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Hello, hello!!! Hope you and your family had a very Merry Christmas. We had a great holiday, and it felt WONDERFUL to unplug for a few days. I purposely have been MIA from Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, all the things because I wanted to be PRESENT while my kids enjoyed their presents. And I have been getting a little bit overwhelmed with all the posts on perfect Christmas decorations, over the top gift wrapping reels, fancy outfits, allll the homemade food…honestly, it is a lot to scroll through day after day, especially during the holidays when we are all trying to live out our own highlight reel.
So. I took a step back. And actually got a bad cold/flu which reeeeally made my neuropathy pain go sky high. Not being able to sleep because you are in so much pain is no bueno. I had such bad chills/sweats, runny nose, headache, backache, all the things. But I tested negative for COVID, so there’s a silver lining. I just didn’t want the boys to see me in so much pain or worry about me when this is the most magical time of the year for them. So I do what moms do…put on a smile and suck it up. And I ended up taking a 4 HOUR NAP on Christmas. It was glorious. But that’s how I cope with my symptoms. Rest. Rest. And more rest. The boys just accept that and I even got some extra snuggles.
We had a very quiet holiday of just us four. This pandemic really knows how to spoil a good time. We have so much family nearby that we just could not see, but it also allowed us to just focus on us and have nowhere to go, nowhere to be, no one to see … it was actually really nice. Growing up, I remember always going to family parties and it was crazy with so much going on and I’m sure it was so stressful for my mom. Looking back now, I don’t know how she did it!
This week is such a weird time, right? John is working, the boys are out of school, we took Christmas decorations down this morning. It is peaceful. It’s clean. It’s quiet. The mantel is clear, the counters and tables are all back to normal, and I don’t hate it. I get easily overwhelmed by clutter, and it’s so therapeutic when I can put it all away, clean all the surfaces, it’s like a fresh start. A clean slate.
Do you enjoy this time between Christmas and New Years? We have no plans for NYE either, just us 4, probably not even making it awake til midnight. But we are going to order Chinese food and have a picnic on our living room floor and watch a movie or two on Disney+. What do you recommend? We are new to Disney+ so we have a lot of options!
What are your NYE traditions? Do you get dressed up? Stay cozy? Go out? Stay in? I love hearing from you and what your plans are!
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In the meantime, there are TONS of after Christmas sales for you to shop. The stores with Rakuten deals are where it’s at! If you missed my post on Rakuten, go HERE. Some of my favorites are:
Half Yearly Sale Starts Today!
Valid now through 1/2
TARTE
End of Year Sale Up to 60% off
Valid now through 12/30 3AM EST.
RAKUTEN is offering 10% cash back!
21% off the entire Bye Bye Collection
Valid for a limited time
RAKUTEN is offering 4% cash back!
GAP
Extra 60% off markdowns (like these joggers) for up to 70% off with code GREAT plus an extra 30% off with code ADDON. Restrictions Apply.
Valid 12/29 through 1/4
RAKUTEN is offering 6% cash back!
ADIDAS
Up to 40% off select styles
Valid now through 12/31
CARTER’S
Up to 70% off clearance
Valid for a limited time
RAKUTEN is offering 1% cash back
Up to 70% off clearance
Valid for a limited time
RAKUTEN is offering 1% cash back
SEPHORA
Extra 20% off sale items with code YEARENDSALE
Valid now through 1/1
RAKUTEN is offering 2% cash back
Extra 40% off sale styles use code EXTRA40
Valid now through 1/2
RAKUTEN is offering 3% cash back
Up to 70% off your order with code HOLLY
Valid now through 12/29 at 11:59 pm CST
RAKUTEN is offering 20% cash back!
ELEMIS
30% off holiday sets with code WISHLIST
Valid now through 1/3
RAKUTEN is offering 6% cash back!
MACY’S
Up to 65% off all furniture
Valid now through 1/2
RAKUTEN is offering 2% cash back!
J.CREW
Extra 50% off sale styles. Use code BIGSALE
Valid now through 12/30
RAKUTEN is offering 1% cash back!
20% off select boots & slippers online with code COZYFUN20
Valid now through 12/29
RAKUTEN is offering 1% cash back!
DSW
Koolaburra by UGG extra 25% off.
Valid through 1/9
SPERRY
Up to 50% off select styles
Valid now through 1/18
RAKUTEN is offering 3.5% cash back!
LOFT
Up to 60% off sale
Valid through 12/29
RAKUTEN is offering 2% cash back!
Up to 50% off thousands of styles
Valid through today, 12/28
If you know of any other deals, let me know so I can share with everyone!
Have a very merry and safe New Years, friends! There are big things ahead for 2022, I can’t wait to share my journey with you all.
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