Are you ready for Christmas? I am getting there. Let’s chat about how to make Christmas festive and fun for the whole family.
Cookies to Bake with your Grandkids
Believe it or not Steve and I baked cookies for our party tomorrow. I spotted these Sprinkle Sugar Cookies on The View from the Great Island and thought even I could make these! Guess what they are delicious. I purchased metallic sugar in gold and silver at Walmart for a more grown up look, but they would be equally fun as a colorful version. I am going to make them again when Summer is here. I have a feeling we will be doing the colorful version.
Outfit of the Week
Last week while we were in San Luis I spotted this metallic turtleneck at H&M. It is a nice heavyweight metallic fabric and looks a lot more expensive than it is. I am going to wear it with my Eileen Fisher velvet pants (on sale at Nordstrom), my comfy birdies and some fun inexpensive accessories over the holidays. I purchased a medium.
Shop Outfit of the Week
Fun Game for the Whole Family
We used to purchase a new game for the family every Christmas. I am not sure why we quit. This game Do You Really Know your Family looks like fun. Summer loves games and even though it is for 8 and up I think she could play it as well. She is currently addicted to Sorry so this will be a fun alternative.
Stocking Stuffer Madness
Why not change up your stocking stuffer game? Some years I do a really good job shopping for stocking stuffers and some years not so good. Why not think of favors or tasks that you could do for or with a particular family member as an alternative to “more stuff”. Any ideas? The best stocking stuffer that I purchased last year for the gang were the apple air tags.
The Coat that Looks Like it Costs More than it Does
I have been looking for a midi length camel coat and have been a bit overwhelmed by the prices. My full length coat is too tight on me. I spotted this Steve Madden coat locally at Bijou and said sold! She still has multiple sizes available if you are local. You can find the Steve Madden Nell coat at Nordstrom here. It is oversized, so I am wearing a small. If you are still wondering what to buy that person who has everything why not order a fresh green wreath from Lynch Creek Farms that they can enjoy into January.
That’s it from my desk this week. I plan to do a little local shopping next week for stocking stuffers and enjoy the season. How about you? Do you have any suggestions for great stocking stuffers? Thank you for reading how to make Christmas festive and fun. Now let’s pop over and visit Mary Ann and Annie for their favorites.
MOST LOVELY THINGS
CLASSIC CASUAL HOME
Cindy! Sounds like you are more than ready for the holidays. Those cookies! I’m sure they were a hit at your party. And that coat … OMG … looks so elegant and expensive. I may have gift one to myself. Love the game suggestion and your party outfit of the week. Merry Merry Christmas! xo
Thanks Juliet!!
Stockings: it’s not glamorous, but people usually appreciate some AA and AAA batteries.
What a great idea! I never thought of that!
Hi Cindy,
I wished you a happy birthday, however I believe my comment never got posted. Shucks!
The cookie making and baking will be so much fun for Sumner. They look very festive, she will love the decorating.
Thank you for all you do! I ordered the earrings in gold
1
Hi Eileen
I am so glad you like the earrings. I thought they were fun!
Love the idea of the family game, I bought one similar in concept, we’ll see how it goes.
As for stocking stuffers, the family members (other than hubby) always want money. Sigh. Not my favorite way to gift, it seems to me to be a money grab. But it’s a lot easier than getting them to submit their “wish lists” with enough advance notice to actually get the items. So I always try to augment with a stocking stuffer. This year, for the females, I got each of them a vintage Christmas themed brooch on eBay. There are thousands, some pretty junky looking. So what I did was narrow the focus by search terms, For a cat lover, searched for Christmas cat brooch; for a winner sports lover searched for “snowman”. They’ll get them too late for Christmas 2023 but hope they will put a smile on their faces 2024. I was able to choose pins in the $15-20 range.
Hi Sheila
What a fun idea for a stocking stuffer!
Happy Christmas Cindy and a Merry New Year !! ( l am English and it’s always is that way around for me)! Have a beautiful time with your family. Love the coat and the games ideas …we are big game people and we love Wingspan!
Thank you for a wonderful year of posts Cindy l so adore your blog !Always brings me joy!
Hugs, Francesca
You are the second person that has told me about wingspan. I think we have an older game that is similar to that. I must check that out! Thank you so much Francesca for being such a loyal reader. I always enjoy your comments.
Where did you find that speckled front door mat?
Hi Cara
So sorry for the late reply, it is such a busy time of year.
Here you go!
https://rstyle.me/+p7XXU9Im6cUGdB0cnsBtjg
Love the cookies! They look festive and fun and am trusting that they really are that easy. Made the View from Great Island’s popcorn snack mix last year and it was a huge hit so am making it again and will add the cookies also. Thank you and merry merry!
Hi Didi
I am going to check out her popcorn snack! Sue’s recipes are always good.
Yummy showy cookies, well done! Love that silver outfit and game idea! Merry Christmas.
Hi Carol
The cookies are easy and pretty!!
Wow, baking cookies when you claim you’re not a baker and Steve too! For stocking stuffers, I usually try to find funny socks for the guys. This year I bought a pair for my son that says “Ringmaster of the S**t Show. With 2 little boys and a feisty little Boston, he really is. Your game choice looks fun. Last year we got a new game called Nacho Stack which tests your dexterity and it was fun for the kids and adults. Love finding a good bargain at HandM and in fact I did yesterday! High/low.
Hi Wren
I am going to check out Nacho Stack!
Merry Christmas. I always read and enjoy your blog.
Hi Linda
Thank you so much. I so appreciate your support.
Howard is our stocking stuffer man… he buys everyone things they can use like gift cards and favorite candy (Red Vines for me 🙂 That coat is great on you and I love your silvery outfit.
I want to make those cookies with Louisa. And I just used your link to order the game…will be here by 12/19. Thanks.
Hi Mary Ann
You are going to have such a fun Christmas with Little Louisa!!