"Christmas isn't a season. It's a feeling." —Edna Ferber
The holiday season is definitely here and is in full swing! The weather is now chilly, or possibly snowing depending on where you are, and Christmas is a week away!
Everyone has their favorite things about the holiday season: The weather, the clothing, food, family, and anything else that lets us know that Christmas is in the air. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. In this post, I will share a few of my favorite holiday items with you.
Holiday Floral Arrangements
I love Christmas decor, and a classic poinsettia is nice, but a fresh floral arrangement really kicks up the decor a notch. I created the pictured floral arrangement by picking up a bouquet of hydrangeas and a colorful holiday bouquet from Trader Joe's. The stems were cut and the flowers were arranged in a clear vase. The arrangements can also be the perfect table or small event centerpieces.
Apple Cider
I’m a tea drinker (sorry coffee people!!) and I love a good juice! But my favorite holiday go to drink the Spiced Cider from Trader Joe's. This cider embodies the flavors and spices of the holiday season and is tasty hot or cold! Or if you want to spice it up a bit, add some ginger beer, and a splash of Maker's Mark. Cheers!!!
Holiday Candy
This candy isn't just any holiday candy, it's Ghiradelli Peppermint Bark and Lindt Peppermint White Chocolate Truffles. I look forward to seeing these candies on the shelves each holiday season as they are such tasty holiday treats. The peppermint mixed with the chocolate is holiday magic for your tastebuds. I can eat these forever, but have relegated myself to one bag of each. Each candy can be found online or at several local retailers.
Holiday Music
I love a good Christmas song, especially with an R & B or jazzy feel. Favorites songs are by Luther Vandross, Kirk Franklin, and everyone else in between. One of my favorite Christmas albums is Home for the Holidays by Anthony Hamilton. He puts his soulful touch on the holiday classic "What Do the Lonely Do at Christmas" and his original song "Tis the Season". Holiday music is perfect to listen to in the car, cooking up holiday meals, or just relaxing around the house and tends to put me in the Christmas spirit.
My Soulful Christmas Tunes playlist is available for download on Spotify for your listening enjoyment.
Scarves
Scarves are my favorite holiday accessory. They keep you warm, and they are so very stylish! Over the past few years, I have become an avid fan of scarves and how they add that special touch to your outfit, make you feel fancy.
Holiday Candles
Holiday candles provide the scent soundtrack of the home during the holidays. My favorite candle scents are Fresh Balsam, and Frosted Cranberry from Bath and Body Works. The Fresh Balsam give me the pine tree vibes and the Frosted Cranberry provides a sweet holiday scent. The combination of both scents have the house smelling like Christmas!
Holiday Socks
Don't judge me! I love a fun and colorful sock, especially during the holidays. They are just so warm and fuzzy and comfortable and cute..need I go on???
Body Care
It's winter, and no one wants to be ashy. Products by The Self-Care Store will keep you feeling moisturized and smelling good during the winter season! All items are handmade by owner Joy Randall with lots of love. The body scrubs keep my skin nice and moisturized. My favorites products are the lemonade body scrub and chakra spray. The store has several items (sprays, body scrubs, and body butters) that make you feel absolutely beautiful. #shopwhereyouareloved
Holiday Dessert
What are the holidays without Apple Pie? My favorite apple pie is from Milk Glass Pie. Pie artist extraordinaire Keia Mastrianni puts her heart and soul into each and every handcrafted pie she bakes. The holiday bake sale is over....but you can visit the website to sign up for the e-mail list. That way you will be the first to know about each week's seasonal pie menu. #loveispie
Giving Back
Tis the season for giving and sharing. I am a fan of the work the organizations listed below are doing to support the community.
Block Love CLT - https://blockloveclt.org/
Block Love CLT works to improve the quality of life for individuals dealing with homelessness, and domestic violence. I have to commend organization founder Deborah Woolard for all of the hard work she has done to support the homeless community and victims of domestic violence, especially during the national health pandemic. She has gone above and beyond in assisting those in need and I am looking forward to supporting this organization.
Exposure Project - https://www.exposureprojectinc.org/
Exposure Project, Inc. is an innovative Charlotte based program, providing youth an opportunity to engage in character development and exposure to career exploration through a hands on approach. I have had the opportunity to work with this organization on a couple of occasions, and look forward to working with them in 2021.
Serenity Courage and Wisdom Inc. - https://www.scawinc.org/
Serenity Courage and Wisdom Inc. supports survivors of and brings awareness to Gynecological Cancers through the Creative Arts and workshops. Assistance is also given to cancer patients going through treatment. I sit on the board of this organization and am proud of the work that is being done to help those in the cancer community.
Family
I saved the best for last. I can't wait to enjoy the holidays with these two. Our Christmas holidays will consist of lots of relaxation, maybe some good meals, if I feel like cooking and just enjoying downtime until the New Year. And of course there will be FaceTime calls with siblings and family members for holiday well wishes.
Well, there you have it! - The "Holiday Favorites" list for 2020! This has been quite the year of turns and curves, but we have made it through. I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday and will see you in 2021!
Comments