Happy Friday, flow-ers! How are we creeping up to Christmas already?! I’m fully in the throws of it, and I thought it would be fun to share what we have going on, what gifts I’m giving, what I’m planning… and maybe even my own secret wishlist. I’m always well aware that I actually don’t need anything, but like, it’s always fun to drop the list.
P.S: don’t forget to listen to this like a podcast using the article voiceover feature at the top of this post (I read it to you with extra commentary!)
For my close friends and fam, I bake a loaf each of Mimi’s Cinnamon Swirl Loaf, a recipe very near and dear to our hearts, and one we grew up with as part of every Christmas morning. I love the idea of being part of others traditions, and I know so many of you bake it, too!
We do breakfast with Santa at our community center every year, and we’re also doing gingerbread house decorating at the community center. Mom flow vibes, I book these in August and the uncles (bro in law and his fiance are taking her to the gingerbread decorating so they can have bonding time and I can prob check off other xmas duties)
Lola has two Christmas concerts with preschool next week, and I want to bake cookies for the class. Will I? I might not have time! And don’t forget teacher gifts! I’m doing gift cards with a heartfelt note, wine, candles.
Random things I’m getting Lola for xmas (we don’t buy a lot, and I only wanted to get her things I know she will love!). Linking the Amazon items here, and we also got her this fun toy (plus one for the cousins!). A big one on her list was a marble run, so I got her this one. She really wanted these glitter tattoos so I caved. I do all the ordering for the grandparents gifts to her, so that one was from them.
Speaking of grandparents, we always get Roberto’s parents a personalized calendar full of family pics - I just order it online via London Drugs.
We do Elf on a Shelf (shout out Joy, which I named after Joy Behar ;), but we defo keep it very simple an just place her in different spots - kudos to the moms who go all out bc I do not need more stress added to my plate this time of year. We all know the fear of seeing the clock strike 11pm and realizing we have yet to sort out our elf, amiright?! Something we have started doing is having her elf bring a present or two as a surprise. We just did a pair of xmas PJ’s that I would have given her before xmas anyway. She has started also leaving a present for Joy (like a friendship bracelet) and Joy is wearing it the next day. Just so sweet and magical, I’m living for these days!
A few things on my wish list this year… but like, also don’t need anything ya know?! Just fun to see maybe!
Earthing Mat - I have a code for this GWERINCSOUSA
Wrinkles Schminkles
iPhone upgrade - I use it all day every day for work and would love a new one
Garage freezer (thanks to the in-laws, we will be getting one!)
Celine baseball cap
Diamond earrings
I hope you are trying to enjoy the season, which is so hard when you’re doing it all like most of us are. The magic makers… it’s a hard job but I feel so lucky to be able to make Lola’s warm and fuzzy memories!
I’ll be back in early 2025 - off to spend the holidays with my fam and I can’t wait to see the cousins have so much fun with each other.
That’s it for this week. If you like this content, don’t forget to show up for me with a like or comment. Engagement as been low lately which makes it hard to know what you like. Thanks for the comments last week Nisha, Mal, Alysha, Anya, Brianne and Ashlee.
xx, Erin
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Love following along as my oldest is the same age as Lola! The cinnamon loaf is my husband’s favorite, been making it for a few years now! Love the audio version! Have a Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!