The best nutcracker craft (for under $10!), the holiday book we can't stop reading and more mom chit-chat <3
Plus, our four favorite holiday dresses.
Hi mamas! I hope you had a great long Thanksgiving weekend and if you’re in the Northeast, I hope you’re enjoying the snow (we’re about to head out for some pre-nap time sledding ourselves!).
Yesterday was a snow day, Florence’s first ever snow related school cancelation, and I have a whole new respect for how snow days are a bit different as a parent (shout out to my mom and dad!)…but if you lean into the chaos, they’re a whole lot of fun, too.
FLORENCE’S FOUR FAVES: Hanna Andersson
One thing I love about Substack is how I’ve connected with moms near and far. One Mom Mail reader I met right here (hi, Shannon!) happens to work at one of our forever-favorite brands, Hanna Andersson, and she sent us some beautiful seasonal pieces to test out for y’all.
I tried my best not to add to your email inboxes during the the Black Friday / Cyber Monday chaos, but now that the dust has settled, we had to pop in and share four favorite dresses that feel quintessentially festive.
Santa Photos: Corduroy Wrap Dress - This 100% combed cotton corduroy dress is totally an heirloom piece you’ll want to pass down. I love the neutral base with pops of classic red, a nostalgic look for our photos with Santa next week. This style also comes in a solid red with pink piping detail. Shop Here
Christmas Day: Fair Isle Sweater Dress - Warm and cozy for Christmas Day, after wearing PJs into the afternoon, of course! I sized up on this one because I feel the heart print will be great for Valentine’s Day in a few months, too. Shop Here
School Celebrations: Holiday Skater Dress - This dress style is our go-to for school (soft and stretchy + they wash great!) so we snag a few new prints every time Florence sizes up. She’s currently obsessed with dresses that have pockets (aren’t we all?!), and I love how easily these pair with coordinating HA leggings. This time around we picked the unicorn forest print, which is subtly holiday but can easily be worn into the new year, but they also have a red bow design and poinsettia pattern for more festive vibes. Shop Here
Holiday Parties: Long Sleeve Bubble Dress - This dress is comfy for the littles while still looking dressed up making it perfect for holiday dinners and parties. I chose the cherry color which is a beautiful, deep maroon but it is also available in a scarlet red and navy blue. (It comes in baby sizes for the littlest girlies, too!) Shop Here
I realized while writing this that Florence has worn Hanna Andersson in our Christmas card the last two years, in 2023 it was the ‘Dear Deer’ onesie and sweater dress set (shop similar here) and a cute plaid skater dress last year (shop similar here). Both outfits (see below!) were gifts from my mom who has been shopping the brand since the ‘90s. <3
TRY THIS: Paint-Your-Own Nutcrackers
An easy and low-cost craft is decorating these wooden nutcrackers (you can get five of them for less than $7!) from Michaels. Also PSA, if you didn’t know, you can order for curbside pickup so you don’t have to deal with the chaos that is a Michaels store during the holiday season.
We used leftover paint from a Target craft, but you could use any paint or even markers to have your kiddoes decorate. I don’t remember the last time I painted something, but Flora convinced (demanded) that I paint one too, and honestly it was almost therapeutic. Add Christmas music, hot chocolate, and you have an easy (and cheap!) holiday craft that can easily occupy that post sundown time before bed.
SOCIAL SCROLL:
From my saved folder → to you 💌
MOM MAIL BOOK CLUB: The Nutcracker
It has been all things nutcracker at our house since we attended a local ballet company’s performance a few weeks ago.
We have been starting our day with watching the 1993 New York City Ballet movie version (classical music pairs so much better with my coffee than any of Flora’s fave kid shows) and she can’t take her eyes off of it — video proof below.
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And every night Florence requests that we read Jan Brett’s book version, which has the most magical illustrations. Pair this beautiful hardcover story with a cute stuffed nutcracker or themed pajamas and it’s a truly festive package for the holidays.
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Xo, Mads