From the Front Porch
Happy Friday from the front porch, sweet friends. Thanks so much for being here and for making us a part of your day!
Can you believe we’re only 10 days away from Christmas and 16 days away from the New Year?
It still blows my mind.
Yesterday, I looked at my Holiday Bucket List vs my Need to Do List and let out a heavy sigh.
I don’t know if it’s because my cousin passed away around Thanksgiving and we all sort of lost our holiday spirit, or if it’s that after an undefeated season my sweet nephew and his team lost the state championship in the last 2 seconds of the football game, or if it’s that 5 out of the 12 members of our pod came down with a nasty case of the flu and the norovirus, or if it’s that we’re celebrating an early Christmas at Bliss Barracks this year so my brothers in law can be with their families for the holidays.
Maybe it’s a combination of all the above.
There’s something about this Christmas season that feels *off* though.
In years past, the “all or nothing” part of my personality would simply ride out the rest of December and start planning for 2024.
But if there’s one thing we’ve become an expert at this year, it’s that we can hold space for two things at once.
Joy and heartache…creativity and chaos… festive and overwhelmed…grateful and indifferent…victorious and defeated.
The thing is, once we start feeling those feelings, we have to gently remind ourselves there’s still time.
There’s still time to sip hot cocoa by the fire.
There’s still time to snuggle up in Christmas pajamas.
There’s still time to bake cookies or pick some up at a local bakery.
There’s still time to wrap gifts while listening to Christmas music.
There’s still time to take a peppermint bath.
There’s still time to craft ornaments and read The Polar Express to the littles.
There’s still time to watch The Holiday and make Christmas fettuccine.
Hear me when I say…. there is still plenty of time to make memories this holiday season.
So, as we march toward Christmas, I want you to think about all the big and small ways you can still make the holiday season merry and bright.
It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.
There’s still plenty of time for holiday miracles and magic just waiting to be discovered.
We’re taking time off to enjoy our families and prepare for 2024. But I couldn’t go without saying, a million times over, thank you for giving me the gift of your time, thoughtful and kind comments, pinning and sharing our content with your friends and family, and for your generous support through our affiliate links.
Each and every one of you is an important part of this community and it’s been an honor to spend time with you this year.
Wishing you a healthy, happy, and joy-filled Christmas!
A Few of Our Favorite Things from Around the Web This Week…
Seasonal Home and Garden Tours:
- I cannot get over all the snow in this post, Farmhouse Christmas Ideas for a Cozy Home via B Vintage Style. It looks just like a postcard!
- Andrea from Pine and Prospect always has one of my favorite holiday home tours.
- I loved all the oranges and natural elements, Jen from Midwest Life and Style, used in her Christmas home tour this year.
- This post via The Glam Pad, Trend Alert: Grandpa Chic Christmas Ideas will make you nostalgic in the best possible way.
- Speaking of nostalgia, have you seen Michael’s tree from Inspired by Charm yet? It’s dreamy.
Seasonal Inspiration:
- The greenery and pheasant feather centerpiece Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse made this week is gorgeous.
- MaryJo from Masterpieces of My Life created a beautiful nutcracker-inspired tablescape if you’re still looking for ideas.
- My fabulous friend Kristin of White Arrows Home created a fun and festive snow-day-inspired mantel this week. Her home makes me want to snuggle up!
- These 10 Scandi-Inspired Christmas Decorating Ideas via My Scandinavian Home made me excited we chose to embrace lots of candlelight this year.
- 21 Drive-Through Christmas Light Displays That Are Worth the Trip (via CN Traveler)
Health and Wellness Inspiration:
- 11 Things You Can Do for Yourself That Only Take 60 Seconds A Day (via The Everygirl and they’re all totally doable)
- How to Avoid Overdoing It This Holiday Season (helpful tips from the LA Times)
- How to Ease Your Way Back into Work After Taking Time Off (bookmarking this post via The Good Trade)
Style Inspiration:
- I loved this article via Time on Taylor Swift being named Person of the Year.
- Throw Out, Donate or Keep: How to Evaluate Your Wardrobe
Simple Pleasures and Little Luxuries:
- This would be such a sweet idea if you know someone who has a winter birthday.
- These earrings from J.Crew are pretty and such a great price too.
- These beauties are sold out in my size but they might still be available in yours!
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog or the Archives Recently, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…
How to Refresh a Store-Bought Christmas Wreath
2023 Champagne Wishes Holiday Home Tour & Homespun Holiday Blog Hop
Orange Pomegranate Cider Simmer Pot
You can find Last Week’s From the Front Porch here, in case you missed it…
And if you’re looking for last-minute gift ideas, you can find our Holiday Gift Guides here.
Organizing the Week Ahead…
Words to Live By:
Dates to Celebrate and Commemorate:
- 12/14-17 Shipping Deadlines for Christmas Ground Delivery
- 12/15 Hannukah Ends
- 12/16 Wreaths Across America Day
- 12/17 Third Week of Advent
- 12/24 Christmas Eve; Fourth Week of Advent
- 12/25 Christmas Day
- 12/26 Boxing Day
- 12/26 Kwanzaa Begins
- 12/31 New Year’s Eve
Weekly Simplified and Organized Home Challenge Task:
- Set Goals for the New Year
3 Simple Ways to Celebrate the Season:
- Craft Christmas Ornaments, Attend a Wreath Making or Wrapping Party
- Make Christmas Fettuccine and Watch The Holiday
- Leave Cookies and Milk for Santa and Veggies for the Reindeer
NYE Inspiration We Spotted Online at Amazon This Week…
(Amazon affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon and Impact Media Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Any sales made through such links will support us with a small commission at no extra cost for you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)
White Dress * Pencil Dress * Sandals * Edible Stars
Sweater * Tulle Skirt * Silver Flats * Eye Shadow Palette
Tee Shirt * Black Skirt * Black Pump * Champagne Coupes
Plates * Confetti Cannon * Party Decorations * Tiaras
As always, we appreciate you more than you could ever know, and we hope your weekend is peace-filled and relaxing. We can’t wait to share even more with you soon!
Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
Many blessings,
CoCo
Your post is lovely. I’m sorry for the sadness you are experiencing now. Life is with us, regardless of the time, what holiday, whatever. Enjoy your holidays.
I appreciate you so much, Eileen! I think whenever we go through things like this it’s another gentle reminder to slow down and look for the beauty all around us because even through the ups and downs, there will always be love and light. Sending you hugs and wishing you and your family a holiday season filled with peace, CoCo
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, friend!!
Thank you so much, Rachel! I hope you and your family have an amazing holiday season. Big hugs, CoCo PS: Our Yuletide Candle arrived and it smells just like Christmas!
My heart goes out to you and your family during this season. I can only imagine how difficult it has been. I’m so thankful you have a great family that loves and lifts each other up through good times and bad! Prayers for all of you! Enjoy your time off! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Your family has experienced much sadness this year. We lost a family member recently too, and I like to say, it gets easier, but it doesn’t really so I am not sure why people say that. Just know you are an amazing person, and I am thinking of you and your family. I hope you have a Merry Christmas CoCo!
Your weekly From the Front Porch post is always my fave CoCo! You have such a beautiful way with words and I appreciate the encouragement you give through them. This Christmas is ‘off’ for us too this year. But I’m staying (at least trying to) focused on the Blessing this season gives us—the blessing of family and friends and a Father who loves us beyond words. Thanks for sharing your heart as you do so well. Merry Christmas and enjoy some time off!