Pin-spiration Thursdays: And Yes to Joy!

Hello everyone! I’m Amber and I blog over at And Yes To Joy. I was so happy to have the chance to guest blog while Laura is away for a while. December is such an inspirational month, from preparing for the upcoming holiday, to the big day itself. This is absolutely one of my favorite times of the year. No matter how busy our schedules are, or how much stress we are under, my family and friends always make it a point to come together and take joy in the season.

 The blogger and designer in me cannot help but to be inspired during this time of year. It’s amazing how much inspiration we can find in our daily lives. From the ribbons and wrapping paper on gifts to the lights and decorative ornaments on the tree, all of it can ignite a spark to create something lovely. 

I’ve been thinking a lot about some of my favorite holiday traditions lately, and created a moodboard full of all of the things that help to make my holiday merry and bright.

For starters, decorating the Christmas tree and wrapping gorgeous gifts. Since I was little, nothing would make me happier than the smell of fresh evergreen when my dad would bring the tree home to be decorated. I love how many people are taking non-traditional routes to decorate their trees. Instead of green trees with gold, green and red ornaments, many people are opting for smaller DIY trees such as this adorable wooden wall tree. I love taking a creative approach to the holiday!

Another tradition that I absolutely cannot do without is our annual family Christmas dinner. It’s a little different every year, but the foundation behind the tradition never changes. Relatives and family friends gather together at someone’s house for a great dinner and some quality fun time together. It’s such a great way to end one year, and prepare to bring in another.

In preparation for the holiday, my sisters and I usually spend a few days baking. Spending a few days in the kitchen cutting dough and shaping tasty Christmas cookies always satisfies my sweet tooth! Snickerdoodles are my favorite cookie all year round, but they seem to taste even better when they’re made to look like snowflakes and santa hats.

Of course I couldn’t complete my moodboard without adding in a delicious cup of hot chocolate. It seems to be the perfect drink to make any snowy holiday season afternoon that much brighter. I love curling up on the couch, sipping hot coco and watching my favorite Christmas movies, or even just chatting with my family.

Thanks again to Laura for letting me share some of my favorite holiday traditions, and create this mood board to share with all of you! Now, it’s your turn to share! What are some of your favorite holiday traditions? Or things about this time of year that help to make your holiday merry and bright? Why not create your own moodboard and fill it with your holiday faces!