Along with the first snowfall of winter, decorating our home is one of the most magical things about the holiday season. Fresh garland, twinkling lights, and cute accents add cheer to everyday spaces, making them feel extra cozy on cold nights. However, while most houses are decked out in the living room and front yard, one area that gets forgotten is the bedroom. That’s why we asked Rachel Hoback, a Denver-based interior designer, blogger, and mom of two, to spruce up her son’s bedroom for the season.

While you might think that decorating your child’s room is just another to-do list item during an already stressful month, starting this tradition will undoubtedly make for heartfelt memories. If decorating the whole room isn’t feasible, let your child choose one favorite element. “I was a little hesitant at first to put this much work into a five-year-old’s bedroom, but I’m so happy I did! The smile on his face when he saw it all was priceless,” says Hoback. See how she pulled together her son’s room in an afternoon, and find inspiration for your own dazzling decor.

Dress Up the Bed

Adding a festive touch can be as simple as incorporating signature colors and patterns to a child’s bed, no matter which holiday you celebrate. Search the house for blankets and pillows in red, white, and green or blue and white, and don’t be afraid to layer solids with plaid and stripes.

1. Throw pillows are an easy yet impactful decor swap to make each season. This Merry Everything Lumbar Pillow is bright, festive, and oh-so-cozy. $25
2. Hoback already had green bedding in her son’s room, which worked well with a Christmas theme, but she added this Multi Stripe Woven Throw Blanket to give the space more color and texture. $30

Go Big With Lights

If you choose to recreate only one element from this bedroom, twinkle lights are a timeless addition that require minimal effort. Plus, they’re easy to use in other spots around your home and don’t take up too much storage space.

1. Try wrapping lights or garland, like this Multicolor Felt Pom Pom Garland, around mini faux Christmas trees for an affordable and quick touch. Then place them on your child’s dresser or nightstand. $10
2. Glimmering LED String Lights always make a room feel more inviting. Hoback stuck hers in Glass Faceted Jug Vases to bring a Christmas light factor into the bedroom. Bonus: they make great nightlights! Glass jars: $25, LED string lights: $18

Deck the Walls

If your child has framed art hanging in their room, swap out the photos for something merry during December. Etsy is a great spot to source printable wall art, which can be saved and reused for years to come.

1. Hoback decided on these Nutcracker Christmas Printables, which look like they’re straight out of a children’s book. Don’t have art that’s easy to change? Purchase small picture frames and find appropriately sized graphics on Etsy. $11.75

Bring the Snow Inside

Want to make your little one feel extra special? Put a Christmas tree in their room! An artificial tree with white flocked branches turns an ordinary bedroom into a winter wonderland (without having to deal with the chill of an actual snow day).

1. This Pre-Lit Flocked Tree is under $40 and adds a snowy vibe to the space. Hoback didn’t like the basket that the tree came in so she placed it in this Decorative White Basket, which can be reused in another area of her home post-holiday season. Tree: $33, white basket: $26
2. Don’t forget to use your ceiling space. These 3D Snowflake Lanterns were easy to hang with push pins and ribbon and add dimension to the corner of the room. $15
3. Hoback also tossed holiday throw pillows inside her son’s tent to make a comfy book nook. The jovial Woodland Gnome Lumbar Pillow will delight your child throughout the season. $30

Decor by Rachel Hoback, Photos by Heather Smith