The holidays are a miraculous time filled with wonder and magic. Craving the ultimate festive experience with products, recipes, and ideas to delight each of your senses? I’ve got the hookup! After all, ’tis the season for all things merry & bright. πŸ™‚

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See

Twinkly lights, colorful decorations

blue christmas tree with lights

There are few things more magical than a beautiful tree lit up at night, and while I absolutely adore a real tree adorned with tons of sentimental ornaments, I also have two faux favorites that are a festive feast for the eyes!

This teal tree from At Home is seriously the prettiest color I have seen in my life. I have yet to find a photo to even do it justice. It’s a super vibrant teal/turquoise color that looks kind of sparkly when lit up. Words can’t describe how incredibly wondrous and bright it is.

For a bit more of a woodland vibe, I completely dig this flocked tree from Michael’s. For reals, whenever I walk into the room I can’t help but gasp as how breathtaking it is. Makes me feel like I’m in a magical winter wonderland. πŸ™‚

(Also, if you’re in a relationship and can’t agree on white vs. colored lights like C and I, these color changing lights* are a must. It might be an exaggeration to say they’ve saved our marriage, but I’m going to say it anyway. 😜)

colorful mini ornaments

If colorful decorations in general are your jam, be sure to check out Kailo Chic’s collection of Christmas goodies! From garlands to pillows to ornaments, oh my! For those of you who know me, you’re aware I have a sliiight pillow obsession, and I really have a hard time with holiday pillows. I find most are too “classic” for my taste, so I love having a few fun options to choose from here.

These Christmas Art Prints from Lily and Val also make me all sorts of happy. There is such a fun selection that it’s hard to choose a fave! (Need a frame? Check out Frame It Easy!)

ornament wreath by jennifer paganelli

Hear

Sleigh bells in the snow, holiday songs

My favorite of all favorite Christmas albums is Sia’s Everyday is Christmas. (I like to think Candy Cane Lane was basically written for me. πŸ˜‚) I dig that there’s a mix of all sorts of tracks, from cute to sweet to sad to downright fun. A new classic!

For a nighttime chill sesh, consider listening to a wintery guided sleep story. I’ve talked about how much I enjoy the Insight Timer app before, and “The Ice Palace” by Michelle’s Sanctuary is the perfect cozy track to gently guide you to sleep.

Make (Touch)

Homemade gifts and decor

DIY Confetti Holiday Ornaments

Obviously we can’t let the holidays pass without making some famous confetti ornaments. So colorful, so fun, so easy, so versatile. A fave for kids and adults alike!

For an easy β€” yet stunning β€” snowy candle holder, follow this tutorial. You basically cover the outside of a mason jar with Mod Podge* and Epsom Salt*, then tie on some holiday swag. They come out looking extremely magical and wondrous. Tie them up in a small clear bag with a festive ribbon and you have the sweetest little gift.

DIY Star Anise Wreath

For an earthy β€” yet glam β€” decorative piece, consider a DIY version of this Star Anise Wreath from Terrain. Glue some star anise pods* to wire formed into a circle, dab on some glitter*, tie a ribbon*, and voila!

pink ceramic christmas tree

For a stunning β€” albeit time consuming β€” project, consider painting a ceramic lighted tree. Just enough of an old school vibe to be cool again. πŸ˜† And don’t be afraid to think outside the box to paint it in any color you choose! I made mine at a local Wallingford CT craft studio, Craftivate, but you can maybe get one like this on Amazon* to try!

I also recently made my first hand-knit chunky blanket β€” I thought it would be harder than it actually was, and it was kind of addicting. Soft yarn = super cozy = the perfect snuggly DIY. This video tutorial is pretty easy to follow.

Taste

Candy canes, cranberries, nog, gingerbread

Best Vegan Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Holiday time means one very important thing in our house: Peppermint everything! From homemade Vegan Peppermint Hot Chocolate Recipe to MI-DEL’s gluten free Candy Cane Creme sandwich cookies to NadaMoo’s Peppermint Bark dairy free ice cream, it’s safe to say we’re keeping it minty fresh in the Huizenga house.

When I want to switch things up a bit in the flavor department, this paleo/vegan Cranberry Bliss Bars recipe from 40 Aprons is a go-to. (I simply sub dairy free cream cheese I buy at the store for the frosting, mixed with maple syrup and flavorings.) Oh, and I’ll let you in on my secret ingredient in place of the orange extract: Fiori di Sicilia Extract*! It’s a vanilla-citrus flavor that adds just the right amount of oomph.

And to go with all of these tasty treats, we of course need some drinks! Good old fashioned eggnog is a holiday classic. Except in our case, minus the egg. And the dairy. So, I guess just nog? While not marketed as a holiday drink by any means, the first time I tried Koia’s Vanilla Bean Plant Protein Shake*, I thought it tasted very reminiscent of eggnog. Enough to satisfy my cravings, anyway.

And for some simple yet delicious hot chocolate, this coconut hot cocoa from Bare Life gives me life! I first tried it when gifted to me by Sami of Florapothecarie, but now I’m seriously hooked. The beauty of this cocoa is in its sweet simplicity β€” and clean ingredients. (Plus bonus points for being local to me here in CT!)

Smell

Peppermint, fresh fallen snow, chestnuts roasting on an open fire

candy cane candle

Candles are a year ’round staple, but I tend to light them even more in cooler weather. And there is no shortage of seasonal smells! I find DW Home candles (often found at Marshall’s/TJ Maxx/Homegoods) to always smell fab. “Candy Cane” is an obvious fave, but good old fashioned pine is also a go-to. Target also usually has some nice holiday scents.

If you need a little holiday pick-me-up without the flame, try some Scentisicles*! I also really love me some cinnamon scented pinecones, even though the scent doesn’t often last long.

There’s also something cozy about the smell of spiced cider β€” and it doubles for taste, so win-win!

More Fun

Want to know what type of Christmas Tree matches your personality based on your astrological sign? Teen Vogue has the hookup in What Christmas Tree You Should Have, Based on Your Sign. (Spoiler alert: a confetti tree is one of them!)

Want to add a confetti bow to one of your handmade gifts? Learn how to make one here.

Make a simple confetti bow using clear tape!

What Are Your Faves?

Anything you have to add to this list? Tell us allll about it in the comments below!