a very merry festive newsletter
Hello. Merry Christmas Eve. I’m sending this letter out to you this morning so you have some fun inspo to make your holiday a little more special. I know Christmas is particularly difficult for some of you and I want you to know I’m here for you. My inbox is open and you can write to me anytime.Â
With that said, I hope today and tomorrow are magical. You deserve it.Â
Let’s get into this very festive newsletter, starting with some under the radar christmas films to watch.
Films:
-Carol (2015)
-Conte D’Hiver (1992)
-Metropolitan (1990)
-Eloise At Christmastime (2003)
-When Harry Met Sally (1998)
-Christmas In Connecticut (1945)
-The Shop Around The Corner (1940)
-The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg (1964)
-The House Of Yes (1997)
-Little Women (2019)
-Charade (1963)
-Love Story (1970)
-While You Were Sleeping (1995)
Music:
-jazzy christmas in new york cityÂ
-melancholic winter (a new playlist- especially for those who do not feel v festive)
Reading:
-A Christmas Pageant by Donna Tartt
A story that delves into the complexities of childhood experiences and emotions during a festive school pageant, capturing a moment of innocence and introspection amidst the holiday season.
-A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
A classic tale of redemption, following the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge from a miserly, solitary man into a generous and kind-hearted individual after being visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come.
-Little Women Louisa May Alcott
A heartfelt story of the March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they navigate the joys and challenges of growing up, pursuing dreams, and experiencing love and loss in 19th-century New England.
Treats:
-cinnamon rolls for christmas morning
-gingerbread cookies or a gingerbread loaf cake
-eggnog or hot cocoa
-pie <3 (apple, sweet potato or pumpkin, pecan )
-christmas pudding
-a fancy charcuterie board with lots of olives, good cheese, dried fruits, crunchy bread and butter
Gifting (to you):
There are a few things I still wanted to gift myself for christmas.
This dress and matching corset in the forest check print and this nightgown from Salter House.
Gah… maybe next year. Or maybe a new year's gift.
I’m also eyeing this fragrance from frederic malle. I smelled it at the store on madison ave yesterday and the woman who was helping me worked as ferderic malle’s assistant for years. She had a very thick french accent and was one of those women who knew what she was talking about. I told her that portrait of a lady is my signature scent, but I wanted another option- something a bit lighter for day time or even spring/ summer. She immediately recommended this one and said it was a cult favorite for women who live in paris. I’m still dreaming about this scent. It’s beautiful.
All this to say- I hope you buy something special for yourself.Â
Christmas Themed Articles:
-The Gift of Loneliness: A single woman’s secret to surviving the holiday season alone
"The Bag of Shame" story is a poignant, reflective narrative of a woman's journey navigating loneliness and the societal pressures of togetherness during the holidays. It's a tale of a seemingly inconsequential decision to join an acquaintance for a holiday trip, which leads to unexpected introspection and personal growth. The story contrasts the superficial allure of avoiding loneliness with the deeper, more complex reality of self-discovery and acceptance, ultimately offering a contemplative perspective on the value of embracing solitude and the evolving understanding of personal fulfillment.
-My Selfish Christmas Tradition
The author vividly describes the overwhelming chaos and pressure of the holiday season, juxtaposing the frantic hustle of preparations with a personal tradition of tranquility and self-care: reading a novel in one sitting on Christmas night. Amid the frenzy of commitments and the self-imposed desire to meet every expectation, the writer finds solace in this simple, restorative act, highlighting the importance of carving out a personal sanctuary amidst the holiday tumult.
-The Twelve Vibes Of Christmas
Shopping for holiday decorations offers a spectrum of aesthetic choices, from warm, soft lights and handcrafted ornaments to bright LEDs and modern baubles, with real or artificial trees setting the scene. While there are endless styles to choose from, like Vintage Victorian or a modern, minimalist approach, the key to successful holiday décor is staying true to personal style. Whether opting for a nostalgic Creepy Christmas, a sunlit Summer Christmas, or emulating iconic setups like Melania Trump’s or Rockefeller Center’s, the most important aspect is authenticity to one's own taste, ensuring the holiday spirit feels personal and genuine.
This reflection contrasts the vibrant Christmas of Dickens' time, a novel celebration for Victorians, with today's commercialized holiday, challenging modern writers to evoke the genuine spirit of Christmas amidst widespread cynicism and consumerism.
-Christmas By Vladamir Nabokov
The story portrays Sleptsov's profound grief after the loss of his son. In a state of sorrow, he reflects on inanimate objects and spaces in his home, finding solace in unfamiliar corners. The narrative vividly describes his interaction with these objects and his environment, illustrating his emotional journey. As he reminisces about his son and grapples with his loss, the story delves into the depths of Sleptsov's despair, culminating in a symbolic and transformative moment involving a moth, representing change and perhaps a glimmer of hope amidst his grief.
-Merry Christmas. I Got You A Tiny Cow.
The rising trend of gifting miniature cows, particularly during the holiday season, reflects a unique blend of whimsy and practicality. Influenced largely by TikTok and social media, where ranchers like Allie Sine showcase these adorable, fluffy animals, the desire for a personal mini cow has surged, with some selling for up to $20,000. Despite their cuddly appearance and dog-like demeanor, potential owners must remember that these creatures, which can weigh up to 650 pounds and live for 20 years, require proper outdoor space and care, far beyond the capabilities of a typical household pet. As the fascination grows, so does the responsibility to ensure these animals are gifted and kept in appropriate, loving environments.
That’s all for today. Merry Christmas. I love you all.
(Pls eat and drink lots of treats!)
Bye <3
