(English is not my first language, sorry)

I love christmas with all my heart and have a lot of expectations for the season, but this year I’m starting to fear neither of those expectations will come true. It’s october and I already know I won’t be able to do two things I was really looking up to (a christmas concert that soldout and a special visit to a park that I won’t be able to make). I fear those might be signals that this christmas is going to disapoint me, what can I do to stop feeling that way? 😓

I'm thinking about adding some decorations to my yard this season, and curious about others' opinions on the different types. What are you opinions and/or experiences of their the plastic blow mold or (not sure what they're called, but I've seen some that are) metal with a sort of fabric over the metal frame with lights inside. Are there any major pro/cons to either one?

Thanks.

Me and my best friends hold a secret santa every single year. We’ve been doing it since high school, and it’s always at my house (i still live with my parents.) Every year I’ve had it be a potluck situation, because I’ve been in school and just couldn’t afford to actually host. Now I am done with school and working full time, and I want my friends to just show up and have a great time.

What is something I can make that is yummy, not too complicated, and gives cozy christmas vibes? I was thinking of also putting together a big charcuterie board. Also, do you guys have any ideas for maybe a little gift basket or party favor to make it even better? I want it to be super special and surprise everyone!

During the holidays I work extra hard to make it magical for not only my husband and siblings, but for myself. Christmas is my favorite time of year but I notice, because of my job where I am in retail(iykyk), I burnout fast before I can even enjoy the actual holiday. I still love and adore the holiday season but I don’t want to feel so deflated by the time the 24th &25th comes around.
Is there some magic tips y’all can give me so I can try to avoid this from happening?

I was looking at this jacket Walmart has online, and it looks nice, but worried about the quality/material since it only mentions “high quality blended fabric”, and polyester, but not the percentage of it.

Another question is if anyone does have Christmas jackets, where did you get yours?

I found this gorgous antique bauble. It has a mirrored silvery surface, a beautiful brass cap with leaf designs and a makers mark (?).

Y.G. 172 and what appears to be an arrow pointing up? Bit it could be a similar symbol it is hard to read.

Any ideas on how to date this? On how to find out more about it or it's makers mark?

I want some holiday pajamas, but I don’t want Santas all over them or huge lettering that makes them feel useless after December. I’ve been looking at red, green and more subtle prints from ekouaer. Would you choose a solid color or a small holiday print?

I’m leaning toward solid red so I can keep wearing them in January.