Get in the seasonal spirit with tips from our favorite tastemakers and a collection of cheerful Etsy items hand-picked to help you find your festive.

Photo by: The Marbles

After a year unlike any other, a heap of good cheer is just what we need. And what better excuse to infuse some of our cherished holiday customs with a little extra oomph? To make this season as special as ever, we put our heads together with some of our favorite creative tastemakers from the Holiday Etsy Edit to come up with a few thoughtful touches and ultra-festive twists for this year's celebrations. From dialing up our decor to reimagining family feasts, read on to discover the new traditions we're looking forward to!


Last year: Decorating in December  


 2020 twist: Decorating through the season


DIY ornaments, crochet stockings, a succulent wreath, and a message doormat from Etsy
SHOP (clockwise from top left): DIY ornament kit from Jill Makes, $38; crochet stocking pattern from DeBrosse, $5; succulent wreath from Succulent Artworks, $69; merry + bright doormat from Olive Creative Co., $55

Sure, we’re used to waiting until the Thanksgiving table’s been cleared to break out the tinsel, wreaths, and all the glittering trimmings. But this year, we’re making holiday decorating a creative pursuit instead of a one-day sprint. Start early with a DIY project, like hand-crocheted stockings or paint-your-own ornament kits to enjoy with the family, then up the jolly ante by putting a seasonal spin on everyday staples from doormats to tea towels, and top it all off with a stunningly crafted statement wreath. You’ll not only keep the good vibes going, but you’ll also end up with a trove of meaningful, lovingly made keepsakes.




Getting festive with Etsy Edit influencer Callie Thorpe:


Etsy Edit influencer Callie Thorpe

"Christmas is usually the time we go all out in my house and this year we’re going to amp it up even more. On Christmas Eve we open one pressie, watch Curly Sue (my favorite Christmas film) and make boozy hot chocolates. On Christmas morning, we always start the day with a snowball cocktail. We all just need a little joy and magic in our lives!"




Last year: Gather ‘round the dining room table


2020 twist: Come together in the great outdoors


Holiday tablecloth, knit mittens, personalized placemat, s'mores holder, and ceramic dishware from Etsy
SHOP (clockwise from top): Pink pottery ceramic dinnerware set from Free Folding, $95 for a set of three; whiskey barrel marshmallow roasting sticks from Heritage Wedding, $50 for a set of four; playhouse tablecloth from Striped Coast, $79; fingerless hand-warmers from Pinecones & Purls, $24; customizable Thanksgiving placemat from Fonts & Flourishes Co., from $16

The holidays simply wouldn’t be the holidays without those hearty feasts that bring your nearest and dearest together around the table. And now more than ever, we’re looking for creative ways to congregate. A backyard setup can get downright dreamy thanks to a few innovative touches: think sophisticated stoneware serving plates, cozy hand-warmers, and playful outdoor accessories like marshmallow roasting sticks and scribble-friendly Kraft paper placemats. Let’s raise a glass to an alfresco spread well worth remembering!




How Etsy Edit influencer Mary Lauren Gunn makes the most of family time:


Etsy Edit influencer Mary Lauren Gunn

"We’ve never had a Christmas morning with just our little family of five—we always have a huge crowd to feed. But I’m planning to make our traditional breakfast extra special with a prettily set table and our prized French toast soufflé. Things may look a little different this year, but the magic of my kids on Christmas morning is the same no matter where we are."




Last year: Holiday pajama photo op


2020 twist: PJs all day


Custom pajamas, movie night decor, DIY wall art, and popcorn kits from Etsy
SHOP (clockwise from top left): Kids’ Christmas pajamas from BunnyBear Childrenswear, from $40; movie night cube from Tales of Marley, from $22; personalized marshmallow popcorn kit from Craft Crumb, $6; DIY moon phase craft kit from Manchester Woodcraft, from $17

Everybody loves a matching PJ photo shoot for the annual holiday card. But why stop there? This year is all about quality time with loved ones and kicking back in your cushiest jammies. So make a day of it: Break out a few lively games, munch on savory snacks, and create new homemade heirlooms with a DIY crafts session. And don’t forget to stock up on the comfiest round-the-clock loungewear imaginable, from chunky knit throws to warm wool slippers. A very merry pajama party? Count us in!




Etsy Edit influencers Tristan and Lynne Knowlton are all about cheer:


Etsy Edit influencers Tristan and Lynne Knowlton

"We have some Christmas Eve family traditions that we really cherish. We unwrap one present (usually holiday PJs!), play Elvis’ Christmas Album, and drink homemade Irish cream. Even though our family is grown, there’s just something special about the anticipation of Christmas morning in the air."




Last year: Whip up some cookie-cutter seasonal treats 


2020 twist: Craft prize-worthy goodies (to give or keep)


DIY cookie kits, custom recipe plates, cookie boxes, rolling pins, and Hannukah baking stencils from Etsy
SHOP (clockwise from top left): DIY Sugar Cookie Christmas Tree Baking Kit from Red Velvet NYC, $36; personalized recipe plate from Zehr Design Co. $78; Half Baked Harvest x Etsy cookie boxes from Alamodo, $38 for a set of three; embossed reindeer rolling pin from Rolling Pin Collection, $16; decorative Hannukah baking stencils from Sheyne Cooking, $13 for a set of five

A socially distanced holiday season can still be sweet, if you put your heart into it. In that spirit, we’re looking for ways to bake a little extra love into all our favorite winter activities—including our beloved post-Thanksgiving cookie-making binge. Reindeer-patterned rolling pins put a distinctive stamp on your homemade sweets, while BIY (you heard it here first!) kits take you through all the steps to sculpt your own sugary trees. When your festive confections have cooled, put them on proper display with a personalized recipe plate or stack them in a charming baker’s box and treat your loved ones to an irresistible doorstep delivery.  




Why Etsy Edit influencer Karen Blanchard is treating herself:


Etsy Edit influencer Karen Blanchard

"This year we won’t be with family due to travel conditions, so there will be lots of video calls and virtual celebrations. We’re looking forward to making our own little spread—and spoiling ourselves with great wines and food we wouldn’t normally indulge in. Plus I’ll make my signature apple pie, of course!"




Have a happy time celebrating! And for an extra dose of warm fuzzies, check out our newest TV ad below.



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