by Miranda
“Time to live vicariously through Hallmark movies!”
It’s the holiday season! Finally! In a few short weeks, it’ll be Thanksgiving, and then onto Christmas and New Year’s. This is my favorite time of the year. The air is different, my spirit’s up, and I get to exercise my main love language, gift-giving, to the fullest.
At this time of year, I turn to some of my holiday essentials to make the season even merrier for myself, my family, and my friends. These include seasonal meals, getting nice and cozy, and indulging in some sweet scents that allow me to daydream.
Here are 10 of my holiday essentials:
Cozy knits. This includes cozy blankets, oversized sweaters, and fluffy socks. True, while it is still rather warm in Florida this time of year, we do occasionally get cool fronts that put us in the 70s, which means it’s socially acceptable to walk around in my oversized sweaters.
Sugar, spice and everything nice. Now, I can really get into some spicy baking like roasted acorn squash, gingerbread, and sweet potato pie. One of my favorite things to do is add cinnamon sticks and whip cream to elevate my coffee time. And, of course, I have to have a mug fitting for my coffee time.
Seasonal candles. Oh, how I love lighting candles around my home this time of year and just making the atmosphere magical with that natural dancing light. This year, you can definitely find me in my local HomeGoods in the candles aisle with more than I can carry.
New Books. And not just any books, collectibles. This time of year I add to my book collections. I enjoy collecting leather, gold and silver leaf, illustrated classics. So, where will I be? I will be in Barnes and Nobles looking for which book to add next (and I’ll probably get one under the tree too).
Hallmark Movies. Of course, I’m watching hallmark movies this season (not like I haven’t been all year, anyway). Yes, I know they rotate actors and storylines, but I don’t watch Hallmark movies for the plot. I watch them for how they make me feel, and that is very happy.
Holiday photos. As a portrait photographer, the season cannot go by without holiday photos, taking them, being a part of, and scaling canvases. At home, we usually switch out larger frames with holiday photos from when my sister and I were little, bringing back a little nostalgia.
Petite Desserts. I’m a dessert fiend! This time of year, I love trying out the holiday desserts that come out. As a Floridian, I’ll more than likely make my way to either the Food and Wine Festival or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas at Disney before the year’s out. (I’ll work the sweets off in 2022!).
Delicate Jewelry. Things like single drop pearls, simple diamond studs and the like. I have extremely sensitive skin, so most of my jewelry has to be real, which means paying a pretty penny for them. This time of year, the holiday sales are going on and I can finally update my armoire with new pieces.
Coffee Scrubs and Cinnamon Body Butters. Speaking of sensitive skin, I also like breaking out my holiday bodycare items. Of course, it’s great to walk around smelling like Christmas all year, but really this is the best time. I actually make my own whipped shea butter with cinnamon oil and rely on my favorite cult favorites such as The Body Shop and Bath and Body Works for coffee scrubs.
Mixing Bowl. Oh, you think I’m getting through the holidays without my baking gear? I don’t think so. I recently updated my mixing bowl. I’m still getting a feel for it, but so far so good. There will be many cakes and other desserts coming out the oven this holiday season.
What are some of your favorite holiday essentials? Share what makes this time of the year magical for you below.
Modestly Miranda 