Happy Thursday! I have said this multiple times but I just can not believe how fast time is flying by!! Christmas is slowly creeping up on us and I just want it all to slow down so we can savor every moment of this season! This is my second “winter” living in Florida and I must say, it is quite the change for this Midwestern girl. I truly do miss the pretty snowfalls with Christmas lights twinkling off, grabbing a warm cup of coffee or tea just to warm up my hands and the “Christmas feeling” in the air that comes along with it. Needless to say, I have enjoyed getting in the Holiday spirit by decorating and watching Hallmark movies!

Another element of this season that I love is gift wrapping! I do not believe that gifts are what make Christmas special but for a girl whose love language is giving gifts, I truly enjoy finding that perfect something for everyone on my list! After finding the gifts (check out my gift guides – for him pt. 1, for the hostess and for her; with more to come for ideas!) I love setting aside some time to wrap the gifts. It is such a nostalgic thing for me as I remember my dad always having me help him wrap gifts for my mom growing up. I’ve always had a love for the different papers, stationery, bows, and toppers – I guess I am a details kind of girl. Below I will break down how to make the most out of your time gift wrapping this holiday season.

1. Pick a cohesive theme

Pick a theme and stick with it! It can be a bit much with lots of different paper prints, my tip is to choose about 4 and use those for all of your gifts! Chose prints that you absolutely love and find beautiful. It is not necessary to buy every roll you see on sale or those value packs that look like a great deal. Chances are you will forget about them and buy more new ones next year which results in you spending even more money! I have found some beautiful papers at Hobby Lobby and even Target! I like to do a couple solids and a couple prints! That way it creates a curated look under your tree!

2. Spread it out

Now… you may be known to stay up until 2 am Christmas Eve finishing up your wrapping and that is fine. BUT, you are totally missing out on all the fun!!! Plan some time to sit down and wrap. What seems like a task may turn into a part of Christmas you treasure! I love taking my time wrapping each gift because it gives me time to think about WHY I am giving a gift. I have time to slow down and reflect on how grateful I am to have each person in my life! The Holidays can be such a busy season and it makes it all the more special when you slow it down  🙂

3. Make it Fun & Take your time

Whether it is turning on a Hallmark Christmas movie (can you tell I am a fan?!) or playing your favorite Christmas tunes, make your wrapping time fun! I love to light a candle (I love the bath and body works ones but this and this are my favorites to splurge on during the holidays! They actually fill your home with their wonderful scents and make the best gifts), turn on the tree, and make a warm cup of hot chocolate to enjoy while I am wrapping. It is like a fun tradition you can start with yourself! Take your time, it is way more fun if you don’t feel rushed and you your gift beautiful.

4. Personalize It

Add a topper, pretty ribbon, jingle bells or a gift tag! Adding a personal touch goes a long way. Whether it be on a cute mug or candle or something fancier, you can make anything look more luxurious by the way you present it! I love using cute ornaments from Target or Hobby Lobby to add to the top of a gift, it’s a cute touch that adds so much!

A quick tip – I keep all of my add-ons and wrapping accessories in a little basket for easy access. It helps cut down on a giant mess! I also keep a set of scissors, gift tape, and some pens in there! Finally, I have found the best way to keep my paper from getting torn is to tie a bit of twine around it and it keeps it secure!

And now onto my holiday playlist! Here are some of my very favorite songs to get me into the Christmas spirit:

• It’s Begining To Look A Lot Like Christmas – Michael Buble
• Cold December Night – Michael Buble
• Baby! It’s Christmas – Jessie James Decker
• Baby, It’s Cold Outside – Brett Eldredge
• Silent Night – Brett Eldredge
• Glow – Brett Eldredge
• It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year – Andy Williams
• Act II: Sugar Plum Fairy – George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
• The Nutcracker – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
• The First Noel (Remastered 1999) – Frank Sinatra
• Caroling, Caroling – Nat King Cole
• The Christmas Song – Nat King Cole
• Sleigh Ride – Ella Fitzgerald

I’d love to know your favorite Christmas song! Leave me a comment below 🙂

Thank you so much for reading, wishing you the best end to your week!

RW