Hey friends, grab your favorite mug—whether it's steaming with a pumpkin spice latte or just a cozy herbal tea—and pull up a chair. Can you believe it's mid-November already? One minute we're toasting the new year with champagne, and the next, we're untangling Christmas lights while the kids beg for hot cocoa. This year has flown by faster than Santa's sleigh on a tailwind, hasn't it? Between school runs, work deadlines, and that endless to-do list, it's so easy to blink and miss the magic. But here's our gentle reminder (and maybe a little nudge to ourselves): the holidays are the time to hit pause, breathe in the pine-scented air, and stay right here in the moment. What if we traded the hustle for heart-full traditions that remind us why this season feels like a warm hug?At Maggie and Sally Collective, we're all about those simple joys that connect us—over lattes, laughter, and a whole lot of love. So, spill: Is there a new or old tradition you and your families do that makes the holidays feel extra special? We'd love to hear in the comments below. It could be baking grandma's cookie recipe at midnight, a neighborhood carol sing-along, or even wrapping up "mystery acts of kindness" for each other. Sharing these keeps the spirit alive, right?For us, one tradition that's become non-negotiable is our Secret Santa pick on Thanksgiving. Picture this: the turkey's carved, the table's cleared (mostly), and we gather 'round with a big bowl of folded names. Last year, the kids' giggles echoed through the house as they drew their "victims"—er, lucky recipients—and plotted their quirky gifts (think homemade coupons for extra bedtime stories or glittery sock puppets). It turned a post-dinner lull into pure excitement, and honestly, it sparked that "giving" vibe weeks early. We can't wait to see who everyone draws this year. Who's got the wildest Secret Santa story? Drop it below!But this holiday, we're shaking things up to make the season feel even more enchanted. With the kids' eyes wide like saucers at every twinkly light, we've decided to handmake our decorations together—no fancy store-bought stuff, just messy fun and memories that'll outlast any tinsel. So far, our brainstorm sesh has us buzzing about:
With all our love,
Maggie & Sally Collective
- Coffee filter snowflakes: Dip 'em in watercolors for a stained-glass glow, then hang from the windows.
- Paper chains: Classic and colorful—link 'em up while chatting about holiday wishes.
- Dried orange ornaments: Slice, bake, and string for that citrusy, farmhouse charm.
- Gingerbread men ornaments: Bake mini versions, add ribbon loops, and let the kids decorate with icing "faces."
- Hand-strung popcorn (maybe?): We're eyeing this nostalgic garland, but our pups have zero chill around snacks. Fingers crossed we can hide it high!
- Pine Cone Reindeer: Glue googly eyes, pipe cleaner antlers, and a red pom-pom nose onto gathered pine cones. Instant Rudolph squad for the mantel—perfect for our forest-loving crew!
- Painted Acorn Ornaments: Collect acorns on a fall hike, give 'em a swirl of acrylic paint (or markers for the littles), and top with a ribbon loop. Shatterproof, sentimental, and oh-so-rustic.
- Twig Stars: Bundle five flexible twigs (or cinnamon sticks if you're indoors) with twine into a star shape, then tuck in bits of evergreen or ribbon. Hang as a mobile or tree topper—nature's own fairy lights.
- Mini Pine Cone Trees: Hot-glue a pine cone to a scrap of wood or cardboard base, add a foil star on top, and dot "lights" with colorful pom-poms or beads. A whole forest in an afternoon!
- Cardboard Wreaths: Cut a ring from an old box, wrap with yarn or rubber bands, and glue on leaves, berries, or fabric scraps. Door hanger goals without the trip to the craft store.
With all our love,Maggie & Sally Collective
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