On this post, embracing a simpler holiday time, Christmas decor ideas, the new COS at Valley Fair and more…
How has your week been? We had a busy week as Griffin took off for four weeks in Europe. I was helping him get a few last minute things and his Christmas stocking as he’ll be away. It’s the first time he’ll not be home for the holidays and I am sort of sad. He loves Christmas. Being a December baby, he always had a cookie decorating party for his birthday when he was small. Still this chance came at a time when he is not yet working full time and is done with school, so why not? He got an opportunity to go to London, the Cotswolds, Zurich, Zermatt, Berlin and Copenhagen with pals. He is just taking one large knapsack and they are couch surfing with friends. He got a Delta pass from another friend and flew there stand by. I will be living vicariously through him!
He shared this pic when he landed Friday night. He was walking around London after taking the Tube into town and waiting on friends.
Holiday Expectations
This year with one kid gone, and keeping the house simpler, there is less on me. We agreed to give two gifts per person and a stocking. That lightens the load. I am hosting three longtime gal pals one night and we agreed no gifts this year. I plan to bake my favorite cookies ( Ethel’s Sugar Cookies) and make some biscotti for the neighbors if I can. We are skipping Max’s big work party in the city and staying closer to home. I am looking forward to more days grabbing a coffee, wandering into small shops, seeing the lights, and cozy nights in with the kittens.
I hope you’ve had a chance to take a breath if you are on that holiday hamster wheel. I was touched by all the comments on last week’s post on the topic of women largely still being the magic makers (aka the workhorses) of the holidays. One Instagram follower said she is drowning and that gave me twinge in the stomach. I have been there. My heart goes out to anyone trying to make it all happen. If you missed that post, you’ll find some great comments on what readers have let go, and how they have made their own traditions. We don’t need to do it all, in fact less can be more in this season of excess. I find it refreshing so many are opting out of buying and instead choosing just being together. Let’s hope this is a trend towards a more meaningful, less consumer oriented holidays.
On that same topic of women and holiday expectations, ‘Oh What Fun’ looks like a good one to stream during this season. Looks like a bit of humor and holiday which we can all use. Thank you Karen for sharing this! I love Michelle Pfeiffer.
Another one to add to your holiday watch list… Sabrina with Harrison Ford and Julia Ormond. So good with 1995 fashions and good movie making. You can watch the whole thing here on Youtube.
Vasona’s Fantasy of Lights
Last Sunday Christmas loving Kristin ( Jackson’s fiancé) bought us all tickets to the fun Vasona County Park Fantasy of Lights walk through night. This park -located in our town of Los Gatos, has created a winter wonderland with lights and a drone show. The walk through was fun as this is normally a mile and a half drive through. The walk night had food trucks and games, photo booths and other activities. We bundled up (I wore long underwear) as it was chilly and walked 14,000 steps! In the dinosaur land, we stopped at the food trucks and got some sort of yummy potato croquettes. You can still get tickets for the drive through. My kids loved the drive through as little ones in their pjs listening to Christmas music. The walk-through is something they do two nights only. I’m so glad we got to do it!
Holiday Decor Ideas
Someone asked if I could share some of my holiday decor ideas and I feel like this year I don’t have a lot, but I’ll share a few of the things I did to change up the house. A lot of it involves putting things away before I add more! I like a little cozy and festive, but not too much clutter. Natural mixed with sparkle is my jam.
Thanks to new kittens, and Grif moving home with all his possessions, the house has been in a bit of an upheaval. I tried to edit the holiday this year as everything is a bit chaotic. Since the kittens can’t leave the tree alone, I opted to use just my smaller pink one. I used less bulbs and did a lot of the soft ones near the bottom as they are subject to cat claws! What they like most is to hide under the tree skirt with their mice. Max had to tie the tree to the wall with some wire to stabilize it as they do try and climb it!
I always do a grouping of all my mercury glass candles in one space and use flickering battery votives for a cozy feel in the evenings. I use small advent rings as my tiny wreaths on the French doors. I use command strips to hold them on. Since I am using the pink tree as my main one, I moved it to the front window.
One thing I did that sort of pulled everything together was use my velvet and plaid pillows. For the front door, I found this large fresh wreath at OSH (Outdoor Supply Hardware) for just $24. I left the stars I had hanging on a command hook and just plopped the wreath over it.
With my votives I have a wreath that hangs above, and so far haven’t gotten it up! I may just leave there. I have hung a few extra stockings in the mudroom and a jacket with a festive brooch.
I hate not having a mantel! Next year I am going to see if Max can manage to help me add a chunky rough wood one and a flat frame tv instead of the sports bar size monster we have. I use a mix of stockings. Most are neutral. I have added a special needlepoint one (from Kristin), and a red one this year.
Another idea I like is a rustic wood bowl with shiny bulbs or citrus from the yard in a vintage silver bowl. It is cute if you tuck in a tree clipping or any pine greenery. I adore a mix of natural and glam! Seems California appropriate too. These are past years..
On my Instagram I shared about my grandmother’s silver candy dish. I love it and her jewelry Christmas tree! They make me think of Christmas at her home when I see them. T
he funny story of my grandmother’s stolen candy dish you have to listen to. It was engraved from dear friends and in the 70’s it was stolen in a break in. Ten years later it showed up at her own small church at a bazaar! No one knew how it had gotten there or who donated it. I’m so lucky to have it!
A few home pieces like mine and others that caught my eye….
You can shop all my holiday things, and other home and fashion things on my ShopMy Store.
COS
I discovered last week that COS has opened at Valley Fair! I was so excited. I often shop at COS in the UK and bought some lovely sweaters. They have great basics that are nicely made. I tried on two coats…This sherpa Teddy coat in brown (and cream on sale now) and this swing shaped jacket with a built in scarf. I loved both, but I was shopping for Grif and I needed more time. I would love to get one of their coats. They have men’s too and Griffin bought a nice thermal long sleeve for his trip.
Democracy
I’m just starting Joyce Vance’s Giving Up is Unforgiveable. Have you heard of her? She’s a great writer and she has a Substack called Civil Discourse. She was one of the first US Attorneys’ appointed by Obama and is also a commentator and professor. Her book is history, inspiration and strategies for saving this democracy. A good one to pick up and read on the break, or in the new year.
Another good follow is Aaron Parnass who just was named in 30 under 30 in media from Forbes. Aaron has a Substack where he posts about three times a day. Aaron’s Instagram is updated all day and he has a fair and fast take on political news and what we need to know. I appreciate his dedication. He used to be a lawyer and quit to do journalism full time this year. I subscribed monthly for $6 to his Substack, as I read all he puts out.
During this time of year, we want peace, goodwill on earth – and this year more than ever. Stay loud and engaged. We need all of us in 2026 to stand up for this democracy our parents and grandparents built. I will keep using my voice and platform too.
If you missed last week’s post, I shared tips on reducing holiday anxiety, easy gift ideas, local small shops, cheeky needlepoint pillows and more..
I am going to take a few weeks off the blog. I wish you good holidays (hopefully chill), and a Happy New Year. Thank you for being here, for reading, and for your comments and wisdom, and for listening and commiserating when I despair about the state of our America.
I feel like we have a group of friends here and I couldn’t be more grateful.
Let’s meet back here in 2026!
Love and hugs,
Kim
Please stop by Elizabeth’s blog for more good things…Juliet will be back in the new year.
PINECONES AND ACORNS
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Wishing you and your family a very happy Christmas and New Year. Thank you for your wonderful, informative posts. A beautiful daughter you have gained in Kristin, sweet of her to have purchased tickets for the light show. Boy do the kittens know they’ve been caught out, the look on their faces is priceless.
Thank you so much Rita! I feel so lucky to have Kristin in our lives.
I know the cats are stinkers…
I hope you had a good holiday! x
Good morning Kim!
How wonderful for Griffiin to be traveling for a month! Such a great experience and so many life lessons learned. I did that with friends for 8 weeks, 2 summers in a row and it was an experience I will never forget. My friends and I still laugh about some of the predicaments we found ourselves in.
Your house looks beautiful! Your post last week resonated with me and many others because life is a challenge at the best of times and then you add in the expectations and demands of Christmas and it can be overwhelming.
What I have learned it that more often than not it is me that has all of the expectations for a “perfect” Christmas. My family could care less, they will enjoy whatever we do, whatever the house looks like and the cookies I make. As I age I find myself cutting back and only doing what brings me joy.
I have my brooches on my coats and my jewelry tree out too! They are special pieces of the holidays.
Your kitties looks so sweet and michevious.
COS is one of my favorite places to shop for classic pieces. We do not have a store nearby so I rely on the web. You look beautiful in both coats.
I hope that you have a wonderful holiday Kim. It sounds like you are taking a step back and enjoying time for yourself along with family and friends. Just what life is all about and so important.
Merry Christmas my friend, wishing you a holiday filled with love, laughter, blessings and of course a few treats.
xo
Thanks for sharing your decorating tips! and the coats! Would you share the denim you are wearing in the photo with the blue coat? The coloring is very interesting. Your cats are adorable. I also have memories of tying the tree to the wall when our cat would not stay out of it haha.
Hi Susan! Those are old Mother jeans. I don’t see anything like them now unfortunately.
I know cats can be so crazy with a tree.
Hope you had a good holiday! x
Thanks so much Elizabeth. I love that you did this too when you were young.
You are so right abut expectations. We are often the problem!
I hope you had a good holiday too and got to relax.
Merry Christmas! xo
The photo of the kittens snuggling is so precious. I love seeing them. May I ask what the really warm looking coat you are wearing in the photo with your family is?
Hi Linda! So sorry for the late reply on this. I feel like your comment got lost for some reason!
Aw thanks about the kitties.
The coat is a long puffer jacket gotten years ago at Zara. This one by Quince is pretty similar …
https://go.shopmy.us/p-37281212
I hate being cold!
Hope that helps and you had a nice holiday. xo
Happy Holidays Kim! I’m glass you’re giving yourself a bit of a break this year. See you again in the New Year!
Hi Sally! Wishing you a wonderful year. I hope the holidays were good to you. xo
Happy Holidays, Kim, to you & your family! I’m so glad you’re continuing to use your platform to speak out against what’s happening to our country. Another good book recommendation: Democracy in Retrograde by Sami Sage & Emily Amick. My husband & I have participated in a book study the past few months, reading this book. Our group will pick another similar book for the new year (that Joyce Vance book could be a good option). Our hope is that as we read & meet, we’ll spend time with like minded people while also finding ways that we as individuals can work in our own community & state to strengthen democracy. This upcoming week, we’re gathering for a little holiday party & book exchange. It should be fun! There’s always so much happening over the holidays, but my own family has certain events we participate in while also finding lots of time to be at home, just enjoying candles, holiday music or shows, good books, & down time. The quiet evenings in are often my favorites.
Michelle, Thanks so much!
I did not know about that book and I love Sami and Emily. I will get it.
What a great idea to be in a book club together. I love that!
Yes agree about the quiet evenings. I hope you had a good holiday. xo
Just finished Joyce Vance’s book GIVING UP IS UNFORGIVABLE. I underlined so many important passages! I carry it with me in my purse and when the right conversations happen, I pull out the book and turn to the last page where lies my favorite quote, “It may not always be your turn to save democracy, but it’s always your turn to be present, to do whatever you can, and to support the people who do the work to keep the Republic.” (page 173)
Erica It’s worth highlighting so much of that book! I love that you carry it, and care! That line says everything. I wish all Americans could read it.
x
Erica what a great idea to carry it!
I love Joyce. Thanks for the inspiration too. x
Kim, Oh I love that pic of Big Ben! Lucky Grif to take some time to enjoy Britain. Glad you are taking some time to step back and relax and enjoy the neighborhood sites. Love the pink tree and your pretty outdoor lights. Your home is always warm and welcoming. Kristin is a doll and you are so lucky to have her as future daughter in law. I’ve subscribed to Parnass and enjoy reading Joyce Vance. Katie Phang is another one to watch. Thanks Kim for all you do to consistently share good content on your blog. Sending you hugs and peaceful holiday wishes to you, Max, and family, and warm snuggles to those cute kitties. Xo
Karen London looks so pretty at night!
Thank you about my house. Warm and welcoming is all I want.
We are is lucky to have Kristin in our lives!
Parnass bookstore? I should do that. I really enjoy Joyce Vance and will look for Katie Phang.
Sending hugs back and wishing you a happy holidays!
Good morning, Kim! I have been a reader for a long while now, but never posted. Today, I just wanted to tell you how grateful I am for your lovely posts and your blog. I have loved getting to know your beautiful family and friends, and really appreciate you taking me along on your adventures!
Sending warm wishes for a healthy, happy holiday season, to you and your family, and all your wonderful readers. Best to all, Debora
Hi Debora! Thanks so much for reading and for this note.
Aw gosh thanks for the kind words.It means a lot.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday too. xo
This will be my second Christmas without putting up a tree after losing the love of my life. I have put a lit wreath on my front door, candles in the windows and have a beautifully decorated country kitchen table. That’s it! Back in the day I used to send around 50 cards, now I’m down to 2! Our best friends who live out of town and I get together on face time every week, and they no longer send cards either. We used to entertain a great deal and had large parties every Christmas. Now I go to my daughter and her family’s home for all the holidays. We decided to keep things simple and it’s great. Tonight is a candle lit ceremony at their church. As I have two younger granddaughters we still do a great gift exchange but this year they asked for gift cards! I am giving them a couple cards, but I still buy them many presents. I can fully understand people feeling tense this time of year. Try to relax and think about all the good things in your life.
Thank you for this Lyn. I am thinking of you. The holidays can be so hard after losing your loved one. I’m glad you are going simple and able to be with your daughter and granddaughters.
I love the candlelight ceremonies too.
I am keeping of good things and what I am grateful for in my head! xo
All your comments about keeping things simple really resonate with me Kim. I don’t have family near me any more so Christmas is spent on my own usually which is fine, I am used to it. I hear you about the tree and kittens. You are braver than me in putting up a bigger tree! I have a tabletop one which Mabel keeps eyeing up but she is too little to reach it yet and Fudge (my older cat of 12yrs) is too chilled to be bothered nowadays. I have kept other things simple but love to have a lot of fairy lights at this dark time of year and I am lucky to have a mantelpiece to dress. I hope that Griffin enjoys his travels. It will be a great experience for him but you will miss him. Enjoy the holidays, have a happy Christmas and all the very best for 2026! xx
Lesley,
A tabletop tree with Mabel is smart! I almost did that. Enjoy your kitties. (I love Fudge’s name too.)
Aren’t fairy lights the best? So nice them in this dark time of year.
Wishing you a cozy Christmas with your fur babies. I’ll be doing the same! xo
Hi Kim, Christmas wishes to you and your family — and thank you for your posts! You and Cindy H are my favourites. Love your style and your attitude to life. Our Australian Christmas feels very different in that it is hot, but the stresses are the same. Keeping it welcoming, but simple, is the way to go. Life is so busy for our families now that ours really just enjoy the chance to kick back and catch up. Driving yourself into the ground over any meal is ridiculous. There will be food and it will be eaten — we are lucky to have the options we enjoy. Take care!
Thanks Helen. Aw gosh that is so nice of you. I would love to experience a warm Christmas sometime! Australians seem to know the way to live!
I agree it’s not the elaborate, but the simple things and quality time right?
We are lucky!
Happy holidays to you! xo
Love your statement, “Stay loud and engaged”! SO glad you’re listening to Aaron Parnas. I think he’s doing a GREAT job, with important detail the legacy media is not covering.
Enjoy your time away from the blog! Happy Holidays!
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a relaxing and refreshing break. I always look forward to your Saturday posts. Your home looks lovely and the walk through sounds fun. Where i live we have something similar every winter in our beautiful Missouri Botanical Garden located in St. Louis but it no where near 14,000 steps! I admire and appreciate your creativity and your style as well as your dedication to decency. Keep the faith!
Hi Carolina, Thank you very much.
Oh I would love to see your botanical gardens. I was in St Louis for a wedding a few years ago and it is such a charming city! I need to get back.
Aw thanks for the kind words.
xo
Carolyn, Isn’t he great? Right now, he’s like the news we used to have with integrity. I feel like mainstream news has lost it with their kowtowing to Trump. Yes the details the media is leaving out is what I appreciate – and other lost stories.
Have a great holiday too! x
Hi Kim,
Your home looks lovely and festive. Wishing you and your family a happy holiday season. Your adorable kittens are certainly getting into the festive mood with their shenanigans! Enjoy your blog break and look forward to your next post in 2026!
Fi xx
Hi Fiona!
Thank you so much! Lots to do with those little devils.
I hope you have a lovely holiday too. xo
The story of you grandmother’s stolen candy dish was amazing and so sweet!
Happiest of holidays to you Kim and to your lovely family.
Sarah I felt so lucky to get it back!
Wishing you a wonderful holiday too. x
Have a wonderful break dear Kim, and Happy Christmas from New Zealand. Keep on speaking the truth about the political climate; your voice for democracy in your blog is so important.
Thank you so much Suz. I so appreciate it.
Happy holidays to you too. xo
Kim, I am reading your Saturday post with coffee ☕️ on this rainy windy Sunday morning.
No rush, as I am now enjoying the Christmas decor I spent time over the past several days putting together. It is my second Christmas on my own, post divorce, and although it is quite different than previously being with in laws every year in a different city, I feel the peacefulness in my heart. I now enjoy the company during this time of a few new trustworthy friends and neighbours. I can reflect on so many reminders of my many past Christmases which happened well before my previous marriage , with decorations from years ago and those collected from my solo travels . Although my electric fireplace still needs fixing, I have a lovely mantel that is decorated with a bower faux greenery, fruit and pine cones with a wreath in the same theme above. Love it when my candles are ‘turned on’ with remotes ! I understand your wish for a mantel.
For some of your readers, not everyone has family nearby for so many reasons, and with the constant prevalence of what a “perfect” Christmas should be, it can be disheartening and overwhelming.
At 75, I still need to remind myself of what I have accomplished and what is around the corner going forward into the new year. One final solo trip is planned for mid April to England and Scotland and then the travel pot is empty. I have to explore BC by car in the future…and happily there’s lots to see and explore in this beautiful province.
Such a timely opportunity for your Griffin to travel before looking for a job as a pilot. And I can just imagine you and Max following his adventures. What a great photo !
Have a peaceful and cosy Christmas and I look forward to more from you, Kim. You are one of my favourite reads for a reason!
Cath, Lovely to hear from you. Sounds peaceful and cozy in your own place.
I love the way you are thinking about what is going and the good things that have been. I find myself reflecting back so much this time of year.
Glad you have a trip on the calendar. There is so much beauty I hear up in BC too.
I know Griffin got a good chance to go see some of the world, so why not?
You are so sweet. Thank you for your comments. I always enjoy your notes.
Wishing you a lovely Christmas! You made my day. xo
Ooh- I like your idea for a rough wood mantle. In our last home we knew our time there would be short lived, but our fireplace had no mantle and I constantly looked at it and thought a raw or rough wood mantle would be so cool if we were going to stay long term! I will live vicariously- that will look beautiful in your home. Our fireplace now has a massive brick surround and giant wood mantle all the way across. It is very intense looking, (I scheme of ways to soften the whole thing in years to come) but it’s fun to decorate. I hope you enjoy fun and laughter most of all this season. Take good care and Merry Christmas!!!!
Thanks Nicole! I hope it can happen.
I bet the big mantel is fun to style.
Aw thanks. Enjoy the Christmas with your family too!
Merry Christmas Kim and enjoy your break from the blog. LOL’d at the kittens getting into everything and our now 7 yr: old litter mates used to climb our tree and we had to tie it into a corner as well! I also had human grand twins (now 10) and Christmas decor just gave them more to go after. Good times!
Barb I guess kittens are just doing the natural thing climbing the trees!
Aw sounds like fun house with all the kids and cats. Hope you have a Merry Christmas too. xo
And today I realized something when I was getting ready- I think part of the reason I simultaneously want to create great memories for myself and kids, but also want to take care of myself is that I always saw my mom do things with such great resentment and lack of joy. She never even went over the top for holidays or special occasions, but the demands can still be great. I spice up our house with a little decor and get my shopping done throughout the year or early and have streamlined all extraneous gifts down to one giftcard purchased in bulk from a local coffee shop, something small and personal and maybe something handmade by the kids. I don’t even do cookies in bulk anymore- who knows if people actually eat and enjoy them anyway. When I am out and about doing holiday errands I get a fun coffee and always buy one small gift for myself- this year $9 glittery Swarovski studs from Marshalls. I understand why my mom felt how she did, but it was quite sad. To me the solution is to take joy in it how you can, take care of yourself while caring for others and simplify. I tried watching that movie mentioned, but I couldn’t stomach it. It reminded me of my mom- a bit passive aggressive and sad. If my competitive and mean spirited neighbor gave me a 3 wick candle- I would say thank you and give nothing in return so she would not be tempted to engage in such an exchange again
… I would probably also regift the stupid candle so as not to be reminded of spite! Lol!
Nicole, I hear you. Our mom’s had a lot on their plates. Many were more likely resentful too. My mom always took on a job before the holidays to save money in a ‘Christmas account’ for us. That was before people had a lot of credit cards. The Christmas account was where all the gift money went. I think of all the long evening and weekend hours she sometimes did that, and didn’t get anything for herself. That had to suck!
I’m with you on the cookies. I myself don’t eat a lot of things given to us, just because of the sugar. So when I bake, it’s mainly for us.
I finally watched the movie last night. Totally get what you felt about the Michelle Pfeiffer character. They could have made this more believable not so campy.
I know the candle thing! Ugh. LOL.
I’m glad you bought yourself the earrings. I have bought myself things too! xo
Hi Kim, sorry I haven’t been commenting for the past few weeks, but have been reading. I’m glad that you’re going to take some time off the blog – it must be a lot of work to put it together. Hope you can have a relaxing time. My husband and I will be celebrating on our own – our boys are doing their thing elsewhere – and are looking forward to doing very little during the holidays!
That Christmas walk looked lovely, and I so enjoy seeing your grandmother’s jewellery tree every year; thanks for bringing the festive cheer to the blog, and here’s wishing you and the family a very Merry Christmas and all the very best for a Happy New Year!
Patricia do not worry. It’s been a busy time. I hope you and your husband had a nice holiday with just you two. It can be so nice to do less!
Happy New Year! Thanks for all your kind comments. xo
I so enjoy reading your blog posts-thank you for all of your work to make them unique. Wishing you and your family a joyous holiday season
Thanks so much Sue! hope you had a great holiday too.