The Gift of Home

Every December, my heart goes back to the kitchens, dining rooms, and living spaces where I first learned the beauty of home. My late grandmother, Georgette, lived in a one-bedroom apartment in midtown Manhattan. Though her space was small, it was full of elegance, warmth, and laughter. She knew how to make her home feel welcoming, whether you were sitting at her kitchen table or simply passing through. My late mother, Marise, carried the same spirit, always making family dinners a priority, even if cooking wasn’t her passion. Together, they instilled in me the belief that home isn’t just about how it looks–it’s about how it feels.

As an interior designer, I see every day how deeply our surroundings affect our lives. A home that functions well and feels calm can lower stress, spark joy, and bring families closer. But beyond the furniture, colors, and finishes, there is something greater: Our homes are sacred places, vessels for love, and opportunities for hospitality. The holidays, in particular, remind us of

this truth. Christmas is more than twinkling lights and carefully styled mantels. It’s about creating a space where God’s love can be felt and shared with our families, our friends, and

even strangers.

HOME BEYOND AESTHETICS

Design, at its best, isn’t only about beauty. It’s about alignment, ensuring that our homes reflect not only our personalities but also our values and rhythms of life. For Christians, that includes creating an atmosphere where faith flourishes and hospitality flows. The Bible reminds us, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2, NIV). In other words, the way we open our homes has eternal significance. A cozy living room may bring physical comfort, but a spirit of welcome

brings spiritual refreshment. When guests step into your home during the holidays, what do they sense? Do they feel pressure to admire your décor, or do they feel invited to sit, stay, and be themselves? Do your children feel a sense of peace and belonging in their own rooms, or are they overwhelmed by clutter and chaos?

Our homes are living, breathing places that evolve as we do. Just as we grow through seasons of life, marriage, motherhood, and empty-nesting, our homes can grow with us, adapting to support how we live and love.

HOSPITALITY AS A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE

In today’s fast-paced world, hospitality can feel like a lost art. Yet, Scripture continually calls us back to it. Peter encouraged believers to “offer hospitality to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:9, NIV). Hospitality isn’t about perfection; it’s about being present.

During the holidays, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle: perfect meals, magazine-worthy

tablescapes, or impressing extended family. But true hospitality is about making others feel seen, heard, and cared for. A pot of hot cocoa shared at a cluttered kitchen table can sometimes minister more deeply than a five-course meal in a pristine dining room.

Hospitality also strengthens resilience. When we practice opening our homes, even in seasons when life feels difficult, we remind ourselves that God’s strength is greater than our limitations.

Welcoming others gives us fresh perspective, lifts our spirits, and points us back to the true meaning of Christmas–Emmanuel, God with us.

INFUSING FAITH INTO YOUR HOLIDAY HOME

So how do we translate these truths into the holiday season? Here are a few takeaways that

blend design with spiritual hospitality:

1. CREATE A SPACE OF PEACE

Before you decorate, declutter. Clear away items that cause stress, and allow space for calm. A peaceful home is a spiritual gift. As Paul reminds us, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (Colossians 3:15, NIV), and by extension, let it rule in your living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms.

2. LAYER MEANING INTO YOUR DÉCOR

Style your home with intention. Add ornaments that tell family stories, or include sentimental pieces that carry meaning. For example, my grandmother was a pianist and would always play Christmas music when she hosted. I recently framed one of her music sheets and added it to my gallery wall. Light candles that remind you of Christ as the light of the world. At Georgette Marise Interiors, we often say that a room should tell a story. What story is your home telling this Christmas?

3. DESIGN FOR CONNECTION

Arrange your furniture so conversations flow easily. Think beyond the basics–place extra chairs off to the side of your dining room so they can be pulled in when guests arrive, or tuck a pair of ottomans under a console for overflow seating. Group furnishings intentionally to encourage eye

contact and connection. When spaces are designed with conversation in mind, people feel it immediately.

4. KEEP HOSPITALITY SIMPLE

You don’t need extravagance to bless others during the holidays. At Thanksgiving, a simple table set with gratitude and a warm meal can mean more than a lavish spread. At Christmas, inviting a neighbor over for hot cocoa or sharing a plate of cookies can be just as meaningful. As my mother often reminded me, gathering at the table was always more important than what was served.

5. PASS THE LEGACY FORWARD

Share your traditions with the next generation. Involve your children in setting the table, decorating, or preparing a meal. These simple acts create memories that will inspire them, just as my grandmother and mother inspired me.

A CHRISTMAS INVITATION

As we move from Thanksgiving into Christmas, I encourage you to see your home as more than just a retreat–it’s a place where gratitude, love, and faith come alive. Whether your dining table is filled with turkey and pie or hot cocoa and Christmas cookies, what matters most is the warmth people feel when they gather with you.

May your home reflect peace and joy in every season. May your table be filled with laughter, and may your doors open wide to both family and friends, old and new. After all, the holidays remind us of the power of hospitality, from giving thanks together around the table to welcoming the birth of Christ with open hearts. Our homes can echo that same spirit when we create spaces that make room for gratitude, love, and God’s presence.

Sabine Guillaume Hayes

Author: Sabine Guillaume Hayes is a Christian, an interior designer, blogger, wife, and mother of two. Founder of

Georgette Marise Interiors, she creates multifunctional spaces that reflect the personalities of her clients. Sabine enjoys hosting dinner parties and inspiring others through design. Download her eBook The Joy of Hosting tinyurl.com/2vw598vp

Email: sabine@georgettemarise.com

Website: georgettemarise.com