Welcome, sweet friends, to ON THE LIST!

I am such a list maker, so what better way to talk about my favorites than by… making lists about them? ON THE LIST is meant to be a fun, casual space to share and chat about all the things. I love, love, love pop culture, fashion, athletic gear—you name it. I could go on and on. And honestly? I probably will. 😊

That’s how ON THE LIST was born—a cheeky, stand-alone, bi-weekly little pick-me-up filled with all the things, both trending and classic. It’s a snapshot of my world—the things that make me happy, bring me joy, and truly fill my bucket. And honestly, who doesn’t love a good chat sesh about all the things?

My hope is for this to feel like a coffee (or cocktail) conversation—just in list form. It may take a few tries to find its rhythm, but I’m excited about where ON THE LIST can go.

And since it’s Christmas week, it feels like the perfect time to chat about where we are right now—my favorites for this special season. So what am I freaking waiting for? Time for a little merry, right? 🎄✨

Let’s talk Christmas books—children’s books. Our collection includes stories from when I was little, along with ones we bought for Marin and Tucker. They’ve been tucked away in storage for a few years, and honestly, I think as the kids got older we just forgot to pull them out. Kinda crazy, right?

I just rediscovered the container they’re stored in, and it felt like opening a treasure chest. Pure magic. So many memories, all at once.

Here are a few of my favorites from our collection: ✨📚

• The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson– one of the best! It was also adapted into a play. I was lucky enough to perform that play when I was in middle school. I think it was middle school. Seriously, what a fun and lovely story!
• You are My Miracle by Maryann Cusimano Love and Satomi Ichhikawa-creators of You are My I Love You. We have both of these books…they are heartwarming.
• The Sweet Smell of Christmas by Patricia Scarry-it has scratch and sniff scents inside…this was a book my Mom would read to me when I was little. I LOVED it so much the scratch and sniffs had no smell left. The book was so worn we parted with it. When Marin was born I hunted for a new copy and found one!
• The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore-A classic that most of us know, some probably by heart. I it read all season but on Christmas Eve is the one thing that is read right before bed.
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss-of course, right? A Christmas book collection is not complete without this one, right?

Classic list, I know. I’m a true child of the ’80s, and my top four? I actually saw them in theaters when they were first released. I love them for the memories they bring flooding back from my childhood—and let’s be honest, they’re just plain genius.

I tend to stay firmly in the classic Christmas movie lane. Hallmark Christmas movies don’t really spark me much. Any others you’d add to the list?

Music. Christmas is made by music, isn’t it? The songs of the season instantly put you in the holiday spirit. They add a little pep to your step and somehow make everything feel more festive. December basically becomes one long playlist… and honestly, for some of us, it starts way earlier than that.

And this season? I can’t blame anyone for spreading Christmas cheer and singing loud for all to hear—Elf quote, obviously.

I love a good cheesy pop song, and cheesy Christmas pop songs? Chef’s kiss. But the classics… they hit the heart. Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Eartha Kitt, Dean Martin—they are the season for me.

Just a few of my favorites below—because truly, there are way too many to count. 🎶✨

• Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree-Brenda Lee
• The Christmas Song-Nat King Cole
• It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year-Andy Williams
• Santa Baby-Eartha Kitt
• Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas-Judy Garland
• Santa Claus Is Coming to Town-Frank Sinatra

This time of year, there are more favorite, memory-making moments than I can count—most of them happening right within the walls of our home. It’s also the season that brings me right back to everything my mom did to make Christmas feel truly magical for my sister, me, and all the friends who filled our house.

From polishing all the sterling silver to creating a Christmas Eve table that felt stunning and special for everyone gathered around it, she always went above and beyond. She wove pieces of our British family heritage into the recipes she chose, and without even realizing it at the time, she was creating traditions that would last a lifetime.

I have gone on to continue her traditions as well as start new ones with Marc. Giving Marin and Tucker the best of their Mimmy as well as the best of us. Hoping they take the memories we have created for them into their adult lives and add to them.

Ending this first ON THE LIST with a list of GLIMMERS. I love GLIMMERS. They are little pieces of life that seem ordinary. They maybe things you seriously don’t even notice but if you pause and become still, you will. With your attention they then become extraordinary. Look for the GLIMMERS this week-they will only enhance your holiday in the most wonderful and lovely way.

MERRY MERRY AND HAPPY HAPPY TO YOU ALL!!