Our Festive Front Porch Decorated for Christmas

We have our front porch decorated for Christmas, for the first time ever! You might think that is shocking, but not if you know this is only our seventh holiday season in the Northern Hemisphere. Because of the harsh Alberta winters, I usually hang a wreath on the front door, maybe scatter a few pine cones, and call it a day.

That used to be the extent of our Christmas porch decorations and instead, I dreamed and lived vicariously while looking at all the holiday front porch decorating ideas on Pinterest. I can honestly say that I am pinning Christmas content every month of the year. I can never get enough Christmas ideas. (I would love to hear who else does this.)

This year we had the first snow in October (as usual), a couple of bitterly cold weeks before November, and then suddenly, the weather changed. For several weeks now, the days have been mild and oh-so pleasant! I had to jump at this opportunity and create a festive porch decorated for Christmas.

Long before I began decorating, I had the idea to get a Christmas tree for the porch. I saw a beautiful one online, but I dragged my feet, and it was gone by the time I tried to order. This four-foot-tall tree was my second (affordable) choice.

It looked so cute that I felt inspired to add even more outdoor Christmas decorations. The perfect way to add a little bit of curb appeal, holiday cheer, and a warm welcome to our holiday guests.

Since I decided not to decorate the staircase this year, I could use those garlands on the porch. The garlands are pre-lit, but I could never plug them in while using them to decorate the stair rails because there is no electrical outlet within a mile of the stairs! One of my pet peeves in this house.

The four garlands were the perfect length to cover the handrail and go around the window. Since I haven’t used any red ornaments inside the house, there were lots I could use to add a pop of color.

A simple boxwood wreath, with red ribbon and bells, decorates the door I painted blue just a few months earlier.  Let me say again how much I love this door color!

I added more red accents with plaid pillows on the bench. I later found a green knitted throw blanket that added another layer of cozy.

The porch looks amazing at night! It gives me all the warm and fuzzy Hallmark feels.

It’s not nearly as festive and welcoming during the day, but this photo of my sweet girl, Roxy, and the reflection of the sunset in the window stole my heart.

I have a feeling we will have the porch decorated for Christmas every year from now on, no matter how cold it is. Maybe the secret is to start way earlier before it gets too cold. Where there is a will, there’s a way, right?

Until next time, happy decorating, and Merry Christmas! How do you decorate your porch for Christmas? I would love to know!