Really, isn’t it?! I love the festivity of Christmastime, and I’ve definitely been feeling the holiday spirit this month. It’s hard to believe that we’re just about a week away from Christmas now – time sure is flying by!

Chinatown holiday market

An annual tradition with my friends Kathryn and Allison – we love to enjoy happy hour before bundling up in the cold and popping from holiday shop to holiday shop in the streets of Chinatown!

baby time!

I was able to go visit my dear friend Megan & her three week old baby girl again… what a wonderful evening! There is nothing sweeter than holding a sleeping, snuggly little baby.

Christmas work party

There were so many Christmas parties this weekend! My wonderful roommate Lindsey invited me to join her at her office’s awesome holiday party this year. It was a soiree at Bandalero’s in Georgetown, complete with a mariachi band and an open bar – delicious food, great drinks, and wonderful company!

Christmas shop extravaganza at church

This was my third year volunteering at my church’s Christmas shop, where needy families in the area can come to the church to go Christmas ‘shopping’! Each child in the families gets to pick out a gift or two for each member of his or her family, and then the gifts are beautifully wrapped onsite, too. Then, each child had a large bag filled with hand-selected, new Christmas presents to put under the Christmas tree to open! I absolutely love this event and the joy you see in each child. This year, over 3,000 gifts were given to families in need!

Chateau Christmas party

Some of my closest friends threw a fete at their home – such fun! I love dressing up & getting together with new and old friends to celebrate!

What have you been up to lately? What are your favorite ways to celebrate Christmas or get in the holiday spirit?

For me, it’s really about spending time with the people you love & doing things you love. I adore Christmas traditions, and it’s been fun finding my own new traditions to hold onto, year after year – especially when I’m hundreds of miles away from my family. When you have friends who are like family, it’s so wonderful. I’m glad that I have friends who enjoy joining in on the ‘traditions’ and endless activities that this season brings.