Last Minute Gift Ideas & Christmas Traditions

12.22.2016

Well here it is, the final countdown to Christmas! Three days to go! We’re flying to Chicago tomorrow where my family will all be together for Christmas for the first time in several years. I cannot wait! We’re even heading to my Aunt’s house for Christmas dinner which was annual childhood tradition and I am so excited. Who knows when the next time will be that we’ll all celebrate Christmas together.

If you’re stressing about some last minute gifts and can’t think of anything, I’ve got a few ideas for you. Christmas shopping can be so stressful and frustrating, especially when there isn’t much time left. A lot of these are available for shipping by Christmas Eve. Or if you don’t like waiting, head to the store and pick them up in person! I tend to believe that books, coffee, candles, and cozy gifts go a long way. But here are some other options for you!

For Her:

Jewelry: Kate Spade Earrings or Kendra Scott Necklace
A beautiful photo in a beautiful frame
Her favorite perfume

For Him:

Traditional Tie, Cozy Robe, Slippers, or Shaving Kit

For the Family:

Games like Wits & Wagers or Backgammon, Frango Mints, or the awesome Alexa Speaker

Priceless:

A coupon book of things you will around the house or head scratches & back massages… A little bit goes a long way.

If you missed last year’s Christmas throwback post, which you most likely did unless you were one of my first readers, then here it is again, with fabulous pictures from some of my childhood Christmases. Christmas is very special to me for many reasons.

I am one of those people who loves finding the perfect gift for my siblings or my parents and who looks forward to watching them open it. I know this brings stress to many, but I have never really been a procrastinator, and often I’ve found these gifts long before Christmas. I know that sounds a bit crazy (or maybe it doesn’t right now if you’re still looking for gifts), but I am who I am and I love being prepared for my favorite holiday.

I love seeing children’s faces light up with the mention of Santa. I love that feeling of magic, like anything can happen. I love the hustle and bustle of December leading up to Christmas followed by a week of calm and reflection. I love Christmas music, curling up with a good book, wrapping presents, wearing cozy socks, and remembering all that’s happened throughout the year.

Now I’m not generally a baker, but during this season I love spending time in the kitchen with a Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack playing and whipping up beautiful treats. I remember decorating cookies with my mom as a kid and I hope to have that tradition with my own children someday. Backgammon is a favorite in our house and though I don’t usually play (I struggle with games), I enjoy watching Brit and my Dad play over and over again (Brit usually winning, sorry Dad) by the fire and all of us cozying up together, present.

We’ve had many traditions over the years including visiting the Macy’s windows in downtown Chicago followed by the Christkindlmart. We’ve seen a play here and there and always sang at the Village Green on Christmas Eve instead of going to Church. We would follow that with my favorite Christmas movie It’s A Wonderful Life and try to squeeze as many of us on the couch as humanly possible. Dad likes to “squeeze his babies”…. We might be in our twenties, but some sayings never die. Ha!

Now that I’m married, live in Texas, and travel for the holidays, a lot of those traditions have changed. But that’s just a part of life: growing up. Moving away. Starting your own traditions.

Someday I hope to have my kids sit at the top of the stairs and wait to come down while Eric and I start the coffee and bacon. I hope to have a favorite recipe to cook for dinner and a light show to see at night. If we are in Austin down the road, I hope we take our kids to see Zach Theater’s take on A Christmas Carol… because it was the best play I have ever seen.

If you’re looking for a reminder of what Christmas is really about, I suggest you check out my friend Kelsey’s post on choosing the Joy of Jesus this season. It might bring you back down to earth if you’re stressed.

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas! I’ll be back on the blog next week. Cheers! And thank you for reading.