Christmas is a time of joy and happiness. A time to reminesce of childhood memories, the smell of fresh pine, and grandma’s recipes you allow yourself to splurge on once a year.

Love, laughter, and bright smiles have filled both Christmas Eve and Christmas morning for me. My favorite Christmas morning memories include hot cocoa and cinnamon rolls, my parents smiling with joy as they watch the excitement on my brothers and my face, and the quiet silence of warmth in the room.

I can’t tell you many of the gifts that I have received through the years, but I can recall the memories with those I love. The holidays are a joyous season for me. Nothing means more to me than quality time. The opportunity to treasure moments I may never have again.

I may be biased, however my mom makes the most perfect stuffing, homemade rolls, mashed potatoes and gravy, and pumpkin pie. Our family tradition has always been a Thanksgiving dinner repeat on Christmas Day. I look forward to this meal every year. Having lived on the east coast for the past three years, I have missed the smells of the kitchen, the sounds of my nieces and nephews beaming over their gifts, and my brothers laughing – mostly at my expense!

How grateful I am to have experienced incredible holiday memories at home. I always find myself tearing up slightly as I cherish these times. 2014 has been a year filled with moments for me. Actively engaged in making my “dream list” a reality, I have had some incredible experiences and the opportunity to meet some incredible individuals.

I am lucky enough to have friends and family across the country and around the world that I love and deeply respect. It is impossible for me to make a list, check it off, and ship gifts to all those who deserve something special with a tag from me to you. I have special memories, conversations, or realities with you all. All the money in the world cannot replace the things closest to my heart.

Social media is a big part of my business and I am so grateful for it as I get to keep up with all of you, your families, and your beautiful lives. There is not one of us that has it better than the other. Conversing with a childhood bestie a few weeks ago, we discussed how grateful we were to keep in touch. We all lead such different lives, have different goals, and different dreams, and it is perfect.

As I see all of your happy smiling faces, I will always recall the beautiful memories we share. As life gets busier and time flies by, I wish this season of joy a year to remember. Ups, downs, happiness, or sadness, has touched all of us in some way this year. I urge you to reflect on a moment that brought you ultimate joy and made you grin from ear to ear. As we all close out 2014 and start 2015, choose to spend time with the people who make your heart smile.

This year my gift to you is my “happy” playlist (via Hypster) found below this post. Enjoy! Love, laugh, cherish, and reminesce! Many of you will recognize “our song” or wonder “what the he11!” Whatever the case, may you be inspired to dream bigger in 2015!

Feel the magic! Merry Christmas and Feliz Navidad!

With Love,

Mandy