Christmas Traditions

I usually set up the tree, lights and Christmas decor during early November because it's my favorite time of the year but by the time Santa Claus comes, I'm ready to start packing and organizing my apartment to regular mode.

Yesterday, I asked throughout my social media if you removed holiday decorations after Christmas or after the new year and most of you (if not all) said after Three Kings Day (Three Wise Man Day) on January 6th. It was good being reminded of this Spanish and Latin American tradition but even me being latina, and having grown up in DR, I must say that I am confused and that maybe we should stick to one tradition and give all gifts on Three Kings Day and not on Christmas Day or vice versa.

I'd love to hear more about the traditions you follow at home during the holidays. Please share them in a comment.

I'll try to figure this out before we are ready to start growing the family and passing on traditions but for now, I'll stick to starting the new year with everything back to normal and begin tidying up the home and 2014 goals list.

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Christmas Entertaining & in the Kitchen

Platter :: Cookie Stamp :: Pie Crust Cutters :: Table Runner :: Serving Bowl :: 3 Tier Dessert Tray :: Bar Accessories

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. The pine trees, the lights, sipping a delicious cup of gabiao (hot chocolate with ginger), family gatherings and gifts are all part of the joy. This week it's been all about the the Christmas holiday on the blog so don't forget to check out all my Christmas related posts HERE.

Me enjoying a cup of gabiao in the Dominican (made by my mom) <3

I can't seem to find a recipe of gabiao online so maybe it's a name my family made up. (Hah!)
I'd be happy to put up my mom's recipe if you are interested let me know in a comment. Cheers!

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Pretty Modern (& One Retro) Wrapping Paper

Birds :: Ornaments :: Bike :: Octopus 

I agree that the gift is the final most important part when opening a gift but the wrapper is also very (VERY) important; otherwise, these pretty gift wraps wouldn't exist. 

Fuchsia Ornament :: Boxed Tree :: Purple Snow :: Retro Santa

I picked these 8 beautifully designed papers from +Paper Source & +PAPYRUS and hope they inspire you to wrap nice gifts this holiday season. My favorite for a boy gift is the Octopus with teal and red. For a girl I would pick the Fuchsia Ornament. Let me know your favorite pattern in a comment. Cheers!

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Holiday Gift Picks Under $50! :: MyFriendBettySays.com

Hi there! I am over at MyFriendBettySays.com with a special collaboration on Holiday Gift Picks Under $50. Here's a sneak peak but for the full post click HERE. Cheers! 

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Pretty Holiday Sweaters

 1 $19.95 :: 2 $264 :: 3 $88.50 :: 4 $24.80 :: 5 $68.97 :: 6 $68.97

I used to hate holiday themed sweaters because they seemed old fashioned but for the past few years I can say they are really getting my attention...in a good way. These 6 sweaters are nice enough that I would actually wear. My favorite one is number 2 by Alice and Olivia but $264 is way above my budget for a holiday sweater so I'll just stay with number 2 by Forever 21 for $24.80 and it also comes in grey and white.

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Christmas Wreaths

1 ($15) :: 2 ($24.95) :: 3 ($29.99) :: 4 ($99.99) :: 5 ($32.98) :: 6 ($65)

With vacation and other things going on I hadn't had a chance to get a Christmas wreath. Here are some beautiful ones I found online. I've also been eyeing a natural pine wreath from +Trader Joe's and was planning on decorating it myself but I'm still undecided. Which would you pick adorn your door?

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Red & Brown Christmas Tree

During a quick visit to +IKEA last Sunday, I purchased most of my Christmas tree decorations. I wanted something pretty but didn't want to spend too much cash. My Christmas tree is probably 5 years old (if not more.) It came with the multi color lights installed so it's really simple to assemble every year. Just need to open up the branches and it's basically ready. I love the Christmas lights so could have easily left it as is (just the lights) but it needed some decor for when it's turned off.



Here's what I bought at +IKEA: a pack of 50 mixed (glossy, matte, and glitter) red balls for only $10 and to add some highlights 4 of their check pattern balls priced at 2 balls for $10. A bit pricey but worth the splurge given that I got such a great deal on the 50 variety pack.







Also, I added pine tree cones from previous years and used a cinnamon broom (makes the apartment smell delicious) as the tree topper. The cinnamon broom is from +Trader Joe's.

Are you planning on setting up a Christmas tree this year? Tell me all about it in the comments.

Love & Cheers! Cristalia

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