Today we’re going to talk about what I got for Christmas (including an item I am being paid to check out!). I saw years ago; a bunch of people would do every holiday like birthdays and Christmas “What I got” videos. And they were these items that were very fancy. Like here is the Chanel bag I got and the $200 perfume I got. That is not my life or even close to my life. A couple of rules. We work on a budget for Christmas and things for the house are not gifts for my husband or myself, except for my KitchenAid mixer. I got that one year, and I was very, very excited about that. We do small holidays in this household, we just do. And it’s more about being thoughtful, and we buy things throughout the year and just give it to people we don’t save up everything for holidays. So that said, my family loves me dearly, do not pick on me, them, or anyone else. In my household, we prefer to focus on being thoughtful and buying things throughout the year rather than saving everything for the holidays.
One of the most thoughtful gifts I received this year was a framed picture of me and my daughter from our graduation with our associate degrees. My daughter went out of her way to get a bunch of pictures printed and framed this one, so we would have it to remember this special moment. I haven’t decided where to hang it yet, but I love it and am so grateful for this thoughtful gift. She also gave me a super cute pack of Water Colored themed Happy Planner stickers for my planner (she knows me so well).
Another item I was excited to receive this year was a pair of slippers. I’ve been wearing a pair of old slippers that my 17-year-old son outgrew, but they’re so worn out that the plastic around the edges keeps breaking off in the carpet. I wanted a new pair of slippers to wear while working at my desk and to keep my feet warm and cozy at home. I was thrilled when my son bought me a pair of Jessica Simpson slides – they’re comfy, warm, squishy, and perfect for walking around the house.
One of the gifts I received this year was something that Responsival approached me about, Flat Socks. These no-show socks are perfect for wearing with shoes that don’t have a lot of coverage, like loafers or Converse sneakers. I was approached by the agency and was intrigued by the concept, so I agreed to try out a few pairs for myself and both my girls!
I have to say, I’m really glad I did! Flat Socks are incredibly comfortable and stay in place all day. They have a silicone grip on the bottom that prevents them from sliding down, and the fabric is super soft and breathable. They are more than just no-show socks but more liner socks. Because they are flat they are going to be great in my new Anthony Veer flats I got recently!
My poor husband and I both struggle in shopping for each other every year. Occasionally we know the perfect thing but that is not the norm. He did a great job this year. I received a Black Orchid hair diffuser that I have been looking at ever since I went curly/wavy.
He also got the best stickers for my planner! The first pack is the most adorable set of science stickers. They are the best with corny science sayings and even a rainbow Einstein. He also got me 2 packs of great art stickers with a heavy emphasis on the works of one of my personal favorites, Van Gogh. All these stickers are the kind that would be great on laptops and such but let’s be honest, they are going right in the planner.
Overall, I was happy with the gifts I received this year. They were all practical and thoughtful, and they will definitely get a lot of use in my daily life. I’m grateful to my family for being so considerate and for always finding ways to make the holidays special and meaningful.
I think that’s what the holidays are all about – showing love and appreciation for the people in our lives and finding ways to make them happy. It’s not about how much money we spend or how extravagant the gifts are. It’s about the thought and care that goes into choosing something that will be meaningful and appreciated. And in my opinion, that’s what makes the holidays truly special.
(Thanks to Responsival for sponsoring this post! All opinions and thoughts are mine own.)
