My parents are here for Christmas, and yesterday, my mom, sis, and I ventured out to enjoy some of our favorite things together!
But first. This is my favorite video of the week!!!! Oh my heavens, try not to weep as a mother fulfills a promise and deep gratitude fills the air.
A Few of My Favorite Things!
1. Staying Home!
While we had a blast getting our jingle on and shopping for a few gifts, there’s no place like home when the weather outside is frightful.
2. Girl Time!
Since my mom lives in Arizona, it’s always a treat to be together. No matter what we do or where we roam, there is going to be easy laughter and excuses to eat more chocolate.
Here we are at Urban Farmgirl (Rockford, Illinois), where we found beautiful Christmas decor and a spirit of good cheer.
3. Paper Snowflakes!
Whether you buy the pre-made ones to hang from the ceiling like those above, or make your own to trim the tree–it’s easy to feel like a child again. Get those scissors snipping if you don’t believe me!
4. Dog-themed Christmas Trees!
Am I BARKing up the wrong tree? If puppy trees are wrong, I don’t wanna be right.
5. Cute Gift Bags for Wine!
For your wine loving friends and party hosts, there are so many adorable ways to up the fun factor. The one above says “Let’s Misbehave.”
6. Simple Wreaths Hung from Vintage Frames!
Add architectural interest and importance to a holiday wreath!
7. Vintage Signs!
I love ’em when they are original, but the reproductions are getting soooooo good, aren’t they!?!
8. Christmas Buzzwords!
After more than 30 years together, my sister just learned her husband’s favorite Christmas related word is NOEL.
Do you have one?
Mine is…
nope, not JOY.
I guess I have a couple of favs.
P E A C E for sure.
But also J I N G L E.
9. Silver Bells!
Whether it’s the ones chiming at the red kettles, vintage sleigh bells (or new ones like these at Urban Farmgirl below!), itsy bitsy ones formed into a wreath, or the teeniest ones jingling on a baby’s shoes, their ringing belongs with holiday cheer like marshmallows in hot chocolate.
10. Galvanized Buckets!
I hardly needed another galvanized bucket for my collection! But I couldn’t resist one of these tall, vintage reproductions at Urban Farmgirl. I tucked fresh evergreen branches in it and placed it on a bathroom vanity at home.
11. Pretty Dishtowels!
I loved every single stripey, plaid, check, whimsical, windowpane, graphic one in this shop, and I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love receiving them as a gift!
12. Personalized Everything!
Trays, stocking hangers, crocks, and wood slice ornaments were just a few things we spotted that can be customized to your liking.
THE urban farmgirl, herself, was cheerfully styling in the shop and snapped a photo of us in front of the sign in the image above.
Which is Your FAVORITE rendition?
Tony Bennett…
Andy Williams…
Kelly Clarkson…
Rustic Decor Online Favorites
If you can’t find what you need shopping small and locally, here are a few of my favorite farmhouse-y rustic decor finds you may like too.
This post contains affiliate links which I hope you will use since they won’t cost you a penny extra yet may earn this blog a small commission.
I’ll be hosting Christmas Eve dinner so there is a long list of chores to attend to, but somehow it will all get done! After we feast, we play a few games before dancing the night away in the living room. I always have the best intentions and mean to document a little of it for you, but I am always the last one to leave the dance floor and forget to push ‘record!’
Find more FESTIVE FAVORITES HERE!
I hope whatever your holiday traditions, you will also find yourself immersed in the moment and make memories with those you love to carry you into a brand new year.
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE, and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!
Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Andy Williams.
Author
Thanks for playing along! Merry Christmas!
What great “girl time.” I so enjoy reading your blog – it always brightens my day. What a precious start to your blog – that adorable video. And my goodness, that Urban Farmgirl shop would be the end of me. I love that place. Maybe one day I’ll get to visit. Dontcha just love everything in that store? Merry Christmas to you all and Happiest New Year.
Author
It was fun to introduce my mom to Urban Farmgirl while she is visiting! Merry Christmas to you, Lisa. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and add beauty here! xox
You look SO cute in your outfit! What lovely YOU bring to your blog 🙂
My favorite rendition of “My Favorite Things” is Julie Andrews. 🙂
Author
Oh, she is definitely the queen when it comes to that tune! Thank you – nothing like parading around town in boxers and boots! 🙂
I can’t say I have a favourite word that I identify with Christmas. I’m a strong proponent of the wording Merry Christmas and Christmas Tree over Holiday. Yes, we need to be inclusive and I pick my cards carefully, but don’t take our Christmas away. I asked my husband and he said ‘ family’.
My favourite song is I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, although we rarely have one. I grew up on the East coast, so I guess it might be a longing for home.
Dancing the night away sounds like fun! I might need to add that to our family get together. Remember Elaine from Seinfeld? I kinda dance like her. It’s good for a laugh, if not the best moves. Lol
I love your blog. It’s soft and magical.
Have a wonderful Christmas, Michele!
~Joanna
Author
Ha! I could teach you some less-Elaine, wicked moves! Thanks for being here and adding to the fun. xox