For the first time in a long time, I’m looking forward to the holidays! My boys are coming home and I can’t wait!
The holidays have not been my favorite time of year for quite a while. For those of us who have suffered loss, the holidays are difficult. No doubt about it. It’s hard to celebrate when you have lost those that you love. Seven years ago, I lost both of my parents (right before the holidays) — and it’s taken me a while (yes, years!) to dig out of the grief and the guilt.
For the last several years, I couldn’t bring out the decorative Christmas Santas that my mother gifted me every year; and it was difficult to decorate the tree knowing that my parents would not be here to celebrate with our family and share in the joy with our kids.
Earlier this year I had an epiphany - and I realized that the holidays are difficult for a lot of people — and sometimes you have to just roll with it. Loss is loss, and life is life! Christmas is coming whether I like it or not - so why not try to enjoy it!
So, this year, I’m back in the spirit of Christmas, and will be from here on in! :)
I thought I’d share some of the most meaningful gifts that I’ve received or given and hope that one or more inspire you!
Santa
Like I said, after I got married, my mom started giving me decorative Santas each year. I decorate my dining table with a group of them, and I also put them on my mantle. They are a great gift for a newlywed!
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Silver Bell
This is another great gift for a newlywed! When one of my family members gets married (think nieces and nephews), I start a little tradition for them by giving them a silver bell each year. It’s a fun way for the couple to mark the years they’ve been married! Truth: I stole this idea from my husband’s Godmother, who in 1987 surprised us with our first bell. She continues to give us one each year — and we’ve been married for 32 years, so guess how many bells we have! :)
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Anything…Monogrammed
I’m a sucker for anything that is monogrammed! I love how it makes it unique to the person that you are gifting! I always give my boys and my husband a new monogrammed dop kit each year…
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Etsy is a GREAT source for unique monogrammed gifts….
I ordered a few of these custom notepads for my peeps:
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These monogrammed keychains are great stocking stuffers (and yes, I chose this shop because they have “Leslie” as one of their featured keychains! LOL!)
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Wine
A little shout out to my favorite winery - Hafner Vineyard. Located in Healdsburg, CA, Hafner Vineyard is a family run winery that makes the BEST wine ever! Their Rose is my fave! They offer gift packages and quick shipping, but the great thing is that they enclose a handwritten gift card (with your words - and written in the MOST beautiful penmanship!)
For a fun back story on the hand written notes that they send out, read their blog post here.
Jewelry
It’s safe to say that you can’t go wrong with jewelry! Earlier this year, I was introduced to JBJ Curated Goods in Walnut Creek, CA and I have become OBSESSED with their jewelry! I’ve now got a ‘wish list’ going at the store, so all I have to do is tell my husband where to shop! :)
Image from JBJ Curated Goods
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!
I’d love to help you with your home in 2020! After all, home is where the heart is!
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