Holiday Happies!
Hi friends!!
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy almost New Year! I hope everyone is soaking up this sweet holiday season. There’s just something about this time of year that feels so magical and whimsical — maybe it’s the twinkling Christmas lights, the familiar carols, or the nostalgic Christmas movies we return to year after year.
The holiday season is one I look forward to all year long, yet it always seems to pass by far too quickly. As I write this, I’m currently on a plane headed to see my in-laws for Christmas part two, and the quiet travel time has given me space to reflect on all of the holiday happies from this season. My hope is that as you read this holiday recap, you’re reminded of the joy this season brings and feel refreshed as we head into the new year.
The Reason for the Season
It wouldn’t feel like a true Christmas season without pausing to reflect on the reason for the season (a cliché, but a meaningful one nonetheless). Jesus Christ is the greatest gift and the greatest joy of this world. One of my favorite ways to intentionally slow down during Advent is by reading the Paul David Tripp Everyday Devotional for Christmas. This daily devotional begins on December 1 and continues through December 25, walking through Scripture from both the Old and New Testament that announces, prophesies, and displays the incarnation — the birth of Christ.
Spending time in these passages reminds me of the miraculous way Jesus came into the world and why He came. On Christmas Eve, I attended our church’s Christmas service, which always recenters my heart on the meaning of Christmas. With how busy and material-focused the season can become, it’s so important for me to intentionally pause and worship — remembering that Jesus is truly the reason we celebrate.
Holiday Happies
Along with that grounding perspective, this season was also filled with so many joyful, cozy, and memory-filled moments that I couldn’t wait to share. This holiday season was marked by festive gatherings, slow mornings, good drinks, and quality time with friends and family — the kind of moments that make Christmas feel extra special.
My sister and I kicked off the season a little early with a trip to New York City at Christmastime, which instantly set the tone for the holidays. From the awe of the Rockettes, to the whimsy of Macy’s Christmas window displays, to simply walking through the city surrounded by lights and holiday cheer — it truly felt magical. When I returned home, I jumped right into decorating our home for Christmas, one of my favorite seasonal traditions.
This year, I leaned into a Ralph Lauren–inspired Christmas aesthetic — classic, cozy, warm, and collected with timeless charm. Much of our Christmas home decor was thrifted or passed down from my mom, which made the space feel even more intentional and meaningful. Of the few pieces we did purchase, I have to highlight our needlepoint Christmas stockings from Lands’ End. I love that they’re traditional, well-made, and timeless — and that we can easily add to our collection as our family grows.
Festive Gatherings & Seasonal Traditions
Andy and I attended several holiday parties this season, each bringing its own kind of joy. Both of our companies hosted holiday events — my company’s celebration was a large-scale holiday party at the Dallas Symphony, complete with hors d’oeuvres, live music, festive drinks, and holiday fashion galore. In contrast, Andy’s company treated employees and spouses to an intimate and elegant Italian dinner in Uptown Dallas, which felt equally special in its own way.
I also attended a holiday party that doubled as a friend’s birthday celebration — a night filled with cheery red decor, bubbly drinks, and the most delicious spread of appetizers and desserts. Seeing everyone dressed up in festive holiday outfits made the night even sweeter as we celebrated together.
A family tradition for the women in my family is getting dolled up & going to see the Nutcracker at the Fort Worth Bass Performance Hall. Every year, we are dazzled by the dancers & their graceful athleticism. This year we also went to dinner at Hudson House and left no crumbs! 10/10 recommend starting this tradition with your family!
Other honorable mentions from this season’s holiday happies include the Plano Town Square tree lighting ceremony, Christmas movie nights with close friends, hosting holiday dinners in our new home, and spending Christmas Day with my family — moments I’ll cherish for years to come.
As I reflect on this holiday season, every single happy moment comes back to one thing: quality time with the people I love most. Whether it was with my husband, my family, or dear friends, these memories wouldn’t be nearly as meaningful without the people who shared them with us.
As we close out the holiday season and step into the new year, my hope is that we carry this same intentionality with us — continuing to prioritize togetherness, gratitude, and joy in the everyday moments.
I hope you have the happiest New Year 🤍
XO, Em
