If you are like me, then you are feeling stressed thinking that there are only 15 days left until Christmas, and shipping date cutoffs are approaching quickly. You may have found yourself in a full-on panic, thinking, “What am I going to give everyone for Christmas?” followed by “Especially the people who have everything!”.
I racked my brain for what to get some friends and neighbors and, I am ruining a surprise here, but I was so excited to share my idea with you in case you wanted to copy it.
I thought it might be super fun to share with my friends a few of my holiday traditions growing up to make my gift more personal and thoughtful. I thought I might give them a few things that remind me of the holidays and a note explaining the significance.
First and foremost, we had Spode Christmas China that my mom took out the week of Christmas.*. My sister, Meri, and I always looked forward to the Spode coming out. We loved the beautiful Christmas Tree image and all the details in the ornaments and gifts under it. My mom literally had every accessory they made, and we loved to set the table with all the beautiful pieces. Nothing symbolizes Christmas to me more than that iconic image. So much so that even though I have another set of Christmas china, I favor the Spode. (* I take it out for the entire month of December. It is so beautiful why not enjoy it all month long!)
Secondly, my mom made the most delicious recipes for the holidays from Cotton Country Collection.This cookbook, which is recipes compiled by the Junior League of Monroe, Louisiana has the most incredible recipes; my two favorites are the Artichoke Casserole and the Sour Cream Coffee Cake. The Sour Cream Coffee Cake is my go-to for when I need to bring something to a brunch or if I have guests coming to stay at my house. EVERYONE loves this coffee cake! And the best part, it is very easy to make. My mom gave the cookbook to my sister and me for Christmas one year, and I didn’t recognize it as the cover of my mom’s copy is so tattered and well-loved.
Lastly, Frango Mint Candy was a rare treat. Back in the 70s and 80s, long before the internet, only Meier & Frank, a prominent West Coast-based department store carried this chocolate.
I plan to take these holiday traditions and create gift baskets for my friends and neighbors. And, tie with a big bow and a Hampton Paper Gift Tag!
I hope you like this idea, and perhaps it has inspired you to share some of your holiday traditions with your friends.
P.S. Bravo to Macy’s! Great prices, fast shipping, and overall great experience.
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