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You are here: Home / Cool Things / The Magic of Holiday Traditions, Made Better With Wayfair

The Magic of Holiday Traditions, Made Better With Wayfair

November 28, 2017 By Donna Biroczky 6 Comments

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The magic of holiday traditions is one of the biggest reasons for the season. We all have our beliefs as to what the holidays stand for, but one of the most common holiday traditions alive is the Christmas tree. Trees are a quintessential symbol of Christmas, each one unique to its owners. For us, our Christmas tree tells a story. Without our familiar Christmas ornaments and our family decorating session, it’s just a tree. Add our ornaments, collected throughout the years of our marriage and the growth of our family, and it’s a representation of our home in one 9.5′ gorgeous, glittering centerpiece.

Thanks to Wayfair, here’s a walk through around our Christmas tree and a brief glimpse into what helps bring the holiday magic into our house. Keep reading for a chance to enter my giveaway for a $100 gift card for Wayfair, so you can add to your holiday decorating traditions with some unique pieces you won’t find anywhere else!

holiday traditions

When we got married, like many newlywed couples, we had little decor. We had even less money, being on a budget that didn’t let up for years as we chose to grow our family instead of our bank account. Our tree was beautiful regardless of the money spent on lights and tinsel, decorated with love and ornaments made by the kids. The husband would add to the ambiance by stringing lights at the top of the walls, from one wall to the next, all around the house.

As the years went on, we began to pick up an ornament here, and an ornament there. Some were spontaneous purchases that caught our eye, while others stood for something that was going on in our lives. Friends also surprised us with ornaments as Christmas gifts, and four very old-fashioned glass balls are among the very few items passed down from my parents to us that found their way into our collection. The result is a quirky tree that speaks a lot about our family.

holiday traditions

One glimpse will tell you that we have a love for super heroes and coffee, that purple is my favorite color and that we don’t take ourselves too seriously. It will also tell you that we have a loved one with autism and that angels have a big place in our holiday.

 

holiday traditions

Throughout the years, we ended up with so many ornaments, we had to expand the display to two trees. One large tree now sits in the main family room, and it is 9.5′ instead of the 6′ we started with. The other tree, settled in the corner of the informal family room, was a 5′ basic green tree and this year, we replaced it a 7′ white tinsel tree with multi-colored LEDs. The big tree is the ‘fancy’ tree, consisting mainly of the purple-themed ornaments and our personalized collection. Can you tell the color of this year’s lights in the above picture? (Or all of them, for that matter? The purple hue just seems so Christmas and winter to me!)

christmas tree

The smaller tree is the kids’ tree, and it is where the family heirlooms reside. That tree is where my youngest son’s two-year-old fingerprints hang, where the macaroni plate my older daughter made me dangles with her message to mom there for everyone to see. My younger daughter’s handmade Girl Scout ornaments hang next to my older son’s Boy Scout globe ball, lovingly decorated with gold tissue paper. (He made it the same year that he traded away his own choice in a ornament exchange so he could bring home a very delicate angel he knew I’d love. That angel hangs near the top of our big tree in the other room.)

tinsel christmas tree

Tradition says that we decorate the big tree first, because it can be done by itself — even if that one poor person gets dizzy twisting around and around the tree, climbing up and down the ladder to make sure lights and garland are just right. The real fun starts though when all the kids get together to decorate the smaller tree. Christmas carols play while the kids sort their ornaments out of the box storing all their special ornaments. They tease each other as they talk about the inspiration behind their own ornaments, the ones we’d bought them every year so by the time they move out, they have a start to their own collection, one that means something to them.

One collection has a lot of car-themed ornaments, while one of the girls’ ornaments lean heavily towards a princess theme. Movies they love, things they like to do and even their favorite foods, like pizza, find a place amongst the boughs. Some of the best laughter comes when they get to the photo ornaments — my older son with his first best friend, my girls together in a wedding many years ago, and so forth. My favorites are the ones that they made, the ones that will remain on my tree forever. These are the ornaments that are our biggest tradition, the one of family being together…together on one tree as they are off the tree.

Another tradition, off the tree this time, is our yearly countdown to Christmas calendar. It isn’t fancy, but it’s an honor to be the person who moves the candy cane daily to the new date, bringing us closer to the big day.

advent calender

One favorite was purchased when the husband booked us at a B & B in a quaint little town. He’s a bit hard to see, but he’s less cute in the harsh light of day. Lit up, glowing and a little blurry, you really get the essence of our adorable ice cube man bought in a Christmas store in Julian, California, during a romantic weekend full of horse drawn carriage rides — where we had to stop for wild quail to cross the road — and outdoor hot toddies and bouquets of roses. This is exactly why we buy Christmas ornaments, to evoke memories of milestones and special moments in our lives.

holiday traditions

And this one was bought at Sea World in San Diego last year, at the media Christmas party on a cold night, right after my youngest son and my daughter’s fiance and I had seen Santa Claus. We’d told him what we wanted, and then walked around a corner straight into Bumble, my favorite holiday movie character. Bumble, the bad guy turned good, is one of many villains we all love. His spirit makes me love him, and his unbridled enthusiasm to just be helpful to others makes him stand out every year.

 

bumble

Then this next one is the epitomy of our entire family in one ornament: the Griswolds in Chevy Chase’s Christmas Vacation. We watch this movie every single year, multiple times, and I may or may not be able to quote the entire thing. Sparky just wants a normal family Christmas, full of all the chaos and love that his huge house can hold, but things go awry. Yep, story of our life. He never gives up, and this ornament, actually a defective one with a string on the bottom instead of the top — so it hangs upside down — even fits us better.

christmas vacation

This is just a very small sampling of our Christmas holiday traditions, starting with our Christmas tree. Wayfair agrees on the importance of traditions. I’ve found decor for year-round events and celebrations, or just regular home decor, on their website, but at this time of year, I visited solely to see what they had for Christmas, because I know I’ll always find something unique. This most recent visit, I learned about the significance of upside-down Christmas trees and why they’re really a thing. Did you know that? I didn’t! A local hotel in San Diego has hung their lobby Christmas tree upside-down this year and it has the social media universe talking. I bet they don’t know that there’s a long history, dating back to medieval times, full of interesting reasons as to why the trees get hung upside down. Check out the reasons here!

Which of those upside down trees for sale at Wayfair would you buy? Tell me below in a blog comment to be entered for a chance to win a $100 Wayfair gift card. It’s really that easy! Rules are in the widget below and entering takes only a few seconds. Tell me your favorite upside down Wayfair tree and maybe you’ll be the winner! (If we were able to do this with our tinsel tree, maybe we’d be able to decorate it this year! With our Yorkie having to be corralled into that end of the house when we leave her alone, we were afraid to decorate the tree this year, but this is one of the many reasons an upside down tree is beneficial AND pretty, without the worry of our four-legged babies getting into things they shouldn’t.)

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Happy holidays!! Get those holiday traditions going — or start new ones — and make this another holiday season to remember!

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Filed Under: Cool Things Tagged With: christmas, holiday

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lisa L

    November 29, 2017 at 4:44 pm

    As above, so below. . They are unique although, I am not a fan. 4.5′ Green Fir Artificial Christmas Tree I’d use upright.

    Reply
  2. Jamie

    December 6, 2017 at 8:45 am

    I like the one that goes on a corner!! 🙂

    Reply
  3. Rebecca I.

    December 8, 2017 at 3:54 pm

    This one is my favorite!

    https://www.wayfair.com/holiday-decor/pdp/sterling-inc-pre-lit-palm-tree-75-green-upside-down-floor-artificial-christmas-tree-with-600-clear-white-lights-with-stand-sri1283.html

    Reply
  4. Ashley

    December 9, 2017 at 6:09 pm

    Love this one: https://www.wayfair.com/holiday-decor/pdp/the-holiday-aisle-75-green-upside-down-artificial-christmas-tree-with-clear-light-hldy1343.html

    Reply
  5. GB

    December 14, 2017 at 8:52 am

    American Upside Down 6′ Green Artificial Christmas Tree with 600 LED Lights

    Reply
  6. Elle

    December 14, 2017 at 1:21 pm

    5.5′ Silver Upside Down Christmas Tree with 250 LED Warm White Lights

    https://www.wayfair.com/holiday-decor/pdp/the-holiday-aisle-55-silver-upside-down-christmas-tree-with-250-led-warm-white-lights-with-stand-hldy4244.html

    Reply

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I’m Donna, and I’m not a mommy blogger.
I’m a Gen X mom of four, a Marvel geek and creator of Dangerous Cupcake, a Southern California lifestyle blog dedicated to life after the kids grow up. As my kids enter different stages of their lives, I get to do the same, having fun, loving Disney, watching Marvel, and not letting my age define anything. Phase 2 of life is pretty amazing, and midlife isn’t a bad word. Join me in changing focus and enjoying life during our next adventure, without totally starting over. However you do it, life is short, live a little dangerously.
Donna@DangerousCupcakeLifestyle.com

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Out here in Rancho Cucamonga, there are a lot of h Out here in Rancho Cucamonga, there are a lot of hidden gems for foodies. One of them is the Haven City Market, and my favorite place to eat there is Belly & Snout. Not only were they on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, but they are a main stay of the market with their Filipino-inspired take on American comfort food. Their grilled cheese sandwiches are AH-mazing, but I prefer their bowls.

This pic shows you what my pork belly bowl looked like. Pork belly sits on a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, along with garlic chili aioli, red radishes, green onion and just the right amount of pickled red onion. The pork is perfectly cooked, with a bit of a crisp and rendering of the fat that melts in your mouth. I get it every time!

Steve got the pork belly grilled cheese, made of almost the same ingredients but sandwiched between bread and covered with pepper jack cheese. SO good. 

And of course, if you get spicy food of any realm, you need to get a drink from Native Son bar. The drink you see in this pic is the Rancho Water, made with tequila, passion fruit and citrus…and it’s just sparkly enough to be absolutely refreshing. (I easily drank more than one of these babies. They don’t taste strong, but drink responsibly; good bevs like this sneak up on you!) 

We love to try fancy new restaurants near and far, but sometimes, hanging around close to home is just what we need. Short car ride, casual clothes, fun environment we know we'll enjoy...it's perfect for the kind of weeks we've had lately. Whatever your mood, head over to the market, get your beverage, grab your food, and take it all outside amongst some trees on the green or on a table in the shade. We’ll be back for more….soon!

@havencitymarket @nativesonie @bellynsnout #havencitymarket #ranchocucamonga #inlandempirefood #inlandempire #iefoodie #bellyandsnout #cocktails #porkbelly #filipinofood #comfortfood #ranchofoodies #nativeson #dinersdriveinsanddives @foodnetwork #foodnetwork @guyfieri @dinersdriveins #ranchwater #ranchowater #tequila #grilledcheese #ranchocucamongafoodie @gorestaurantwk #foodblogger #foodblog
The happiest place on earth is where I spend my bi The happiest place on earth is where I spend my birthday every year…as long as it falls on a weekday where everyone else is at work. It’s a magical day, full of food, beverages, shopping and of course, character photo opps. I’d been in line to see Loki, but he took a break and the lovely God of Thunder took his place. I was not unhappy….but he had a few things to say about my apparent fondness for his brother, the God of Mischief. I mean, the ears. I’d gotten my photo taken with Iron Man earlier in the day and he made me take them off.

Disneyland never disappoints, literally from the second I shared it was my birthday with the parking attendant. I ate lunch at Carthay Circle and had lobster nachos at Lamplight Lounge for dinner. My other favorite part of the day was watching the Halloween lights go on at Cars Land. If you haven’t seen it, be there around 630-ish, it’s so much fun!

I still hear the “Aren’t you a little old for Disney?” and it makes me laugh every single time. There is NO such thing. Disney is for all ages. Even in my midlife, I love it as much as I did when I was younger. Actually, maybe even more. As a Magic Key holder, I wander, enjoying the little things I may not have seen in my days of rushing to get it all done with the kids without one having a meltdown. I’ve already got a list of future reservations, all planned carefully around holidays and events…and of course, the food. Don’t miss the holiday menu! 

@disneyparks @disneyland #disney #disneyland #thor #loki #avengers #marvel #avengerscampus #disneycaliforniaadventure #disneycalifornia #disneyhalloween #disneyhalloweentime #halloweenatdisney #magickeyholder #godofthunder #godofmischief #marvelavengers #disneymom #disneycreator @marvel #carthaycircle #lokiears #mjolnir #purplehair @converse #midlife
This past weekend, we stayed in an AirBnB up in Pi This past weekend, we stayed in an AirBnB up in Pine Cove - Idyllwild to celebrate my birthday. Two nights of peaceful starry skies in the woods, with the only real noise being a random bird knocking on a tree or squirrel running through the huge back yard. We had coffee on the deck in the morning and wine on the deck at night, and in between, lots of relaxing jacuzzi time. We spent Saturday afternoon shopping in downtown Idyllwild, drinking fancy beers at OktoBEERfest sponsored by the Idyllwild Brew Pub and paying a ridiculous $18 per glass for an albeit amazing apple sangria at a wine bistro. 

Idyllwild is a haven. Kind people, a community away from the hustle and bustle that we have even here in the ‘burbs of North Fontana, nestled amongst the pines and beautiful views. Hiking trails, a child’s park that’s easily a place to spend a couple of hours, galleries, restaurants, coffee shops and more — it makes a fantastic place to escape for a family weekend or a romantic getaway. Aaaand if you like crystals and gemstones, you’re in luck. We spent triple-digits in adding to my collection at three different shops. I can’t wait to go back for more!

Our cabin was from New Spirit Vacation Homes but there are so many to choose from. (And we’d definitely stay in the same cabin again!) Prices change throughout the seasons, but it’s a relatively easy drive that took us about 35 minutes from the 10/60 freeways. If you go during the winter, you will need an appropriate vehicle and probably chains; check your cabin’s driveway, too, as some are precarious if you’re not used to it. We have an 4x4 and would love to see the city during the Christmas season!

Put Idyllwild on your list of places to check out for your next mini-vacation!

#idyllwild #idyllwildcalifornia #pinecove #idyllwildca @idyllwildbrewpub #idyllwildbrewpub #oktoberfest @newspiritvacationhomes #travel #midlifetravel #midlife #travelblog #travelblogger #blogger #californiatravel #californiatrip #visitidyllwild #socaltravels #explorecalifornia #californiadestinations #hikecalifornia #sanjacintomountains #sanjacinto #shopidyllwild
Have you ever been to Haven City Market? Not only Have you ever been to Haven City Market? Not only do they have a huge variety of food vendors and restaurants, but they offer live music and shows on their back patio. On September 16, they co-hosted a Mexican Independence Day celebration, along with non-profit Unidos Por La Musica and Pomona business, Music Tree Schools. We watched singing, dancing and folklorico demonstrations with students of all ages….all while enjoying the delicious Rancho Water cocktail from Native Sons inside the market and eating from Belly & Snout. (More on those in another post.) Scroll for a few more photos and videos of the performers.

It’s a family-friendly venue with room to eat with your family while your kids can play in the grass, but if you’re there on a date or without the kids, there is adults-only seating in the bar area as well. They also host a lot of trivia nights during the week, so check out their calendar (via their Instagram, which I’ve linked below) and make some plans to go visit soon!

@havencitymarket @unidosporlamusica_ @musictreeschools #havencitymarket #havencity #mexicanindependenceday #nationalhispanicheritagemonth #balletfolklorico #mexicandance #ranchocucamonga #ranchocucamongafoodie #ranchofoodies #inlandempire #theie #ie #tequila @bellynsnout #bellyandsnout #cocktails #inlandempirefood
In the morning, I’ve gotta have my coffee. Once In the morning, I’ve gotta have my coffee. Once I’ve downed my two cups, I’m on to water. Drinking coffee is the easy part — but drinking water is not. If I don’t have it in front of me, in an easy to carry tumbler that’s also attractive and keeps it cold, it’s not going to happen. 

AND it also has to fit in my car cup holder. A tumbler that does all that can be a unicorn.

Enter zak!’s Sutton 2-in-1 tumbler! In the morning, it carries my coffee (which its double-wall vacuum insulation kept hot for hours), and after, my water, all without changing a lid. This 2-in-1 tumbler has a unique lid that works for both hot beverages and cold. Take your pick, it’s easy to choose which drinking option you want. Sip coffee from the hole on the top, and chug your water (like I do after yoga) or iced coffee from the straw. I takes seconds to switch from one to the other, and it’s also leakproof, so I threw it in my bag as I packed up and my bag remained dry. Bonus: it’s SO easy to clean, and is top-rack dishwasher safe. 

The Sutton tumblers you see in my reel are my new favorites! The 30 oz tumbler comes in several colors, but I chose Jade, and my 20 oz tumbler is Opera. Both are stainless steel and durable. Thanks to zak! for sending them to me! Try one out yourself and see how you don’t have to compromise or overload yourself with more than one tumbler! Be sure to stay hydrated! As we get older, it becomes even more important for our skin and health overall. 

#ZakPartner @zakdesigns #zakdesigns #StainlessSteel #Tumblers #Hydration #Coffee #CoffeeTumbler #StayHydrated #DrinkWater #Coffee #StayCaffeinated #Caffeine #tumbler #tumblersofinstagram #drinkcoffee #drinkcoffeedostuff #yoga #cupholder #togomug #togocup #everydaysmiles #midlifewomen #midlife #skincare #wellness
I saw Jack and Sally yesterday, so now it is offic I saw Jack and Sally yesterday, so now it is officially the Halloween season. The line was a little long, I had a Haunted Mansion Lightning Lane reservation at the same time but it was so worth the wait to see these two favorites! And I still made it on the ride…which had actually broken down and I had to wait but that’s what churros are for. The list of Halloween foods to try is long, but learn from my mistake and place your mobile order early. That pumpkin chai dessert will have to wait until I go again in two weeks. Bring on all the spooky stuff! 

@disneyland #disneyland #disney #halloween #jackandsally #jackskellington #nightmarebeforechristmas #disneyhalloween #magickeyholder #magickey #hauntedmansion #jackskellingtonandsally #disneyhalloweentime #disneycalifornia #disneygram #disneyfan #disneycreator #thisishalloween #mickeyears
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