disclosure: a special thank you to sas shoes for providing the boots worn in today’s post. as per usual, all opinions are my own!
and just like that, the holiday season is upon us! i can’t believe how seemingly quickly it arrived. (wasn’t the fourth of july just last week?) despite how hastily november came (and went), i am eager to partake in several fun, festive activities!
my family and i plan to stay local for christmas. (i look forward to visiting with extended family in issaquah and seattle.) this allows more time to participate in the festivities around us! i have several items filling up my calendar—it feels very full—and look forward to experiencing a few new happenings, too.
to complement our holiday spirt, i’ve rounded up my top five traditions—including a holiday outfit—for you:
one (1): enjoy a hot coco date
nothing says “holiday” quite like a hot coco date, right? for my local readers, i love popping into dilletante mocha café to enjoy a tasty treat. you are encouraged to select your cacao percentage from five chocolate varieties. (i love the dark hot chocolate or mocha with 63% cacao.) and what pairs well with hot coco? a homemade brownie or coconut macaroon, of course!
two (2): decorate the christmas tree
at the end of november, my family and i typically visit a local tree farm and look for a noble fir to bring home! (noble firs have ample space for those extra large—and extra long—dachshund ornaments.) after stringing lights, my mom and i enjoy adorning the tree with festive ornaments and decor. we play christmas music, wear christmas pajamas, and strive to create a beautiful space in which to celebrate the holiday season.
several of our ornaments are from my childhood. we have a few that were made by my brother and me in our preschool and elementary-school years. they’re fun to bring out and reminisce over!
three (3): put together a holiday-inspired outfit
velvet, sequins, sparkle—all styles that embody the holiday season! i enjoy planning outfits for parties and gatherings; i love any excuse to dress up this time of year.
during the month of december, i will attend several parties and events. while i would love to purchase a new outfit for each occasion, (unfortunately) my budget won’t allow this. instead, i plan to mix and match pieces in my closet to create seemingly unique looks. i have a pleated metallic skirt and black velvet dress that will act as my seasonal “staples.” i can add a sequin bag, printed scarf, or lace blouse to elevate my look.
additionally, i plan to style my “simi” ankle boots, courtesy of sas shoes, with several holiday outfits. (i’m wearing the color “mirage wine” in a size 8, and they fit true-to-size.) today, i paired my ankle boots with a vintage floral dress. i think these boots will look equally cute with a velvet dress or a pair of black culottes!
four (4): bake something delicious
who doesn’t love holiday cookies? whether you prefer sugar cookies, pie, or homemade fudge, the seasonally-timed recipes are endless!
my mom and i enjoy browsing pinterest for gluten-free options. she baked a flourless chocolate cheesecake for thanksgiving. i won’t tell you how many pieces i consumed—it was so tasty—i couldn’t help myself. i am itching to bake this triple-chocolate brownie mousse stack and these mississippi mud medallions. (all the chocolate dessert, please!)
five (5): create a holiday-themed calendar
one of the families i nanny for puts together a holiday calendar for the month of december. each day has a recommended activity. (for example: watch a holiday movie together; build your own hot coco bar (with several toppings); volunteer at a local soup kitchen; go for a walk in your neighborhood to look at lights) i absolutely love this idea! while i don’t think you necessarily need an elaborate—or costly—activity outlined each day, simple gestures and outings can help foster holiday spirit.
photos by chelsea macor photography
dress: vintage, jacket: zara (old), boots: c/o sas shoes (exact here), clutch: nordstrom
what are your favorite traditions? do you have a holiday outfit in mind? and coming soon—i want to compile a list of seattle activities you simply can’t miss during the holiday season. happy end-of-november, everyone!
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