Our Christmas Traditions That Make the Holidays Special

 

Merry Christmas Eve!  Thanks to all of you, our dear, precious friends, for spending time with us at Design Chic.  Your support means the world, and we are truly humbled!  

 

 

While we love adding modern aspects into our decor, when it comes to the holidays, we’re all about traditions. Christmas in particular is, to us, about family, about everyone gathered around the same tree. And, while it seems contradictory, maybe that’s the reason that we’ve scarcely had a Christmas with only our family around the table… Because, of course, as we all know, family isn’t just what you’re born into.

 

Family is who you choose in your life, who you love and cherish. Family is the people whose stocking you want to be right beside yours, hung by the chimney with care, on Christmas morning when you wake up, bright-eyed, to see what Santa brought.Christmas morning is magical, of course, but, for us, Christmas Eve has always held a special place. Our Rocky Road candy is waiting beside the fireplace for the big man’s arrival. (Our Santa doesn’t do gluten… Plus, he has to get sick of cookies at some point.) And we turn the logs off, of course. Can you imagine if Santa slid down the chimney into that? Little Will was always a  stickler about this.

 

 

The night starts with all the family around the set-to-perfection dinner table. We use it all: the linen tablecloths, napkins, fine china, silver, silver service, crystal…It’s a grand occasion, after all. Why wouldn’t we celebrate it in the finest fashion? Mom always cooks the same dinner: company chicken, brown rice, marinated asparagus, biscuits… Even the slightest deviation in the menu is cause for serious alarm. (And I grew up thinking that you can only eat company chicken, brown rice and marinated asparagus on Christmas Eve.)

 

 

For dessert, there are cookies, of course. But Mom and I always cook meringues, as well. At least twice. Because, well, we never can remember if it’s a metal bowl you’re supposed to use or a glass one. (Even now, I have no idea.) And one of us feels sure. And we’re always wrong. Then they don’t stiffen properly. And we have used all the egg whites and we have to go back to the stuffed-to-the-gills grocery store. Then we mash Heath Bar with a hammer and fold it into whipped cream for a delicious topping. I, myself don’t much care for meringues. Neither does Mom. But, like I said, changes to the menu–even parts that no one even seems to like that much–are met with major consternation.

 

 

 

But the BEST part of the dessert. The best, best, best part is the party poppers! The spark, the noise, the faint scent of gunpowder… It’s an event not to be missed, the right compromise for those who are more partial to Fourth of July.

 

 

 

 

Some years hold musical instruments that we all must learn to play, some have games or tiny treats. But the constant is the crowns. And, if you’re going to sit around our family Christmas Eve dinner table, you wear the crown. No exceptions. Kind of like the meringues.

 

 

Dinner holds this kind of magical expectation, that tense balance between wanting to savor every moment and wanting it to be over. Because, after dinner…

 

 

Everyone gets to pick one present to open! One well-chosen, hand-picked gift from underneath the tree. But only one. It is meant to whet your appetite, tide you over until the morning when the real unwrapping begins.

 

 

And everyone gets Christmas jammies, of course. Because everyone must look his or her most dashing to greet the treats that Santa left.

 

 

We tuck in our beds way too late. Far, far too late. So late that when the little feet pitter pat down the hall wanting to see what Santa brought, we might, for a moment, regret how late we talked and laughed into the night. But then, there is coffee and Moravian Sugar Cake. And, of course, more time with family.

 

 

The pecan pie will be delicious. Homemade caramel cake too. But, if you ask us, those special moments, those memories that we will cherish forever, are the sweetest part of all.

 

What are your favorite holiday traditions?  We’d love to know!

 

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas!

 

________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you ready to spread some holiday cheer? We certainly are! As the festive season approaches, it’s time to start thinking about finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones. But don’t fret, because we’ve got you covered with our exclusive 2025 holiday gift guide. Whether you’re shopping for the tech enthusiast, the fashion-forward trendsetter, or the culinary connoisseur in your life, our curated selection of gifts will make your holiday shopping a breeze. So, join us as we unwrap the magic of the season and discover the ideal presents to make this holiday unforgettable.

 

 

Gifts for Her

 

 

 

 

When choosing gifts for girls, consider her interests and preferences. You could opt for a thoughtful, personalized gift such as a custom photo album or a piece of jewelry with her initials. Alternatively, if she enjoys relaxation, a spa day or a cozy blanket and scented candles might be perfect. Ultimately, the key is to show that you’ve considered her tastes and put thought into the gift.

 

 

 

 ___________

 

 

Gifts for Him

 

 

 

 

 

 

 ___________

 

Gifts for the Traveler

 

 

 

 

Discover the perfect gifts for the adventurous globetrotter in your life with our comprehensive holiday gift guide for travelers. From compact and versatile travel gadgets to stylish and functional luggage, we’ve curated a selection of must-have items to make their journeys even more enjoyable.

 

 

 

 ___________

 

 

Gifts for the Cook

 

 

 

 

Gifts for cooks should resonate with their culinary creativity and contribute to their kitchen expertise. The perfect gift for a cook is one that harmonizes with their unique cooking preferences and underscores your admiration for their culinary talents. Ultimately, a thoughtful gift should cater to their love for food and inspire them to continue exploring and perfecting their culinary craft.

 

 

 

 ___________

 

Gifts of Beauty & Health

 

 

 

 

Gifts for health and beauty can be a wonderful way to help someone feel their best. Consider items like high-quality skincare products, a fitness tracker to monitor their progress, or a subscription to a wellness app or service.Whether it’s a boost in their daily wellness routine or a way to pamper themselves, these gifts can promote both physical and mental well-being.

 

 

 

 ___________

 

Gifts for the Home

 

 

 

 

 

 ___________

 

Gifts for Kids

 

 

 

When choosing gifts for kids, it’s important to consider their age, interests, and developmental stage. For younger children, educational toys, colorful books, or interactive games can be engaging and educational. Older kids may appreciate items like art supplies, puzzles, or even a fun science kit to foster creativity and learning. Ultimately, the key is to select gifts that cater to their individual interests and encourage both fun and growth.

 

 

 

__________

 

 

Gifts for the Tech Lover

 

 

 

 

 

For tech lovers, the possibilities are endless. Consider gifting them the latest gadgets, such as smart speakers, or high-quality headphones. Tech accessories like wireless chargers, sleek laptop bags, or ergonomic keyboards can also be practical and thoughtful options. Subscription services like streaming platforms or online courses on tech-related topics can help them stay updated and expand their knowledge in their favorite field. The key is to cater to their specific tech interests and enhance their digital experience.

 

 

 

 

What are your favorites from our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide?