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17 days until Christmas!! How did we get here? I think I’ve said this for the past few weeks, but I’m really not ready for this month to be over. The fact that there are only 15 days until Christmas just makes me sad. Of course, I’m still the happiest girl at the same time. I’m loving all the festive decor and doing my very best to live in the moment and take everything day by day. Being the true Virgo that I am, I can ask for and want A LOT, but I get very overwhelmed at the same time. It’s a whole thing.
Something I LOVE that I’ve been doing at night is listening to Christmas music while editing photos with Hallmark movies on in the background. I’ve also been traveling with our holiday candles. I have Winter Wander and Gingerbread Smash here with me now. I’ve even been making a nightly “girl’s phone date” with my little sister, Asher, to catch up and talk about all things Christmas. It’s helped me not to miss home quite as much! It makes nights in a hotel room feel special, too.
Last week, I was in Texas, this week, I spent some time in New York, and on Monday, I’m heading to Nashville! It’s been back-to-back, but everything has been so amazing. Meeting you all really is my favorite. Hearing all your stories, learning your favorite recipes, and snapping photos together is always so special!
I’ll be wrapping things up before Christmas in Chicago. I’ll then be home for a bit with my family, which I’m so excited about! I love our snowy mountain town this time of year.
I’m sharing so many merry-holiday things below. This time of year is SO FUN, and I always have the most to share. I hope you’re all having a magical snowy weekend (if you’re like me and love snow this time of year). Either way, enjoy this special season!
1. Things I’m Loving, wanting, and Excited to Try.
hosting…Half-Baked Harvest at Home: How Tieghan Gerard Hosts a Dinner Party.
everything in my cart (low)…basically all things Zara. This Knit Mini Skirt with the matching Fitted Waist Plain Knit Cardigan is too cute. This is a great Wool Blend Coat and a very pretty Peplum Blazer, especially great for the holiday season. I adore this cute Strapless Peplum Top, too! These Kitten Heel Buckled Leather Boots are on my wish list. Lastly, their contrasting faux fur top and/or the long faux fur coat are very cute!
stocking stuffer ideas…
stocking stuffers lux…
shopping gifts for Mom…definitely this cozy reversible ribbed brushed-cashmere beanie, I think I’d stuff this in her stocking! To go with the beanie, she’d love this classic J.Crew brushed cashmere fitted cardigan sweater (in heather grey). This quilt/fleece combo jacket would be cute on her too. Lastly, moms always needs a new pair of slippers. Asher and I love these tazz villa knit slippers. They’re so cozy!
something fun…Books, Hot Sauce, and Tangled Headphones: Inside Dua Lipa’s “Chaotic” Birkin Bag. I love the Vogue “What’s In My Bag” series. They’re always fun to watch!
everything in my cart (beauty)…adding this Glass Skin Ginseng Collagen Mask to my stocking stuffers list.
These are some of my favorite body butters and creams for dry winter skin. You can never go wrong with the Mutha Body Butter. I’ve emptied this and the Tata Harper Body Balm more times than I can count. I think they’re my favorites. Oh, and the Josie Maran Whipped Firming Body Butter Jar. I also love the Augustinus Bader The Body Cream. None of these are cheap, but they really do help with dry winter skin.
Something more affordable that I LOVE – the La Roche-Posay Face and Body Lotion For Eczema and Sensitive Dry Skin Moisturizer.
reading…”A Winter Wish”: A Novel by Emily Stone. My mom always reads a Christmas book in December, so I’m going to give it a shot.
Around the Table…with Shea McGee and the Studio McGee family. Remember when I traveled to Utah? While our holiday dinner is finally live. Shea and I prepared a Holiday Cheese Board for guests and my simple Cider-Braised Beef Brisket from the Quick & Cozy cookbook.
everything in my cart (high)…this Cashmere Long Sleeve Crew from Enza Costa is a winter staple. So cozy and warm to layer under sweaters and jackets.
listening to…A holiday playlist for your dinner parties.
Holiday parties are not complete without the perfect holiday playlist. Here is my favorite playlist for a fun and festive night! I love the classics most and I’ll always find comfort in a Frank Sinatra Christmas song.
2. Our Favorite Cozy Winter Soups.
Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup
Wild Rice and Orzo Chicken Soup
Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
3. Everything Festive Holiday.
Crate and Barrel Entertaining/Decor
Crate and Barrel Gifting
4. New York in Photos.
5. Mom and Tieghan’s List of Holiday Movies.
My mom put this list together, and now all I want to do is spend a cozy snow day by the fire watching them all! I’m wishing for a snow-filled Colorado Christmas with my family more than anything this year!
What are your favorite holiday movies?
Everything New:
Our Little Secret – Netflix (2024) After discovering their significant others are siblings, two resentful exes must spend Christmas under one roof while hiding their romantic history.
A Reason for the Season – Hallmark (2024) In order to earn her trust fund and with the help of a handsome local attorney, Evie is tasked with granting Christmas wishes to the people who saved her life on the night of her birth.
Meet Me Next Christmas – Netflix (2024) In pursuit of a fairytale romance, Layla (Christina Milian) must race through New York City with the help of a handsome and friendly ticket concierge (Devale Ellis) to get her hands on the hottest ticket in town: the sold out Pentatonix Christmas Eve Concert.
My Sweet Austrian Holiday – Hallmark (2024) Charlotte inherits a chocolate shop from her grandparents but soon finds herself in a battle with a large developer who wants to buy the building to turn it into an exclusive shopping boutique.
The Merry Gentlemen – Netflix (2024) To save her parents’ small-town performing venue, a former big-city dancer decides to stage an all-male, Christmas-themed revue.
A Christmas Less Traveled – Hallmark (2024) An old audio cassette of her dad’s voice sends a woman on a journey to retrace her family’s most memorable moments. Along the way, she meets a man who offers her a generous payment in exchange for a ride to close the most important deal of his life.
Hot Frosty – Netflix (2024) When a young widow’s magic scarf brings a dashing snowman to life, can he help her rediscover romance, laughter, and holiday cheer before he melts away?
All I Need For Christmas – Hallmark (2024) Looking for inspiration, singer-songwriter Maggie travels home and finds a spark with app developer Archer, who’s trying to repair his relationship with his sister.
Home Sweet Christmas – Hallmark (2024) Sparks fly between a successful attorney and her childhood friend after they both inherit her late great-uncle’s sprawling patch of sugar maple forest.
Home Sweet Christmas – (2024) Sparks fly between a successful attorney and her childhood friend after they both inherit her late great-uncle’s sprawling patch of sugar maple forest.
New-ish
A Paris Christmas Waltz – Hallmark (2023)Emma encounters a professional dancer Leo, whose enthusiasm for competitive dancing is diminishing. However, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity presents itself for the novice to join the pro.
The Christmas Doctor – Hallmark (2020)A doctor encounters a man from her past who brings with him a revelation that could change her life forever.
Just In Time For Christmas – Hallmark (2015) marrying her longtime beau or accepting a once-in-a-lifetime job. To help her make a decision, a magical messenger lets her see both possible futures so she’ll be able to make the right decision.
Kids
That Christmas – Netflix (2024) It’s an unforgettable Christmas for the townsfolk of Wellington-on-Sea when the worst snowstorm in history alters everyone’s plans, including Santa’s.
An Almost Christmas Story – Disney+ (2024) An Almost Christmas Story” follows Moon, a curious young owl who unexpectedly finds himself stuck in a Christmas tree destined for Rockefeller Plaza. In his attempts to escape the bustling city, Moon befriends a lost little girl named Luna. Together, they embark on a heartwarming adventure, discovering the magic of the holiday season and forming an unlikely bond as they journey back home to their parents.
The Classics
The Grinch – Oslo’s favorite
The Santa Clause Series – a personal favorite
Elf
Home Alone 1 & 2
Christmas Vacation – we love this one, who doesn’t?
The Polar Express – make the Polar Express Hot Chocolate!
Eloise at Christmastime – another personal favorite
It Happened One Christmas – Mom’s favorite
A Christmas Carol – not really for me, but of course, a classic
Christmas of Many Colors – another Mom favorite
Miracle on 34th Street – I watch this every Thanksgiving
It’s a Wonderful Life – everyone’s favorite
Other’s We Love
The Holiday
Christmas with the Kranks
Noelle
While You Were Sleeping
Jingle All the Way
Klaus
The Family Stone
Love Actually
The Princess Switch
Holidate – my dad actually likes this one
Last Christmas
A Christmas Prince
6. Spreading Christmas Cheer – a giveaway.
(source)
I am the girl in the airport walking by everyone and saying “Happy Holidays” and “Merry Christmas.” No matter how tired or cranky I am, these words always bring me a sense of happiness and calm. I’ve said it 20 times over already, but this is the best season!
Don’t forget the magic of the season. It’s not about the gifts but the joy and happiness we can share with others. Sometimes, it’s the simplest gestures, not a fancy gift, that people remember the most.
90 Holiday Quotes to Spread Some Serious Cheer All Season Long
the giveaway
The holidays are here, and we’re spreading a little extra cheer with a giveaway! I am so excited to share this with you all! The new Half Baked Harvest Quick and Cozy Cookbook makes the perfect holiday gift, and to celebrate the wonderful season, I’m giving you a chance to win a few of my very favorite things that any home cook will LOVE!
You can enter to win all items shown below here. For an extra entry, make sure to pick up a copy of the cookbook! Happiest holidays everyone! Thank you for your continued love and support!
7. Favorite Links I’m Loving.
Your Winter Reading List: 20 Books for Your Cozy Night In
The Best Ski Resorts in Canada
10 DIY Holiday Decorations You Can Make at Home for Cheap
Vogue’s Guide to the Very Best Christmas Nail Designs
Here’s Everything Coming to Netflix in December 2024
The Most Successful People Make “Pre-Resolutions” in December
These Are the Christmas Party Games Every Guest Will Love
8. December Fashion/Sales and Gifting.
Après-Ski
Long Winter Coats
Coats under $300
Reformation Winter
9. This week’s Dinners + Weekend Eats.
Monday: Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Tuesday: Pot Roast Sunday Sauce With Rigatoni
Wednesday: 30 Minute Spicy Indian Butter Chicken
Thursday: Garlic Butter Chicken Marsala Meatballs
Friday: Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Parmesan Wine Cream Sauce
Saturday: The Christmas White Russian
I saw your insta story with Meredith from Wishbone Kitchen. What is this strange accent you’ve picked up? You didn’t used to sound like that.
Hi Casey,
So sorry, I’m not sure what accent you are hearing, I don’t think I was talking any differently:) Happy Holidays! xx
You are speaking differently these days. The influencer accent – it’s not endearing. Your normal accent, the way you used to sound was much better.
All I want for Christmas is that comment pre-approval feature.
Wow, some people really feel entitled enough to tell people how to run their own blogs. Remember the golden rule: if you don’t have something nice to say, maybe don’t say anything at all?
The Golden Rule is, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Hm, not according to this blog, it’s not.
Melinda, whom are you referring to?
Already ordered your newest cookbook and love it! Thank you for spreading holiday cheer!!!
Thank you so much, Ashley!! I hope you love the new cookbook:) Happy Holidays! xT
So disappointing you didn’t share any Thanksgiving food or decoration pics. Leading up to Thanksgiving you kept talking about recipes you were planning to make. If your plan all along was to go unconventional with a lasagna why not just say so?
Hey Bailey! I had already made and shared 2 thanksgiving dinners with my family, so we all decided lasagna sounded better for the night!
Thank you and hope you are enjoying the holiday season! Xx
You’re a food blogger. It’s strange that you don’t share pictures of your holiday meals and decorations. It only takes a second to snap a photo and it isn’t necessary to post in real time, so you could still be present.
Can you share a link for the embellished blazer with the shoulder pads. It looks like the perfect gift for my mother in law! Thanks in advance!
Yes please share a link I thought it would make a perfect gift for my mother as well!!
https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-ca/shop/product/balmain/clothing/casual-jackets/embellished-cotton-velvet-jacket/1647597342667521
I really like the embellished blazer in one of your NYC photos. Looks both festive and sophisticated! Could you please share where it’s from?
Happy Happy holidays!!
Christmas in Chicago should be lovely, but no more Euro trip to Vienna?! I’m sure that’s a bummer for the entire Gerard family! I hope you can all get there soon, Vienna is magical this time of year! Do you have family in Chicago? How did you all decided to spend the holiday there?
Hi Caroline,
Sorry, you must have misunderstood what I wrote, but we are not spending Christmas in Chicago, I meant I will be wrapping things up in Chicago before Christmas:) We still plan to go to Europe! Have the best Sunday and happy holidays!! xT
I actually didn’t misunderstand. You wrote “ I’ll be wrapping things up before Christmas in Chicago” lol! I think my reading comprehension is pretty spot on! Maybe team HBH could benefit from an editor in 2025. Happy Holidays!
Thanks for the suggestion to travel with candles, I live the idea of making a hotel room cozier! Do you get any sort of special permission from the hotels to burn your candles? I’m traveling for the holiday and called the hotel I’m staying at (a Marriott property) and they assured me that this was prohibited at all of their properties as it’s a fire hazard. Which makes sense! Do you get permission to film business content, like promoting your candles in hotels? Or just ignore safety recommendations lol
I was staying at a Hyatt in DC years ago when the smoke alarms went off at 2 am – the entire hotel had to evacuate and the next day the desk staff told me someone had lit a candle in their room. Please don’t light candles in your hotels!
Speaking of candles, the promo ads you and Snif did for Winter Wander was a complete copy of a Caia Cosmetics campaign they created just last fall. The concepts were identical–antique train ride, interior train shots, hanging out a window with the exact same “hatbox” packaging. You didn’t respond to any of the comments last week about how that happened, but seems Snif removed your candle ads from their website. Very disappointing that so much money was spent by HBH and Snif copying another company’s creative campaign.
And please don’t burn candles in your hotel room for the safety of all guests. Plus, the next hotel guest may not appreciate the scent you leave behind in your room. Thanks for being considerate of others. Happy Holiday!!
Hey Lara! I wasn’t aware of this! Thanks for the info! I will have to check with hotels! Happy holidays! Xx
You’re now aware and still travelling with them and lighting them in hotel rooms as you showed with your “boddy butter” post today (the empty jar literally says BODY butter ffs)
Hi Tieghan,
The NYC photos during the Holidays are SO inspiring! As is your wardrobe- you may have talked about this before but at some point, I would love to hear how you decide on your special events wardrobe. It is always stunning!
Hey Susan!! Thank you so much!! I love holiday styling. It’s so fun!! I work with a stylist who helps me put pieces together and make them super special! She’s a good friend! I’m always looking at new arrivals and gathering inspiration for each season! It’s sooo much fun!
Happy holidays!!!
Not long ago you said you’d be sharing holiday decor for the other holidays of the holiday season. When will that happen?
Hey Alexandra! Are you looking for holiday decor Links? I will source some of my favorites and share this Sunday!! I love holiday decor! Check out Zara home too. They have great holiday decor!
Thank you! Happy holidays!
I am so happy to see you living your best life! Keep up the great work and enjoy the moments. Your blog is always so inspiring!!
Awww, thank you, Nicole! I appreciate you following along! Happy Holidays! xT
15 days until Christmas? It’s December 8th, that math is not mathing
Pretty photos! Love your Sunday posts. Merry merry and peace on Earth.
Thanks so Ellen! Happy Holidays! xT
Hey Kacee,
Oppps! Thanks for pointing this out:) Will fix the number. Happy Holidays! xx
LUV the gray knit skirt set you’re wearing! Deets, please?
You shared the article again today about how you host a party. Along with a lot of your followers, I would love to see how you host a party or holiday in your own home, not what you do for a group of fellow influencers at someone else’s home. Are these ideas of yours ever actually used by YOU when hosting a party? I am just so confused by the content in this article.
Thanks so much, Chris!! You can find the links for that outfit here:
https://shopmy.us/collections/1084546
Please let me know if you have any other questions! xx
The ads on this each week keep getting more and more! I tried to exit out and then it just keeps taking me to stupid Geico insurance! Ughhh. So frustrating because I look forward to this each week!
Hi Stephanie,
Thanks so much for sharing your feedback regarding the ads, I am so sorry for any frustrations. We will take this into consideration for future posts! Wishing you all the best! xx
Same! I’ve wasted so much time trying to read this with the same popup from Amazon taking over the screen periodically.
Please share those black booties in the side pic selfie! Perfect heel and toe!