Holiday Level 10

I fully understand the “create over consume” rule when it comes to social media and the dangers of mindlessly scrolling, but can I just say that catching Instagram glimpses of holiday scenes and tree decorating in homes across the world this week made me so happy? We are united more by the complexity of real life that happens beyond what we capture in squares; but I do love the colors, lights and warmth the December scenes bring. So help me God though–if I am lured into a hashtag that takes me into the abyss of glowing cabins among snowy woods–I’m a goner.

We are back to our normal routines today after a 9-day glorious stretch of break in which we lived in our pajamas–fires and puzzles and movies and afternoon runs to the grocery store for more tea lights and pretty cheeses to fill a charcuterie board for last minute invites.

We enjoyed our 13th annual Thanksgiving pajama breakfast with our neighbors, ate Thanksgiving dinner in a home full of blended family love and finished all levels of holiday decorating.

Being that there’s a little less time between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, we decided to turn the festive dial all the way up the first weekend to get the most out of this holiday stretch. We broke the dial.

Yes, Brett is wearing a Christmas suit. I asked him if he’d wear one out for drinks if I sold 1,000 Once Upon a Holiday PDFs the first day of presale, and he agreed. And then y’all went and met the goal, and so there you have it.

Shinesty sent us the suit and dress (They’re really nice quality! This will absolutely be an annual tradition now.), and if you want to get lost in the most fun festive holiday clothing options (and pajamas!), check out their site.

We convinced several of our friends to join us and ended up having the most fun night. I told my dad I thought we’d be home in a couple of hours–we returned 7 hours later.

And now we do our best to enjoy it–with every intention not to get swept up in too much hustle or pressure.

Dreaming up some unforgettable holiday memories these next few weeks but need a little inspiration? Use code SUPERSALE to get the Once Upon a Holiday PDF for $8 today only for Cyber Monday! The PDF is full of traditions, recipes, crafts, printables, this year’s illustrated holiday bucket list and much more–all aimed at simple no-stress ways to create holiday magic in your home.

And if you’re still stashing stocking stuffers, check out last week’s epic stocking stuffer guide–64 unique stocking stuffers for kids and teens!