I LOVE the Christmas season because of all of the cheery music, time spent with family and friends, and the hustle and bustle of shops and stores. I know it sounds cliche, but I really do wish it could be Christmas all year long!

This year was the first year that I hosted Christmas at my home for my family, and it was so much fun! In a very strange turn of events, I took absolutely zero pictures except for this one. I don’t even know why I felt compelled to capture this, but this is ALL I have to show for the entire evening. We had the most beautiful cheese board spread, my wedding china and glassware looked incredible, and the food was delicious. It was so fun to have the house festive and warm (read as: the house was tropical from the oven being in full use all afternoon) and to have my family stay over. I got to do some last minute shopping and prep with my sister in Homegoods and JoAnn Fabrics among other places, and it was fun to just have sister time with her. …Even though we experienced some “creative differences” when I made the last-minute decision to sew my own tablecloth (typical) we managed to work it out in the 75% off aisle of JoAnn. My sister is actually a real artist (got her BFA at Savannah College of Art and Design and works as a 2D animator in New York), so crafting is something we approach from very different angles but I love that we can brainstorm projects and ideas together.

ANYWAYS – I wanted to share with you some of the gifts I got this year because you need to put them on your next wish list, or just gift them to yourself they’re so good! I am linking everything below and, as always, I’ve tried to find the best deal to share with you! PLUS, don’t forget you super need to sign up for Ebates! It will help suggest coupons at checkout to save you money AND you will get a percentage of your purchase back ie. you will save money and, baby, it ALL adds up! I will do a full post on Ebates later because it isn’t too good to be true, it’s seriously the best thing ever. Kay, let’s get to the goods.

Jiffy Steamer in Pink

In case you hadn’t noticed, this is the same brand of steamer that Lilly Pulitzer uses in their stores. It is serious business. I can’t believe my mom got this for me because it is my dream steamer and, honestly, probably my favorite gift which says a lot about me. This steamer turns on SO fast and is way better than my handheld mini steamer because it can run for much longer and the standing rack makes it easier to hang up your pieces and really get those stubborn wrinkles out. Of course, you don’t need to get it in pink but I’m not sure why you would get any other color. I know this steamer is a little pricey, but it comes with a great warranty and should really last you the rest of your life. Plus, you will get 2% back through Ebates AND there are always tons of coupons!

Kate Spade Pretzel Earrings and Necklace

I am so in love with the cute detail of these pieces! I saw them in-store when I was holiday shopping for my sister, but I resisted temptation and did not get them for myself. They remind me of my time in Philadelphia, and I love the unique element they add to my outfits. SO CUTE! I like that Kate Spade pieces add an element of whimsy to a basic outfit. These would also be a super cute gift!

JCrew Tortoise Hoop Earrings

These are so trendy right now! They’re also some of the lightest earrings I own which is great since I am trying really hard not to stretch my lobes nonstop with super big earrings. Because they’re tortoise, they go with literally everything. Don’t forget to use your student discount online when you shop through JCrew! It’s SO easy but equally easy to forget. Click here to enter your info and get your discount code – this also works for teachers!

JCrew Sylvia Patent Wedges

My mom managed to track these down in gold, which is AH-MAZE-ING but they also have them on their site in nude right now! These wedges are comfy and the perfect shape when you need a closed-toe option in these chillier months to pair with your ankle-pants or other outfits. For under $60, these are a true closet staple that you will reach for over and over again.

Custom Printed Golfballs

My sister got me the cutest golfballs with pineapples on them! Obviously I am NOT golfing right now since the high is 40 degrees and my patience for that is 0. So excited to add these to my golf bag in the spring, especially because the last time I was out on the course I slammed my last balls into the pond. Yep, I so did that. I’m not certain this is exactly where she got the balls from, but the price is so good and you have flexibility on what brand of ball you get customized. This is definitely something to keep in my for Father’s Day gifting, too!

The most important gift I got this year was the opportunity to spend the evening in my home with my family enjoying dinner, drinks, and tons of laughs. Andrew’s schedule at the hospital can be the worst, and as we all get older life is taking us all around. To have everyone at the same table was truly the best gift this Christmas, and I hope that next year I will be lucky enough to enjoy it again. I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday and was also fortunate enough to enjoy the gift of good company this winter!

xx christe