In 2024, Justin Bieber shared an Instagram story with side-by-side photos from 2017 and the current year. In one, he is seen standing up and putting a star on the top of the tree, and in the second, his wife, Hailey Bieber, is seen standing under him as he does the same thing. He captioned the post, “Way better with you baby.”
This sweet moment from the couple is a reminder that Christmas isn’t about the presents, aesthetics, or anything that can be bought. It’s about making meaningful traditions with family and loved ones. But you don’t have to limit these festive rituals to the indoors. By extending your holiday traditions to the garden or patio, you can cultivate new memories that will last for years to come.
Start with Living Plants
Decorating with living plants, whether small evergreen trees, potted shrubs, or garden bushes, is a great way to create a family-focused atmosphere. Evergreens like dwarf Alberta Spruce, potted boxwoods, and small conifers are ideal for containers and can handle the cold of winter. This Dwarf Alberta Spruce from Lowe’s is great, as you can start it small in a pot and eventually plant it in the ground, where it will grow. Having living plants allows families to return to decorating them every Christmas while the plants grow.
Family Involvement: Make It Personal
One of the key parts to a joyful, family-focused Christmas, like Justin and Hailey, is giving each family member ownership. Each person can choose an ornament or decoration to hang on the tree or shrub. Be sure to always use weather-proof items like handmade creations from pinecones, dried citrus, or craft supplies.
You can use weather-resistant items like these Christmas ball ornaments from Amazon.
Lights: Brighten the Night
If you want to transform your garden into a Christmas wonderland that your family will have memories of forever, outdoor lighting is essential. These outdoor lights from Amazon are app/remote controlled, meaning no dealing with those pesky cords or plugs before going to bed every night.
When using lights, involve your family in planning the design. Decide together which shrubs you want to illuminate, whether to make a cluster of lights or a gentle wrap, and how to highlight favorite ornaments. This collaborative approach strengthens a sense of togetherness while making sure the decorations look cohesive.
Combine Natural and Festive Elements
To fill your outdoor space with Christmas and holiday cheer, have the kids or other family members layer natural elements alongside the traditional decor. Turn it into a “nature treasure hunt” for decorating materials. Forage for pinecones, dried berries, twigs, or sprigs of evergreen, and tuck them into the soil of planters or gently wedge them between branches.
Add weatherproof accents next. This waterproof velvet ribbon from Amazon can be used outside and has wires on the sides so you can shape it. These can be wrapped around pots or tied into simple bows that hold up through the winter wind.
Tips for Longevity and Safety
- Make sure your containers have good drainage to prevent root rot during the winter
- Don’t overload your branches with heavy ornaments, as they could damage the plant
- Try grouping plants together in a sheltered area, so they have extra protection from the cold and wind
A Tradition to Remember
By decorating living outdoor plants and letting each family member add their personal touch, your garden will become more than a display; it will become a space of shared memories. Just like Justin and Hailey Bieber’s tree moment, the focus is on connection, fun, and creating rituals that everyone looks forward to year after year.
With a little planning, some durable lights, and ornaments designed to withstand the elements, your family can enjoy a vibrant, personalized holiday garden that grows alongside your traditions, bringing warmth, joy, and togetherness throughout the season.
