Having a birthday right around Christmas is not ideal. I usually get my presents lumped together or forgotten about completely, since everyone is already so busy with the holiday craziness. I totally understand – I’m swamped too. But it still kind of sucks.

When I was a kid, most of my classmates couldn’t come to my birthday party. School was already out, families were away on holidays or they were just too busy balancing all the other Christmas parties. My mom was great though; she actually moved my birthday to the summer so we could have a big pool party. We still did a little family party on my actual birthday, but my best memories are camping out in the backyard with my girlfriends and having a big slumber party. So much fun!

Since I’m (technically) a grown-up now and not allowed to move my birthday to the summer, it’s especially nice to have a good boyfriend who makes the day special. He booked an appointment for a massage and then a haircut, some much needed pampering after the last two months. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect gift. Next we went out for lunch during which I snapped a pic of my new fab hair:

Second best gift? One that I bought for myself. hehe. I used one of my Amazon gift certificates to order Mark Ryden’s the Tree Show. It came a week or so ago, but I wouldn’t let myself open it up until yesterday. The oohing & ahhing & drooling continued well into the night.

And now? Back to work! I still have a few pendants and lockets left, so I’ll be doing a big Etsy update in between tidying the house and getting ready for family to arrive. Cookies must be baked, presents wrapped and some time needs to be set aside for watching the lights on the tree twinkle while drinking eggnog. Truth be told, I’m not a huge eggnog fan, so I’ll just take the rum instead.

Happy holidays everyone!