What is it about the buzz of the holiday season that gets us all giddy… feeling antsy and aglow with childlike wonder and excitement?
The energy is electric – even palpable.
Every season I wait for that anxious flutter of excitement to take hold; smiling I sit back and wait as it tickles my spine and dances around inside my belly. Lately though, I fear the flutter is dwindling a little. It’s fickle and harder to seek out. As the years tick by it takes us longer to find that pure, eager sensation – the true “holiday spirit” we cherished as children.
Now it seems no matter how many times I sit down to watch Home Alone – armed with a cup of hot cocoa and strategically wrapped in a pair of fuzzy, fleecy pj’s – somehow, the cocoa gets cold, my “perfect” pj’s never seem to match, and though I try to ignore it, I can practically recite each of Kevin McCallister’s classic lines right down to the cheeky face-grabs and wide-mouthed screams. I suppose it’s not completely hopeless. Last year a little Maker’s Mark found it’s way into my mug of cocoa…I think an elf did it. 🙂
It’s undoubtedly true. As we age, that bright youthful innocence that burns so fervently in our younger years… fades just a little. It’s all you can do to catch that moment. To freeze it in your memory forever. I think that is why now, when I sense a spark of excitement shiver through me, I hang on with all of my might. I hope that it will find a cozy, tiny corner of my soul to settle in for the Winter.
Though the innocence may be long gone, the memories of holidays past hold true – with just as much thrill as they always had. I can see my Mom setting up her miniature Christmas village with the sweet little houses and tiny flecks of fake snow. I wanted to live in that town. The miniature lampposts had the warmest glow; they were so incredibly realistic. Together we’d decorate the Christmas tree to the tune of “Take 6” softly humming in the background. I’m not sure how this album made it into the mix; I have a musician for a father. He was largely jazz influenced.
We’d watch Jiminy Cricket’s Christmas every Christmas Eve and annually sat in the audience of Riverside Ballet Art’s performance of “The Nutcracker” – which to this day I still enjoy. In Act II of every show I sit anxiously listening for the very confused, awe-stricken child to loudly ask his mother with a sense of assertive conviction, “but Mom why are there dancing cucumbers on the stage?”
There are no Cucumbers cast in The Nutcracker Ballet – a real tragedy of which I am certain.
With an evolution that happens naturally over time, I do find that some traditions just won’t tarnish. For me, it is the sights and sounds of the beautiful waltzing flowers. A chorus of tiny feet sweeping and floating across the stage, perfectly punctuating Chaikovsky’s dreamy score. A Nutcracker Prince and a little girl’s foggy dream.
It’s the echoes of William Hurt. A calm, steady voice reciting The Polar Express as we flip through the crisp pages of Chris Van Allsburg’s dreamy imaginings – an ilusory depiction of children aboard a train to see Santa. And finally, it’s the thrill of putting together the perfect wishlist – gathering ideas and finding true joy in matching each special gift to the guy, girl, friend, or family member who has made your life just a little bit brighter this year.
May each of your holidays be brighter than the last, may you want of nothing more than the blessings you possess, and might each of you find that spark of childlike wonder this season – even if only for a moment.
My Winter Wishlist Essentials for 2015
Beginning with My Anthropologie Picks…
Anthropologie Fairy Lights and Bronzed Hurricane Lanterns
Copper Cargos and a Lace Onora Pullover
The Ultimate Copper Volcano Candle
Gold Rimmed Rose Colored Champagne Coupes
Roller Ball Perfume Oils
Now Let’s be Crystal Clear…with Gold, Rose Gold and Mercury…
Gold Spotted and Polka-dotted Champagne Coupes
Crystal Tristan Earrings, Threadbare Memory Ring in Rose Gold, Gold Crescent Moon Hoops
Capri Blue Winter Wonder Candle, Anthropologie
Francesca’s Silver and Gold Pendant Necklace, Silver Oval Hoops
Mirror, Mirror, Mercury Glass Tray
Hat’s Off To All Things Copper, Leather, Cozy and Cool
With a Camel Colored Fedora or Cream-Colored Knit Cap from Anthropologie
Nixon Kensington Leather Watch
Engravable Copper Moscow Mule Mugs from Cocktail Kingdom
Cozy Knit Leggings, Anthropologie
J Crew Beige Cashmere Funnel Neck Knit Sweater
Cotton Romper, Urban Outfitters
Creme Lace Bralette, Urban Outfitters
Crosley Vintage White Record Player
Make A Blanket Statement…
With a Herringbone Throw, Warm Wool, or A Bit of Fringe…
Or Wooly Woven Socks of course! (J Crew Cable Knit Grey Woven Socks)
What Better Time For A Spa Getaway??
Canvas Utility Weekender Bag
Diptyque Candles
Mario Badescu Rolling Cream Peel & Silver Powder
Molton Brown Thermal Muscle Soak
Kerastase Ciment Anti-usure & Masque Therapiste for Ultimate Hair Repair
L’Occitane Fleur D’or Acacia
Sophie La Girafe Baby Oil
Kiehls Creme De Corps = Luxury
L’Occitane Hand Cream (a winter wonder)
Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream
Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Honey Bath
Kai Body Butter / Caudalie Lip Conditioner
Caldrea Vanilla Lemon Candle (it smells like a My Little Pony, no joke)
Black Lace Bralette, Urban Outfitters
Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Cream
Much Needed Neutrals; Classically Camel, Grey, and Heathered
Black & White Carbon Socks, Nordstrom
Grey High Turtle Neck Sweater, J Crew
Camel Colored Regent Wool Blazer, J Crew
Black & Beige Woolen Avante Garde Blanket Scarf, Urban Outfitters
J Crew Heather Grey Wool Tunnel Neck Coat
Cream Cable-knit Turtleneck, Express
Cozy Camel Colored Moccasin Slippers, Target
Target “Angie” Sweater Knit Boot
Old Navy Olive Puffer Vest and Plaid Button-Up
Cloudy With a Chance of Color
Pink & Navy Striped Socks, J Crew
Smith’s Rosebud Salve Quartet
J Crew Grey Weekender Sweats
Sperry Topsider Wool Rain Boot
Bella Cedar Candle, Target
Kate Spade Cedar Wristlet “Lacey”
Kate Spade Cedar Clutch “Nika”
Kate Spade Colby Hill Satchel in “Pebble” (do we see a theme here?)
Tis the Season
Express Black Cargo Coat with Faux Fur Hood (Black Jeans with ripped knees are all the rage P.S.)
Urban Outfitters Black and White Knit Blanket Scarf
The Classic Hunter Rain Boot
Barr -Co. Lip Balm in Vanilla Oatmeal
Fun and Festive
Kimchi Cream Organza Dress, Urban Outfitters
Express Black Sequined Art Deco Mini Dress
Express Burgundy Sequin 3/4 Sleeve Mini Dress
Urban Outfitters Black Cut Out Back Dress
House & Home
Iona Cheese Board, Anthropologie
The Kinfolk Table
Hanging Geometric Planters, Urban Outfitters
Copper Sauce Pot, West Elm
Succulent Planetarium Terrariums, Anthropologie
West Elm Copper Tea Kettle
Marble and Wood Cutting Board West Elm
Piglet Cutting Board, World Market
Biblioteque Planters, Anthropologie
Marble Kitchen Utensil Holder, West Elm
Sunday Suppers, Karen Mordechai
Ceramic Oil and Vinegar Set, West Elm
“Call Me Old-Fashioned” Print, Katie Kime
Diamond Stemless Glassware, Urban Outfitters
Christmas Morning…
Copper Bodum French Press, West Elm
Polka Dot Fireside Pajamas, Victoria’s Secret
Old Navy Black & White Heathered Turtleneck
Grey Slim Sweatpant, Victoria’s Secret
Urban Slouchy Grey-Green Pullover
Outdoor Necessities for A Christmas Campout
Turquoise Enamel Fry Pan, World Market
Outdoor Pizza Oven, World Market
Frosted Bulb String Lights, World Market
Hanging Geometric Lanterns, World Market
Antique Copper Lantern, World Market
Target Heather Blue Cowl Neck Sweatshirt
Target Plaid Flannel Shirt
Bits & Bobs
Comfy, Cozy, Foxy Socks from Nordstrom
Kate Spade Gold Polka Dot Planner
Honest Beauty All Natural Mascara & Primer
Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum
Engravable Beer Flight Tasting Set
Anthropologie Latte Bowls (one can never have enough of these…)
Mrs. Meyers Lavender Hand Soap
Rifle Paper Co. Floral Planner and Notes Collection (my planner pick for 2016)
