Top 3 Holiday Favorites: A Festive Kickoff to the Season

I love slowly getting into the festive mood. My holiday preparations start with bringing out my bins of Christmas decorations. Once I've evaluated what needs replacing or adding to my collection, I go to the market to buy fresh berries, fruits, extra oranges, and spices. On my walk home, I always get that familiar sense that winter has arrived, and it's time to get cozy.

In this post, I'm thrilled to introduce three of my favorite things that help me get int into the holiday spirit:

• Cozy Crockpot Potpourri

• Dried Orange Garland

• The Santa Spritz

Delightful Holiday Drinks

No holiday gathering is complete without festive drinks! Over the past year, I have been unable to tolerate or enjoy wine. Red wine has always been my drink of choice, even in the summer. Since entering menopause, I've noticed that alcohol doesn't suit me at all. Last summer, I was offered a drink with tequila in it, something I would never have accepted or wanted before, but I'm glad I tried it because good tequila has become my drink of choice. It doesn't disturb my sleep, I love that it can be sipped, has no added sugar, is naturally gluten-free, and is easier to digest.

Alcoholic Option: The Santa Spritz

There's something particularly special about a red beverage during the holidays. You can mix it with cranberry juice, tart cherry juice, or pomegranate juice. I also appreciate that it can be easily enjoyed as a mocktail, allowing everyone to partake.

The Santa Spritz

Ingredients

• tequila

• cranberry juice (juice of choice)

• club soda or your favorite bubbly water

• squeeze of lemon and lime

• cinnamon stick

• add your choice of fresh berries, I love blackberries or pomegranate seeds

• lots of Ice cubes

• garnish with fresh mint

Instructions

1. In a glass, muddle a few fresh mint leaves to release their flavors.

2. Add ice cubes to the glass.

3. Pour in the tequila and cranberry juice.

4. Stir gently to combine.

5. Top off with soda for a refreshing fizz.

6. Add the cinnamon stick to the glass for an aromatic touch.

7. Garnish with fresh mint

8. Enjoy

   
   

Feel free to modify the ingredients to match your taste preferences!

You can effortlessly swap the tequila with rum or vodka or omit the alcohol entirely for a tasty mocktail.

Cozying Up with Crockpot Potpourri

Now, let's discuss the homemade crockpot potpourri that will fill your home with the most delicious natural smell. I favor the crockpot for several reasons, primarily because it's designed to be safely left on for extended periods. When I use a regular pot, it often simmers until it's dry, and on a few occasions, it has burned the pot. This has damaged some of my nice pots. Last year, I bought a beautiful glass stove pot, and it shattered. Through trial and error, I've come to appreciate the crockpot. Mine came with three different-sized pots, and I reserve the medium-sized one for my potpourri. I enjoy making extra batches to give as gifts to teachers, share with neighbors, or have ready for any visitors. This year, I plan to invite the girls over and have all the ingredients prepared for a fun activity together. They can make their own jar to take home and enjoy during the holidays, or perhaps they'll choose to gift it to someone else.

Ingredients for the Perfect Aroma

Here's what you’ll need to fill your home with a warm scent:

*Ingredients:

- oranges & lemons, sliced

- cinnamon sticks & star anise

- whole cloves

- cranberries

- A handful of fresh rosemary & a dash of vanilla (if you have it on hand)

- Water

*Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients into your crockpot.

2. Add enough water to cover the ingredients, about 3-4 cups.

3. Set the crockpot on low and enjoy the delightful scents wafting through your home.

Tip: I found a spice set on Amazon containing cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. I really appreciate the variety, and I think it's the perfect quantity for the holiday season.

Dried Orange Garland

I love natural scents and am really trying to avoid using toxic fragrances and products in the home. There's something so comforting about the smell of oranges. I've always cherished that hygge feeling, using natural elements to decorate and create calming, cozy spaces. That's why this is one of my favorite things to do to kick off the holiday season. I also love that it has become a tradition for our little family; my youngest son knows Christmas is approaching when he sees the trays of oranges laid out. When he was little, we would make hot chocolate and prepare the dried oranges together. Now that he's a teenager, he still swings by for the hot chocolate but doesn't participate with as much enthusiasm—though that's a whole other blog post :)

Making Your Own Dried Orange Garland

*Materials Needed:

- Oranges

- Sharp Knife

- Baking sheets (I use parchment paper)

- String or twine

- Needle (large enough for the twine)

*Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C).

2. Carefully slice oranges into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick.

3. Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. And pat them dry with a cloth or napkin

4. Bake for about 2-3 hours until they are completely dried but not burnt.

5. Once cooled, thread the orange slices onto twine or string, leaving spaces in between each piece.

6. I always make extra to use in my crockpot or to use on gifts etc.

Add an extra special touch by decorating your mantel, door frames, or even your holiday tree and gift bags with your beautiful orange garland! Feel free to get creative.

Happy Holidays, my Friend

Here's a gentle reminder that creating a warm and festive atmosphere for the holiday season can be simple, straightforward, and budget-friendly. The holidays can evoke a variety of feelings and emotions. Having comforting things around is especially important, in my opinion. For instance, the scent of oranges at this time of year brings me a sense of peace as I remember my mom, who passed away many years ago. These tips help you relax, keep things simple and natural, and enjoy the holiday season with your loved ones. Be kind to yourself, take a moment to unwind, enjoy the potpourri, savor your delicious drink, take a deep breath, and reflect on the true meaning of the holidays. There is always something to be thankful for. Happy Holidays! As always, take good care XO