sharing your festively decorated home with us!! It’s always one of my favorite posts!!!

  15. Amy Heinl says

    Love the changes you made and your home looks so beautiful decorated for Christmas. Wanted to know if the kids have trees in their rooms that they decorate. I put one in my bedroom and I love the warmth and coziness it brings to the space

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      They all four have trees in their rooms that they decorate. The older they get, the more they ask for privacy in those areas, so I didn’t take any pics, but yes, they have them!

  17. Amy says

    I always love your home posts and especially the Christmas home tour! Yes I was the one that after I saw the new tree was like no the kids are totally right!! You need the bigger tree…sorry Andrew!!! I truly hope you have a very blessed Christmas and New Year!!

  18. Mary Duke says

    I am loving your lighter decor. Makes all your dodas stand out more.🥹
    Love your posts and I have picked up many suggestions from you for my grandchildren.
    Also, I love Colleen Rothschild skin care. Merry Christmas and blessings for you and your family in the New Year🎄

  19. Jordan says

    Joining the kids and being on team BIG tree! haha a 9ft tree isn’t small but the before and afters make it look tiny! hahaha

  20. Therese says

    Always love your home tour posts! I’ve never noticed the Christmas Vacation house and Cousin Eddie RV before. That is awesome. Where did you find it?

  22. Kay says

    As always, my absolute, #1 favorite post of the year! Your house always looks amazing but I seriously think this might be the best year yet!!! Love the new little light up houses scattered around. Did I spy the Griswold home in your kitchen? Obsessed. Also love the acrylic reindeer from your sweet mom. My grandmother decorated as you do….every corner filled with a little trinket, bowl of candy, or festive book. It was magical as a kid and I always think how your house reminds me so much of hers!

    I wonder if you would ever consider a special hashtag so this amazing community could share photos of their Christmas decorations? I love looking at decorations so much.

    Happy Holidays to you and thanks for being there for us all!!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Awwwwwww! That’s a great idea! Next year? I love this! I hope your day is treating you extra wonderful today, Kay. Thank YOU!

  23. Nades says

    Love the decor! Do you leave candles burning in rooms that you are not in? I love candles but am afraid to do that! Also did Andre hunt the moose in the library? Did you eat the meat or did he just hunt it for sport?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      If I’m home, I’ll leave them going even if I’m not in the same room. I blow them out when I leave though. Andrew did get the moose himself and the meat was given to the people in the small town where he harvested it on the Alaskan/Canadian border.

  24. Lori L Sharp says

    This is my favorite post of the year after the Halloween house tour!!! Thank you for sharing! Bring back the big tree. 😉

    Can you link the light about your kitchen table…it’s lovely! Merry Christmas and thank you for sharing your days with us!!!

  25. Laura Holmes says

    One of my favorite posts of the year! It all looks beautiful. Not Christmas related, but I LOVE the series of 3 blue fish prints in your upstairs hallways. I’m guessing from Nantucket? Merry Christmas!

  26. Emily says

    I just finished reading day 12 of Prepare Him Room. I have my cup of coffee with Christmas music playing in the background and just finished reading your blog post. It is going to be a good day. Thanks for sharing.

  27. Jamie S says

    It took me a minute to realize the signs on your kitchen counter did not say, “Tis the jingle season all the way”
    I guess I need another cup of coffee!! Your home looks beautiful, as always!

  28. Debbie Smith says

    Merry Christmas! Your home looks beautiful. I won’t tell the others if you just have me, your Canadian Reader over for a coffee with the your cozy fireplace, candle and music playing 🙂

  29. Alison Martinich says

    So festive and so beautiful! Thanks for sharing 🙂 Question…where did you get the large plaid pillows on your bed? Thanks! Merry Christmas!

  30. Melanie M says

    Shay, your home is always decorated so beautifully. Almost 3 years ago, my husband had his left leg amputated so we haven’t really decorated for Christmas. So, seeing your home makes me happy! I hope you and your family have a great Christmas!!!!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I hope your family is doing well, Melanie. Sending you so much love this holiday season!

  32. Allison says

    Your fat pink nutcracker cookie jar is AMAZING. If it’s recent and you have a link, I’d love it! And for the record….. I miss the 14’ tree. 😂 Everything looks amazing though!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Isn’t it so cute?! My mom found it for me at Neiman Marcus Off Fifth recently (I think that’s what it’s called?).

  33. Jill says

    The clock and hat 🥺🇺🇸❤️, so very meaningful! This was so sweet to see. And the story of the Big tree, love the kids!

  35. K.K. says

    Oh, I’m late this morning to reading, but I’m so glad for what post was waiting here!! BEAUTIFUL.
    And yes, Team Kids with the tree. Any time I wonder if I should go smaller or simpler on Christmas decor, I usually err on more is actually more – just in this one category.
    Your whole place is MAGiCAL! 🙂 Thanks for the tour.

  36. Alyssa says

    So beautiful and festive! Have you ever done a blog post about your Butler’s Pantry/Hallway?! Would love to see how you utilize that area for prep, etc. Merry Christmas!!

  37. Vivian G says

    Wel all missed that big tree this year for sure. Thanks for sharing your home with us. This is always my favorite post and I look forward to it all year long. Merry Christmas Shay!

  38. Holly says

    Are your lights/decorations on timers, or do you turn them all on/off each day, or just leave them on 24/7? I don’t have nearly as many as you, but some days I get lazy and only turn on/off a few.

  41. Erika Slaughter says

    Is it EVEN Christmas at your house without that big tree?! I’d have a hard time finding Christmas magic without the full 12 feet. hahahahaha!

  43. Melissa says

    Everything looks so beautiful and festive! Thanks for sharing.
    I was wondering where you purchased your advent house ?

  44. Claire Nore says

    How do you hang your garland on your stairs? I can’t seem to get mine to stay put and yours looks great!

  48. Pru Landon says

    The artwork above your living room fireplace is sideways. This piece is “Reservoir” by Jacob Lincoln. It’s a landscape not abstract art.

  49. Beverly says

    Thank you for sharing your wonderful holiday decor. It looks like a professional holiday decor company has done it. I know it was all you as you have a great eye for detail. You kids are lucky to grow up in such a holiday wonderland. I get to live vicariously thru your photos as I don’t celebrate Xmas or dare I say even like it as a Jew I feel like the only kid in town without an Xmas tree. I really feel that with the exception of your family, Christ has gone out of Xmas and become so commercial that it’s a true pain as someone who doesn’t celebrate to be out and about this time of year. Your family truly lives and believes in the religion and your holiday celebration just embraces the childlike wonder of Christmas. How will your kids ever top all this??? I’m sure with a little help from you. Your house never. looks like four kids and all those dogs live there. I don’t know how you do it. You are truly wonder woman and my hero. You take good care of your health, your family & your beautiful home and make it look so easy when we all know how hard you work Bravo!!!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      You are too generous with your words, Beverly. I am so grateful to have you here in our community. Wishing you the warmest and loveliest holiday season! xx

  51. Alison says

    So festive and warm! I especially love the photo of the dogs in the living room while you were snapping pics. Lol. Cutest little shadows!

  52. Stacey says

    Shay this is such an inspiring post! I also love the study so much! I smiled when I saw the Christmas at Nell Hill’s book…We were stationed at ft Leavenworth, near Kansas City, and I fell in love with all things Nell Hill!♥️. Thanks so much for posting this and do wish we could stop by for egg nog! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Oh goodness, I LOVE her stores! It has been years since I’ve visited, but my mom and dad go every year. I love her books so much!

  55. Jamie says

    I will never tire if your Holiday Home Tours! Your home is stunning! 9/10 without the big tree. 😉

  56. Karen says

    Your home is lovely and so cozy! Beautiful festive decor… please tell me the name of the girl who does the ceramic plates with the kids hand and foot prints! I just realized I haven’t seen her in my Fb feed and I used to follow her! I would have loved to order a plate with my grandchildren’s hands this year! Thanks and Merry Christmas!

  59. Casey says

    This post has me about to give up minimalism and make a run for Hobby Lobby! Your home is so cozy and looks like such a perfect place to snuggle up and read a book! Merry Christmas!

  60. Erin says

    Hi Shay,

    I’m #withthekids! Bring back the 14’ tree!! 😜🎄 Just pay Smith and a couple of his football buddies to put it up for you to spare Andrew’s back! 😉 But seriously, that’s too funny that the kids don’t seem to care until you change something. But Christmas is Christmas, right? And you’ve implemented some deep rooted traditions, and now it’s showing ha! We’re changing our Christmas traditions up a bit this year too and have been in the same place with our kids this season.

    Love all of the fresh updates. I’d love to sip coffee or eggnog with you in any room of your house! Merry Christmas!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Right?! Um, hello?! When did you start noticing things? Apparently the day the tree went up.

  65. Rhoda Watson says

    After my daughter’s wedding, hosting family from Australia and UK and a 6 day trip to Cabos with them all in tow, I’m just finally catching up with your posts. Your home looks amazing as always! The funny thing was that our Cabo flight connected through Dallas and as we took of on Sunday evening you cold see the all the lights from the Dallas suburbs. It was a magical sight of red, green and gold below. You Texans really go big especially with the Christmas spirit!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Awwwwww! I love that you were able to see our “bigger and better” even if from above 🙂 . I hope you have a wonderful holiday! You have had a BIG month!!

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