'Tis The Season
It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
Growing up, my sister and I not only observed the holiday season together, we also celebrated our birthdays during this magical time. We are both December babies, so there was no shortage of holiday cheer in our household during this month. My birthday is December 20th, and her birthday is on the 22nd, both extremely close to Christmas day.
I am forever grateful to my mother, because although she was a single parent, she not only celebrated both of our birthdays separately with a unique party and theme, she also created magical memories during Christmas time as well. It was not until I grew older and became a mom myself, that I understood the sacrifices she made financially to ensure that both of her daughters had phenomenal birthday parties and Christmas presents every year.
Now that my sister and I have our own babies, it brings us immense joy to pass our holiday spirit and traditions down to our own children! Over the years, I have grown into a holiday mastermind and listed below are some of my methods to the madness in navigating through this holiday season.
Beautiful Photo by Lavish Moments Photography
Beautiful Photo by Lavish Moments Photography
le décor
This is hands down one of my most favorite aspects of the holidays. As a child, I loved to decorate my grandmother’s home. The day after Thanksgiving, I would climb in the attic and pull out the tree, her village houses, embellished wreaths, Christmas towel sets, holiday-themed dishes and serving utensils, Christmas tree nightlights and string lights that were the length of a football field ready to create Christmas magic. I remember one year, convincing my grandmother to purchase a holiday-themed bathroom set with a Christmas shower curtain, Christmas rugs and atrociously tacky bath towels. That same joy I experienced as an adolescent still radiates in my spirit every year when this season approaches.
Never relinquishing my love for all things sparkling and glittery, I have progressed beyond my tacky Christmas bathroom set days, to a more sophisticated Christmas decor connoisseur. Listed below are some of the best stores to purchase your holiday decor while still saving your coins and sanity.
Beautiful Photos by Lavish Moments Photography
le dessert
Decadent dessert solidifies the holiday spirit. Strict diets are so overrated this time of year. Let your hair down and have that sweet treat or two. A cookie arrangement or simple dessert bar makes a great welcome component for guest visiting your home during this time. Do not fret if you are not the best baker, local grocery stores like Publix and Whole Foods Market, typically carry an array of delicious desserts at affordable prices. Grab a couple of glass serving trays and reserve a cute corner in your kitchen to create your own dessert bar. This will ensure a warm welcome for your guest and surely be a delight for everyone in your family.
Beautiful Photos by Lavish Moments Photography
les esprits
During the holidays when visitors are frequent and friendly, I love to have a nice assortment of adult beverages readily available to satisfy an array of taste. My personal favorites are Grand Marnier, Peach Ciroc, D'Usse, and Moët for my champagne drinkers. These four staples are great to have on hand when making delicious holiday beverages for your family members or guest. Also, do not be afraid to spruce up your beverage station by purchasing limited edition holiday-themed bottles or by decorating the countertop around your spirits. Specialty stores like Pier1 Imports, Crate and Barrel, and Pottery Barn have cute trinkets and embellishments to spice up your beverage station. Also, a cute holiday themed basket or serving tray from Michaels to place your beverage bottles inside or on goes a long way when adding that extra flare.
Beautiful Photo by Lavish Moments Photography
l'amour
Society frequently attempts to materialize Christmas into ugly sweater parties, over-decorated houses and trees, and endless sales and doorbusters. Although I do love a good end of the season clearance sale, nothing is more important than spending time with family and friends this season. I hope that my little holiday hacks serve you well and I pray that your this season be filled with festive decor, great food and drinks, and endless love from your friends and family.
Beautiful Photo by Lavish Moments Photography
