Sparkle and Slippers: 2016

Holiday Traditions

Tuesday, December 20, 2016 4:30 AM

It is officially the week of Christmas and I couldn't be more excited!

So Merry Christmas to those of you who celebrate Christmas and Happy Hanukah to those who celebrate Hanukah.

Due to circumstances beyond my control I will only have one post this week. Actually my posts may be few and far between over the next few weeks. The weather has been very uncooperative recently, snowing and freezing or warmer and raining which makes it very hard to take photos. My father also has not been feeling well and while we think what is going on will be manageable it has been time consuming with appointments for my parents and worry for the rest of us. I like to devote 100% to Sparkle and Slippers and I feel like I just can not right now, it will have to take a back burner.

One of the reasons I love Christmas so much is because of our family traditions...

Christmas Trash and Peppermint Bark

This is a tradition I started with my son a few years ago. Last year I posted about Christmas Trash, click here for the recipe. Two holiday treats we like to make together for his teachers and my co-workers. Easy and delicious!

Christmas Cookies

My mother always made cookies with us during the holiday season, usually the week of Christmas. Now she tries to make them with her grandchildren. Rolling the dough and decoration with frosting and toppings. They love it, especially the little ones.

Seven Fish Italian Christmas Eve Dinner

Christmas Eve has always been my favorite. In our Family Christmas Eve is almost a bigger deal than actual Christmas. A huge feast made up of many kinds of seafood i.e. shrimp scampi, clam sauce, calamari, scallops, seafood casserole, etc. While I am not sure we have ever had all seven fish, seafood is well represented. This is an Italian/Sicilian tradition that has happened every Christmas Eve for generations within my family.

Christmas Eve Mass

For as long as I can remember my family has been going to Christmas Eve Mass. As children it was always the 4 PM Mass, when we got older Midnight Mass. There was always something about Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve that seemed magical. Now that we all have children of our own, we have gone back to the 4 PM Mass.

One Gift on Christmas Eve

Again, something we always did as children and now we do with our children. So much of the fun inspecting each package and trying to figure out the best to open.

Reindeer Food

Those reindeer must get super hungry flying Santa all over the world to deliver all the toys.

Equal parts oatmeal and glitter. While the glitter shimmers in the moonlight so Santa knows to stop at our house, the oatmeal provides sustenance for reindeer for their long journey. Nolan and I love to shake it all over our front lawn, right before bedtime. We also make little bags for his cousins so they can feed the reindeer as well.

Family Video

I come from a very silly family!! We love to have fun. A few years back we made a video to a Taylor Swift's We Are Never Getting Back Together.

It was extremely silly and fun and we try to make a holiday music video on either Thanksgiving, Christmas or any other holiday we are all together.

What are your holiday Traditions?

On to this Holiday look:

I feel like anything involving plaid, red or green and voilà holiday look!

These pants are so fun and believe it or not can be styled so many ways.

Wishing you the Happiest of Holidays!

xx, Elise

hat / chambray top / sweater / necklace similar / plaid pants similar here, here and here / heels

Fun Holiday Festivities

Thursday, December 15, 2016 4:30 AM

Good Morning!

One of the most fun things about the holiday season is certainly all of the fun festivities going on.

Here in Boston it is almost impossible to be bored at this time of year. So take some time off from shopping, wrapping and holiday parties and get out and see what your town or city has to offer.

Below are my favorite events and activities for the holiday season located in or around Boston.
Most Cities and towns offer similar events, be sure to check your local listings.

Holiday Favorites

The Boston Ballet's Nutcracker

A classic and holiday favorite. Playing through New Years Eve

Snowmazing at the Boston Children's Musuem

Enjoy skating in your socks, dancing with elves, songs and story telling.

runs through December 30. Great idea for vacation week!

Holiday Lights!

I love Christmas lights!

Whether it is driving through a festive neighborhood, going to a shrine or a tree lighting, I simply love it. I am still as captivated as I was a small child.

Holiday with the Boston Pops

Join conductor Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops in a performance filled with holiday musical favorites, the traditional Pops Sing-a-long, and even a visit with Jolly Ol' Saint Nick at the children's matinee performances which include post concert photos.

Boston's Winter Wonderland

City Hall Plaza has been made into a winter wonderland! Our own little version of NYC's Bryant Park, filled with holiday themed merchants, a games, lights and all centered around the skating rink. Winter Wonderland runs through February.

Ice skating around the City
Most of these spots are open all winter, but for the next few weeks you will be able to skate among carolers and lights.

And for Adults...

The Slutcracker

Hailed by John Waters as "A great Hymn to Christmas and Sexuality"

Taking the traditional Nutcracker and turning it on it's head for a night filled with laughs and adult humor.

What are your favorite festivities during the holiday season?

And now from my look from Christmas Past. These photos were just taken, but I went through my closet and created a look that was made from the old and made something new.

xx, Elise