You Can Have Whatever You Like.

I was wondering when I would get to title a post with T.I. lyrics.  It looks like today is the day.

I've seen a lot of posts lately trying to define Christmas.  Trying to say what kind of Christmas you should or should not have.  Saying a commercialized Christmas is a big fat no and if you don't think so, you need to reevaluate your life.

Sometimes I can get lost in the place of perfect hair and sage wisdom also known as blogland.  And around a time like this, it can make me feel like I'm doing everything wrong.  Like I'm behind because I haven't baked any Christmas cookies yet.  Or that I'm missing out because we didn't send out a Christmas card this year.  Or I'm a bad person because I want to buy lots of presents.

And that's just not true.  It's not true about me, and it's not true about you.

This Christmas is your Christmas.  Do whatever makes you happy about Christmas.  If you feel like all the shopping and presents commercialize Christmas too much for you, then make your own gifts and focus on the non-commercial aspects.  If eating grilled cheese for a month so you can buy alllll the presents your heart desires for everyone you love is your jam, go for it.  Whatever makes Christmas mean the most to you and your husband//family//puppy//whoever you may live with, that is what you should do.  

Christmas comes once a year and it is much too short.  It's too short to not do what you love to do at Christmastime, and it's too short to waste your time sitting around judging others for how they spend their Christmas.

So get yourself a peppermint mocha and watch Elf and just be incredibly happy that it's Christmas.  Or, don't.  Do whatever makes you happy.  It's your Christmas. 

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A Very Present Christmas

I usually hate the term "unplugged" when it's applied to technology.  Usually because the people who use it are the same people who can't make it through a conversation without looking at their phone and will throw their kid an iPad the second tears start, but they went a whole hour without their iPhone, and they're proud of it.  So they post on instagram to tell you about it. 

"Spent the whole morning #unplugged.  It felt so good to be without technology for awhile.

#unplugged #familytime #noiphone

(posted at 7:30 AM) 

It feels very hipstocritical.  (That's a mix between hipster and hypocritical.  You're welcome.)

A few days ago, I was sitting on the couch taking pictures of every single thing Gatsby did.  I got a good one so I sat there for a good ten minutes in search of the perfect filter to use to make sure his little face could be seen. 

And then I looked up.  And Gatsby was chasing Chris around the Christmas tree, and for a second, it felt like I was in a movie.  It was the cutest thing I've ever seen, and it felt like such a perfect moment.  And all I could think was, why in the world am I on instagram right now? 

I do realize the irony of talking about unplugging on a blog, but I don't mean a completely technology-free Christmas.  I'm so thankful for all things iPhone, especially around the holidays.  So I'm not talking about unplugging, I'm talking about being present. 

When I pick up my phone instead of just enjoying the moment, it's not that I'm choosing to not be present, it's simply a habit.  I'm so used to not going thirty seconds without doing something that if there's a break in busyness, I automatically pick up my phone.  I automatically check twitter.  Twitter isn't bad.  My phone isn't bad.  But this Christmas, I want my automatic response to

downtime to be to enjoy it.  To actually live in the moment rather than diving into social media and letting the moment zip right past me.

Being present is a gift I'm giving to myself this year. Because I don't want to miss these moments.  I don't want to miss the days leading up to my first married Christmas.  I don't want to miss fun nights with sweet friends.  I don't want to miss anything.  I want to be fully present for all of it.

And you just can't be fully present if your eyes are glued to your phone. 

  

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Christmas Giveaway.

Are you in the Christmas spirit yet?  I hope so.  My house has turned into a winter wonderland, Christmas music has been on 24/7, and we've already watched Elf.  I'm pretty excited that there's been that much celebrating and it's only December 4th.  I'm telling you, I'm soaking up every single day this year. 

Speaking of the winter wonderland, Gatsby keeps destroying all the decorations he can reach.  I want to be mad at him, but then I look at him..

...Okay, okay have whatever you want.  You want to eat the decorations you can't reach?  Here, let me get them for you. 

I swoon. 

Anyway, in case you just haven't made it into the Christmas spirit yet, here's a little giveaway to help you get started.  Because what says Christmas quite like decorating your hair for the season? 

Some Pretty Lovely Littles goodies!

Five Christmas bows

&

Four Christmas wire headbands.  

Which, PS, are my new favorite thing because they make it look like you tried to fix your hair when you definitely didn't. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Can't wait for the giveaway?  I don't blame you.  Go shopping! Use code "CHRISTMASTIME" for 40% off your order.  Merry Christmas! 

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December 2nd.

Happy second day of the best month of the whole year!
I am going to strive to celebrate every single day this month.
While it would be nice to think that everyday will consist of a different, extravagant holiday activity, unfortunately there's a little thing called work that will ensure that will not be the case.  (Again, can someone please explain to me why the entire month of December is not considered a national holiday where we get off work?)

Just because real life must continue doesn't mean there's not room for celebrating.  I plan on celebrating every day of December, and I encourage you to do the same.  Don't get so caught up in your to-do list that you miss out on the magic of Christmas.  Listen to Christmas music on the way to work.  Throw on a Christmas movie while you clean the house.  Bake cookies.  Buy stockings at the dollar store.  Celebrating doesn't have to cost a lot of money or a lot of time.

One of the worst things ever is looking forward to Christmas all year long, only to have it rush past you before you have a chance to enjoy it because you were too busy.  Taking a little bit of time to celebrate each day is a good way to keep that from happening.

Merry Christmas, beautiful people!

[[Also, Happy Cyber Monday!  The Black Friday codes for my new shop are still good until midnight tonight!]]

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