I can't believe that Christmas is right around the corner!  I've been planning my last minute gifts that I'll be picking up locally, and thankfully (miraculously!) everything that I ordered in from Etsy arrived by last week. I'm looking forward to a night of wrapping presents in front of the fireplace channel and/or Breaking Bad, depending on how festive I'm feeling.

I've been looking for little ways to infuse this week with more holiday charm, and I thought it would be fun to share some here- from having a cozy PJ robe for Christmas morning (and after new years!) to using simple white candles and star anise as decorations, to painted peanut ornaments and a little sparkle. Most important, I'm making sure that my evenings are free so I don't too many commitments and can enjoy some quiet, nesting time leading up to the big family dinners that are around the corner. A little reading & wine in a quiet home in the days before everyone gets together strikes the perfect balance for me.

One  DIY Washi Tape Star by Papernstitch at Creature Comforts / Two  Furry Wreath DIY at The Nester / Three  Santa Peanuts at RawBoneStudio / Four  Gingerbread House Tutorial at Not Martha / Five  Ribbon Bow at Lichen and Lychee / Six  Simple Star Anise & White Candle Setting at Hus & Hem via Kelly Ann / Seven  Opal Sparks Pouch at Anthropologie / Eight  Stripped PJ Robe at Top Shop

Do you have any tricks that help you stay balanced at this time of year?

I come from a blended family that gets really along well & we've recently decided to get everyone together for the holidays instead of having multiple pieces of our family getting together at different times on the same day. It's been a lovely change that simplifies the holidays!