Leaf and Steel

motherhood - growth - living

The Weirdest Week of the Year

…it is, isn’t it?

The week between Christmas and New Year’s is weird.

Our decorations are still up and my pants still don’t fit.

Everyone is nervous about the virus, and rightfully so. It is burning through New York right now, and it seems everyone I know has it.

I have this fidgety energy around the New Year and all the things I want to accomplish.

I know that this week is meant for relaxation and reflection, but I can’t bring myself to do either!

I just can’t wait for a fresh start in January. I find myself sighing loudly throughout the day, as if I could let out all the distress of 2021 out in a sigh.

In a few days I’ll be clinking my glass of Martinelli’s and on my merry way to a new and shiny year.

Exhausted,

O.

More from Leaf and Steel:

Here’s Why Christmas Season is the Best

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year” and I will die on that hill with Andy Williams!

Christmas season is full of wonder, cookies, presents, and cheer. If I can get my shopping done early enough, Christmas season is pure JOY!

I delight in baking cookies to Christmas music with my TV fireplace on in the background. My Christmas season begins in early November and I love every second of it.

Christmas season is the best, and here’s why!

Decorations

Who doesn’t love a simple color scheme and bright, shiny lights? The actual act of decorating is a fun way to bring in in the holiday season. I love adding to my “collection” each year and having specific decor for specific places. The next item I have on my list to get is lighted outdoor reindeer. We have a big yard and I’d love to look out my window and see a herd of reindeer lit up in the night!

Christmas Music

Who doesn’t love Christmas music? I start listening in late October/early November because who’s going to stop me? They key to Christmas music is having playlists that reflect the mood – somber Christmas, joyful Christmas, religious Christmas, background Christmas, rowdy Christmas, etc. Check out my post on Christmas Compilations to Listen to this Year for some inspiration!

Food

There’s not much to say here – holiday food is it’s own animal. Sugar, sugar, and more sugar is always on the menu. I love letting loose and going to town on candy canes, Christmas cookies, and pie!

Gift Giving

One positive to getting older is starting to enjoy gift giving! I love getting people exactly what they need or ask for, or finding something unexpected they didn’t even know they wanted.

Holiday Cheer

Something changes in people once the jingle bells start ringing and the lights go up. They just become nicer, myself included. Despite how stressful the Christmas season can be, it feels like people have a little more grace with each other, at least her on Long Island.

Presents

We never want to admit, but presents are one of the best parts of the holiday season! Now that I’m a stay at home mom, I really look forward to having some gifts for myself, since I don’t get to do as much shopping as I used to. Now that I’m an adult I’m perfectly content with socks, books, and a warm scarf!

Seeing Things Through My Child’s Eyes

Ah, I saved the best for last. I saw this cheesy quote on Instagram today, “As a grown-up I’ve learned that all the “Christmas magic” I felt as a kid was really a mom who loved me so damn much” and oof I felt that! Both of my parents worked so hard to make Christmas the most special day of the year. They were so cautious about keeping us grounded in reality and gratitude but on Christmas we were spoiled rotten (or at least it felt that way).

Now, as a parent, I love recreating those enchanted moments for my daughter. I want it to be the most relaxing, magical, exceptional day for her. I want her to compare everything in her life to the excitement of Christmas morning.

This will only be her second Christmas, but I can already sense her joy and excitement when she sees the lights and decorations. She remains very confused about trees coming indoors, though.

Seeing her light up over the simplest things is the greatest gift I could ever receive. Now, if only we could figure out how to get her to sing Jingle Bells…

Agree or disagree? What’s your favorite part of Christmas? Do you think it’s overrated or are you obsessed, like me? Let me know below!

O.

More from Leaf and Steel:

Here’s Why Christmas Season is the Best

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year” and I will die on that hill with Andy Williams!

Christmas season is full of wonder, cookies, presents, and cheer. If I can get my shopping done early enough, Christmas season is pure JOY!

I delight in baking cookies to Christmas music with my TV fireplace on in the background. My Christmas season begins in early November and I love every second of it.

Christmas season is the best, and here’s why!

Decorations

Who doesn’t love a simple color scheme and bright, shiny lights? The actual act of decorating is a fun way to bring in in the holiday season. I love adding to my “collection” each year and having specific decor for specific places. The next item I have on my list to get is lighted outdoor reindeer. We have a big yard and I’d love to look out my window and see a herd of reindeer lit up in the night!

Christmas Music

Who doesn’t love Christmas music? I start listening in late October/early November because who’s going to stop me? They key to Christmas music is having playlists that reflect the mood – somber Christmas, joyful Christmas, religious Christmas, background Christmas, rowdy Christmas, etc. Check out my post on Christmas Compilations to Listen to this Year for some inspiration!

Food

There’s not much to say here – holiday food is it’s own animal. Sugar, sugar, and more sugar is always on the menu. I love letting loose and going to town on candy canes, Christmas cookies, and pie!

Gift Giving

One positive to getting older is starting to enjoy gift giving! I love getting people exactly what they need or ask for, or finding something unexpected they didn’t even know they wanted.

Holiday Cheer

Something changes in people once the jingle bells start ringing and the lights go up. They just become nicer, myself included. Despite how stressful the Christmas season can be, it feels like people have a little more grace with each other, at least her on Long Island.

Presents

We never want to admit, but presents are one of the best parts of the holiday season! Now that I’m a stay at home mom, I really look forward to having some gifts for myself, since I don’t get to do as much shopping as I used to. Now that I’m an adult I’m perfectly content with socks, books, and a warm scarf!

Seeing Things Through My Child’s Eyes

Ah, I saved the best for last. I saw this cheesy quote on Instagram today, “As a grown-up I’ve learned that all the “Christmas magic” I felt as a kid was really a mom who loved me so damn much” and oof I felt that! Both of my parents worked so hard to make Christmas the most special day of the year. They were so cautious about keeping us grounded in reality and gratitude but on Christmas we were spoiled rotten (or at least it felt that way).

Now, as a parent, I love recreating those enchanted moments for my daughter. I want it to be the most relaxing, magical, exceptional day for her. I want her to compare everything in her life to the excitement of Christmas morning.

This will only be her second Christmas, but I can already sense her joy and excitement when she sees the lights and decorations. She remains very confused about trees coming indoors, though.

Seeing her light up over the simplest things is the greatest gift I could ever receive. Now, if only we could figure out how to get her to sing Jingle Bells…

Agree or disagree? What’s your favorite part of Christmas? Do you think it’s overrated or are you obsessed, like me? Let me know below!

O.

More from Leaf and Steel:

Stocking Stuffers for Babies

Christmas is almost here! Maybe you’ve already started your shopping or maybe you’re already done!

If you’re like me, you always forget one crucial component of gift giving – stockings!

This post contains affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission off of products that are purchased through these links, at no cost to you. You can read more about this process here.

We have needlepoint stockings from Land’s End and they are decorative and functional. I love that my family will have heirloom quality Christmas decorations for the rest of their lives. They each have their name embroidered into the stocking, too.

Growing up, our stockings were filled with “little” wrapped gifts that we would open around the Christmas breakfast table (waffles and bacon, always). I remember being unenthused as a small child, because after all it takes some growing up to realize that the best things really do come in the smallest packages!

How did stockings become a part of Christmas?

Well, it’s complicated. There are many stories floating around the internet. Here is the most common one, as explained on Bustle:

While there is no known written record of the Christmas stocking’s origins, in many folk tales, the stocking is linked to the idea of Saint Nicholas (or Santa Claus, as he is colloquially known) as a gift giver. The poem “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” published nearly 200 years ago in 1823, clearly describes the importance of stockings: “The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,/In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.”

– see more on Bustle.com

Do I Need to Do Christmas Stockings?

Nope! You can always skip stockings for kids and they won’t know any different. Especially with little, little kids, these aren’t necessities. We plan on putting things we already need to buy for our baby wrapped in her stocking, like socks. There is no need to break the bank for babies who are going to be more excited for tissue paper.

However, if stockings are your jam and your looking for some inexpensive, useful gifts, look no further!

Check out these simple last-minute stocking stuffers sure to surprise your little one on Christmas morning.

Munchkin 36 Bath Letters and Numbers

Bearington Baby’s 1st Christmas Plush Soft Ring Rattle, 5.5 inches

Munchkin ColorMix Fish, Color Changing Bath Toy

My First Book Of Baby Animals : First Board Book Board

Unisex Combed Cotton Ankle Sock Non-Skid for Newborn Infant or Toddler

Lenox 870946 Silver Plate Love Frame Ornament

Hudson Baby Girl Baby Boy Trapper Hat, Mitten and Bootie Set

mushie Stacking Cups Toy | Made in Denmark (Retro)

Infantino Sensory Balls Blocks & Buddies – 20 piece basics set for sensory exploration

Fisher-Price Rattle ‘n Rock Maracas, Blue/Orange

Does your family do stockings? Does you little one like opening presents?

Let me know below!

O.

More from Leaf and Steel:

Fall Friday Favorites #10

Happy Fall Friday!

I hope you had a good Thanksgiving! I know I’m still stuffed from all the food.

Any holiday week is a weird week. The downside to being on a set routine is struggling when one little part of it gets bumped out of place.

Anyways, here are some things I’m loving this week!

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Ah, the ever-controversial homemade vs. store-bought cranberry sauce debate. I always have been and always will be team homemade. I love making my own cranberry sauce and storing it in the fridge to put on just about anything. I do a bag of cranberries, a cup of sugar and a cup of pulp-free orange juice and just simmer it on the stove! I love homemade cranberry sauce on homemade corn bread.

My Stroller

We were gifted a lovely UppaBaby stroller and it’s worth the price tag. We call it Baby M’s car. I’ve put so much mileage on this thing lately. It’s so smooth and it just has so much room in the undercarriage. It’s truly one of my favorite things!

The Official Christmas Music Season

I’ve been listening to Christmas music since October because who cares about time anymore? Even though I got started very early this year, today is the official start to the Christmas season! I normally would have waited until the day after Thanksgiving to decorate. Now, I can blast my Christmas music without criticism from my husband! My favorite Christmas song is either Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) sung by Darlene Love or Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by either Frank Sinatra or Judy Garland, I can’t choose!

Scheduling Posts

I love that I can schedule posts here! I try to post every weekday, so having some schedule posts during holiday weeks makes it super easy to hit my blogging goals and take a day off.

This is the last Fall Friday for this year! I’ve really enjoyed posting these as hearing from you guys every week!

What are you loving this week? How was your Thanksgiving? Let me know below!

O.

10 Cozy Christmas Decor Items Under $10

Christmastime is here!

It might only be November, but it’s never too early to start decorating for Christmas. Whether you slowly put up your decorations or take an afternoon to do it all at once, decorating is a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit.

This post contains affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission off of products that are purchased through these links, at no cost to you. You can read more about this process here.

In my house, spreading holiday cheer starts with putting out a few knick-knacks and is complete when we put up our tree!

Christmas is the best time of year because it’s filled with magic and wonder. I love how Christmas is centered around family, gratitude, and being together.

Here are 10 Christmas decorations under $10!

“Be Merry” Christmas Garland

40 LED Christmas Tree Lights

Christmas Gnome Green Plush Dwarf Figurine

6 Piece Christmas Wooden Signs

Gold Star Christmas Tree Topper with Warm LED Lights

Reindeer Ring and Jewelry Holder

31FT Mini LED Colored Lights

“Merry Christmas” Burlap Stocking Garland

2 Piece Reindeer Stocking Holder or Wall Mount

Christmas Wood Beads with Tassel

Is your house ready for Christmas yet? When do you start decorating?

Let me know below!
O.

More from Leaf and Steel:

The Best Christmas Books for Babies

The holiday season is a special time for families, and what better way to celebrate than by introducing your little ones to the magic of Christmas through books? Even the youngest readers can get in on the festive fun with these best Christmas books for babies.

Whether you’re looking for classic tales or new releases, these books are sure to delight and entertain your little ones with bright colors, cheerful illustrations, and heartwarming stories. So snuggle up with your baby, grab a cup of cocoa, and enjoy the holiday season with these must-read Christmas books.

Read more

5 Christmas Music Compilations to Listen to This Year

Happy Christmas season!

The official start of Christmas season starts with Christmas music!

I love hour-long compilations on YouTube to help me get into the holiday spirit. I can throw one on and don’t have to touch it while I make dinner, play with my daughter, or clean. Instead of wasting time and money buying the music on iTunes and creating a whole playlist, I just let the internet do the work for me!

There’s Christmas music for different moods. In the mornings, we like to listen to softer holiday songs, followed by peppier ones in the afternoon.

So, here are 5 of the best long Christmas music compilations! Let me know what you think below.

Are you ready for Christmas? What’s your favorite Christmas song?

Let me know below!

O.

Is November too Early to Decorate for Christmas?

Is November too early to decorate for Christmas?

It’s a very contentious debate in this house.

Traditionally, I would wait until the day after Thanksgiving to decorate for Christmas. In my mind, that’s the official start to the holiday season.

But, if you’re out in the world, you know that Christmas now starts in October, at least for retailers. The Christmas Creep has been pushed farther than ever this year. I know I noticed holiday decor in stores as early as September.

It’s crazy that it’s early November and I feel late to the party! Christmas is undoubtedly my favorite holiday and favorite time of year. I love how strangers can become cheery and kind. I love the music. I love the lights and decorations. I love the focus on gratitude and family and being together.

Is it too early to decorate for Christmas?

This is a very personal question.

Here are some things to think about when asking yourself whether or not it’s time to bust out the lights and snowglobes.

Let’s Talk Christmas Season Layers

There are many layers to the Christmas season. Maybe you prefer to do it all at once, making a day of it. Or, maybe you like to slowly integrate in your decor and music.

Let’s dive into the layers of Christmas below.

Layer I: Christmas Music

This one is pretty innocuous. Personally, I believe that Christmas music doesn’t have to be reserved for the season.

Silent Night? A great lullaby. Winter Wonderland? Works in February too.

I love listening to Christmas mixes on YouTube to get in the holiday mood.

Layer II: Light Indoor Christmas Decor

The next layer is to me, a true signal that we’re getting started. Maybe it starts with a little reindeer, maybe some mistletoe? We’re just flirting with Christmas here – we’re not taking Christmas out to dinner yet.

Layer III: Deep Indoor Christmas Decor

Here we go, now it’s really begun. This is what I would usually wait until Black Friday to start, but heck it I’m going to start in November. Deep indoor decor would be pulling out the big box from the attic that’s labeled XMAS and going ham.

I’m talking garlands.

I’m talking needlepoint North Pole pillows.

I’m talking fir tree scented candles.

I’m talking obscure santa memorabilia.

At this stage, you’ve gone full Christmas, baby!

Layer IV: Outdoor Decor

This is to show the neighbors that you’re not messing around and waiting until December. This is when you get out the gloves, the boots, the lights, and you find a tall person. Anyone tall will work.

You hang those lights and you show that neighborhood that you are ready for Christmas and you’re not messing around.

Layer V: Live Christmas Tree

If you have a fake tree, please fight me in the comments. Live trees are superior. I don’t care if it’s 4 feet tall. Get a real tree. Forget to water it. Spend a good portion of December trying to figure out if it’s going to hold out until Christmas. Find pine needles in places you didn’t know pine needles could go for years to come.

If you have your tree up, Christmas is a comin’. There’s nothing better than a lit Christmas tree with Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas on in the background.

Layer VI : Presents Under the Tree

This is the last and final layer. Putting presents under the tree is the ultimate sign that Christmas is near. If you have kids or a pets, this might be a no-no until Christmas Eve.

When I was growing up, “Santa” put all the presents under the tree on Christmas Eve night. We would leave out cookies, milk, and carrots for the reindeer. The living room doors closed and the house would fill with a quiet excitement. We could hardly fall asleep.

My siblings and I would wait at the top of the stairs together and then rush into the living room all at once while our parents watched.

It was always inexplicably magical.

There are very few things in my life that compare to the excitement and enchantment of Christmas morning.

Now, I have a kid, so I’m more than excited to share that magic with her.

Do you do layers? Or go all at once? There’s no right way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Where do you stand on this? Is November too early to decorate for Christmas? Let me know below!

O.

More from Leaf and Steel: