I am feeling tree-mendously festive this month—I could go on and on with holiday puns! 😄 In all seriousness, it’s been a great start to December. I feel good about where I am with my Christmas shopping and decorating. This year has been extra fun because both of my kids are old enough to help me, creating memories that I’ll cherish forever. Birdie is spreading the cheer with lots of fantastic holiday-focused content this month—covering everything from beauty and wellness to recipes and shopping. Take a look around!

• Holiday Stress: Strategies for enjoying the season more.

• Beauty Trends: Elevate your holiday looks with these bold makeup trends.

• College Exams: Tips for parents to help their students excel during this stressful time.

Our 1st Birdie Holiday Giveaway

WELLNESS

I’ve got 99 problems but holiday cheer ain’t one of them.

I love the holidays, but as a mom, they can also be exhausting. I am responsible for 99 percent of the magic behind our Christmas—from all the shopping, gift wrapping, decorating, and Christmas cards to preparing and cooking all the meals. It’s tough because I'm tired, but I don’t want anyone else to do it; I love it.

This season, I told my husband that I am going to enjoy each moment and not just view it as a checked box, moving on to the next party or event.

How can you enjoy the holidays more?

📱 Digital Detox. In a world dominated by technology that infiltrates every aspect of our lives, it's crucial to unplug during the holidays. By switching off notifications and signing out of devices, you can alleviate stress, foster genuine presence, and prevent the constant comparison spurred by social media.

🤸‍♂️ Be Flexible. I have a confession: I am not flexible, especially during the holidays. I'm not proud of it and am trying to work on it because, let me tell you, it would make this time of year way less stressful. Family dynamics change, traditions evolve, and being open to last-minute changes during the holidays can lead to unexpectedly cherished moments and the magic of the season in the simplest forms of life.

🙅 Say No. Limit your commitments when planning your December. While the parties are fun, I cherish nothing more than the nights I get to sit on the couch and watch a Christmas movie with my little family. I know that one day they will want to be off with their friends during Christmas break instead.

🌴Vacation. An easy way to alleviate holiday stress is to go on vacation! Ditch the tinsel, gift wrapping, hosting, and cooking; put those funds towards creating a new Christmas memory for your family.

BEAUTY

"Makeup can help you capture a moment." - Carine Roitfeld

'Tis the season for holiday soirées! Discover the freshest winter beauty trends that flawlessly complement your festive ensembles.

A Dark Lip: Also known as Vampy lips. Look for purple hues like burgundy or deep violet. Pro Tip: Use a lip brush and blot your mouth after application to prevent it from getting on your teeth.

💄Suggested products: Buxom Power Line Plumping Lip Liner in Creamy Chocolate ($21); Buxom Full-On Satin Lipstick in Magenta Maven ($25)

Metallics: Ring in the new year early with gold and silver metallic eyeshadow. Take it to the next level with frosted lipsticks and glitter.

🎨Suggested Products: Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix in 24K ($20); Pat McGrath Labs LUST Lipgloss in Nude Venus ($29)

Heavy Blush: A “sunburn” look is dominating the beauty industry this season. You no longer need to reserve blush just for cheeks; dab it on your nose and forehead as well.

😊 Suggested Products: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Grateful ($23); Dior Rosy Glow Blush in 001 Pink ($40)

Eyeliner: Statement and monochromatic eyeliner add drama to your holiday look. A pigmented eyeliner brings a pop of color you might want for your night out.

👀 Suggested Products: e.l.f. No Budge Cream in Oasis ($5); Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Intense Black ($24)

AND ALSO THIS. . .

Phone calls from mom are prohibited until further notice.

Moms of college students, are you excited to have your kid home for almost a month?! While you're home preparing for their arrival, they're probably stressing over the only thing standing in their way of a break: final exams.

How can you help? 

• Awareness: Recognize that as much as you miss them and are excited to see them, this is not the ideal time for lengthy conversations. Understand that they are most likely stressed and tired.

• Listen: If your child wants to vent or chat with you about what they have going on, you're all ears. There’s a chance they might not want to talk about every exam or paper they have to complete. Respect their feelings and don’t take it personally; they just want to get it done.

• Expectations: If you have a college freshman facing their first big exam, put it into perspective for them and encourage realistic expectations.

🧺And if nothing else works, send a college care package! There’s nothing a box full of treats and encouraging notes from Mom and Dad can’t cure 🤗

If DIY isn’t your thing, check out these pre-made college care packages.

🍓College Box - Healthy Snack Care Package; ($32)

🍫Gourmet Gift Baskets - College Care Package Idea; ($39.99)

TRENDING

SNIPPETS

Arin Solange offers what I consider some of the best quality and thorough gift guides for kids of all ages and adults. As I was writing this, I added quite a few gifts to my Amazon cart. 😅 Below are links to a few toddler and preschooler guides, but visit her blog for even more options!

🎁Gift Guide for Two-Year-Old Boy
🎁Gift Guide for Two-Year-Old Girl
🎁 Outdoor Gifts for Kids
🎁 Stocking Stuffers for Kids

SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU SMILE

🍾It's because I'm green, isn't it? These Grinch mimosas on Christmas morning are sure to put a smile on your face.

🍩 Donut even tempt me. With this super cute donut wreath! It is the perfect addition to your Christmas brunch.

🌿🍓Thyme to impress. Elevate your prosecco with frozen fresh strawberries in the shape of a rose topped with a spring of thyme.

🍬Slime time. Your kids will love making this (super simple) Peppermint Christmas Slime.

🤣 A new kind of skinny dipping. Discover some hilarious poolside antics as these wives pull off epic pranks on their unsuspecting husbands.

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