Hello, I’m Jonas, and I live in Wiesbaden, Germany, in a home shaped by many places and many seasons of life. My approach to Christmas decorating follows the same philosophy: I gather traditions, ideas, and rituals from wherever I’ve lived or traveled, allowing them to coexist in a way that feels personal, a little eccentric, but always sincere.
I’m drawn to Christmas decorations that emphasize light, craftsmanship, and exuberance. Over time, my home has become a blend of influences: European Christmas markets, old-world candlelight, flowers and greenery, and seasonal pieces that I’ve collected, each carrying joyful memories with it.
Rather than recreating a single tradition perfectly, my Christmas is about layering many influences (starlight, baking, music) and letting them inform one another. It’s a celebration shaped as much by where I’ve been as by where I am now.
Foyer
Front Room
One of the most meaningful elements in my decorating is the Moravian star. Growing up in North Carolina, these stars were a familiar part of my Christmas landscape, rooted in the Moravian traditions of places like Winston-Salem. Living in Germany, I was delighted to find them again here, with a long history of craftsmanship and symbolism of their own. For me, the Moravian star has become a bridge that connects past and present, home and elsewhere, tradition and rediscovery.
15,000 lights, 28 hours of work wrapping every branch, and a whole lot of Christmas sparkle.
Piano Room
As you can see, these stars and other sources of light play a central role throughout the house: stars glowing in windows, dramatically lit trees, and candles tucked into unexpected places. Some rooms are more silly, others more intimate, but all are meant to feel lived-in and welcoming rather than staged. I try to always pay attention to close-up details as much as full-room views.
Music is the other constant. I play the piano throughout the season, often in the evenings when the house is lit, and the outside world feels quiet. Carols, seasonal pieces, and whatever feels right in the moment drift through the rooms, becoming part of the atmosphere rather than a performance. The music becomes part of the decor, in a way.
Dining Room
The dining room, at the heart of our home, is my husband’s and my attempt to create a visual museum of the things we’ve loved and collected together. The chandelier from our first trip to Ghent, art from friends and mentors (along with pieces from our travels), and, of course, the mirror all come together to tell that story.
This antique mirror, originally from London and dating back to the early 1800s, is one of the most meaningful pieces in my home. Once the centerpiece of Laughlin’s Bakery, it reflected years of baking, community, and connection, and today it lives on in Germany as a cherished heirloom—the only remaining piece from my shop, which closed after Christmas in 2019.
Kitchen
Christmas for me is also deeply tied to creating and making—both in the kitchen and in music. As a former professional baker, the season brings a return to old recipes and the comforting rhythm of working with doughs. Baking fills the house with warmth and scent, and many of my favorite decorations are chosen with those moments in mind: a place to set cooling trays, some favorite cookbooks set out for guests to enjoy, and a table meant for sharing.
Guest Bathroom
Patio
Jonas’s Small Holiday Ritual
A small holiday ritual I keep every year is drying orange slices. I soak them briefly in lemon water before drying, which keeps their color bright and clear. They end up everywhere…in garlands, tucked into wreaths, or catching the light in a window…and they smell amazing!
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MW Designs 2025 Christmas Home Tour
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Jonas,
I love your home. You have done an amazing job. Your Christmas decor is stunning!! Even better is all the gingerbread people☃️great tour🎄Im Kristen’s and Michell’s mother by the way. Merry Christmas Jonas
What a gorgeous home! It’s so pretty for Christmas but I can tell it’s just as pretty the rest of the year. Love every little detail. Thank you for sharing!
My Dear Jonas,
Your home and Christmas decorations are just so beautiful. Words are inadequate. Looking mighty sharp there in that red suit. Miss seeing you.
Love,
CH (Lillys Mom)
I couldn’t love this more! Fabulous!
You have a beautiful home! Your trees are absolutely gorgeous! You certainly have the touch. Thank you for sharing your home! Merry Christmas!