first christmas – Snapshots & My Thoughts by Ailee Petrovic

Gift Guide November 16, 2016

2016 Gift Guide for Baby’s First Christmas

I remember when Isla celebrated her first Christmas (around 6.5 months old), family and friends mentioned that it was difficult to come up with fun things to buy her. But let’s get real – at that age, she really only cared about the wrapping paper. I did a gift guide for a one year old (here), but think that gifting a little one for their first Christmas can be about memorabilia, like this gorgeous Paloma’s Nest ornament or this customizable Christmas storybook. And then there’s the numerous Santa items; for example, these PJs, this bib, or these socks.

Isla's Christmas with Carter's November 14, 2014

Isla’s First Christmas with Carter’s: Relaxing Family Time

As I mentioned yesterday, we tuck into a delicious meal cooked by my very talented mother almost immediately after opening the gifts from under the Christmas tree. When we finish our Christmas lunch, everyone admits defeat, and we normally go to the living room and lay on the couches in a food-induced coma. After being all dolled up for a few hours in fancy clothes, we will change into more casual, comfortable outfits to ‘play’ with our new gifts. Last year, Sasha gave me an iMac, and I stared in awe at this big screen for hours and hours, never wanting to leave its side. Most of Isla’s presents this year will be stuffed animals (she already loves this laughing monkey that she got to ‘preview’ and BabyLit’s A Christmas Carol) or developmental toys, so I know she will want to lay and play too.

The perfect outfit for Isla to change into after being in a dress all morning is the 3 Piece Long-Sleeve Body Suit (love the solid red and floral pattern), with the adorable Sparkle Pants and this amazing Fuzzy Faux Fur Vest from Carter’s Holiday Collection. In fact, I’d love to be a baby and wear that entire outfit.

There is a park less than a quarter mile from our house, so we will bundle up and walk there (burn off those Christmas cocktails!) with our sweet dog, Belle. Although it’s not freezing cold in December in Texas, it’s definitely cardigan weather. I adore this sweet Shimmer Cardigan. We love seeing extended family and friends on Christmas after spending the morning and early afternoon with my parents. How sweet is Isla’s friend, Kevin, in the Stretch Jeans, Poplin Plaid Bodysuit, and also that adorable Polar Bear Tee (found in stores, not online – similar here)? Carter’s entire holiday collection (boys and girls of all ages) is so perfect for relaxed play.

How do you spend Christmas afternoon? Do you eat? Play with gifts? Travel to visit family? Please share your traditions in the comments below!

In case you missed it, you can read Monday’s post our annual family photo tradition, Tuesday’s post about the Christmas Eve candlelit church service, Wednesday’s post about opening stockings on Christmas morning, and yesterday’s post about gifts under the tree and Christmas lunch.

Make sure you enter to win the $100 Carter’s gift card and free outfit of your choice from the Isla’s First Christmas with Carter’s series! The deadline is tonight at midnight.

Isla's Christmas with Carter's November 10, 2014

Isla’s First Christmas with Carter’s: Christmas Eve Service

Yesterday, I shared our annual Christmas tradition of having family photos taken (read here). Another one of my favorite holiday traditions is going to a candlelit church service on Christmas Eve. Sasha went with me to Houston’s First Baptist Church for the first time last year, and I giggled at how panicked he was about there being 1,000+ candles lit in one massive chapel (plus kids holding real flames!). There is no feeling in the world quite like singing “Joy to the World,” “O Holy Night,” and “O Come All Ye Faithful” amongst so many other merry Christmas-lovers. Just thinking about it gets me so excited.

I love getting all dressed up in festive gear to go to church for the service, and I cannot wait to take Isla this year (real candles will not be involved). Carter’s Holiday Collection has so many pretty church dresses to choose from. When I saw this bright red Velour and Satin Bow Dress, I knew I had found Isla’s first Christmas Eve outfit. It’s so simple and classic and that tiny little bow just melts my heart (I love a good bow). We slipped on these sweet little Patent Mary Jane Crib Shoes, and she looked as cute as a button. My favorite Christmas Eve service outfit choice for a little boy is the Oxford Cloth Bodysuit and Ribbed-Waist Corduroy Pants.

After we leave church on Christmas Eve, we head to my parent’s house and watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. We’ve seen it a million times, but still die laughing every year. Do you have Christmas Eve traditions? If so, please tell me about them in the comments below!

If you haven’t read yesterday’s post about our annual family photo tradition yet, click here. Make sure you enter to win the $100 Carter’s gift card and free outfit of your choice (from the Isla’s First Christmas with Carter’s series)!

Stationery October 17, 2013

Newlywed Christmas Cards

This will be our first Christmas as a married couple, and I love newlywed holiday cards. I scoured the internet and have featured some of my favorites below. I am having such a hard time picking one though! Which do you like the most?

Merry Marry Christmas

First Married Christmas

Married Little Christmas

The New Mr. and Mrs.

Married and Bright