Here’s my first themed Friday link roundup! I’m also hoping to do a year-end/New Year’s one at the end of this month.
Music and Merriment:
Looking for a theme to your party? Last year, wedding photographers and bloggers Becca and Chris created and hosted a Harry Potter Yule Ball party. I love how much detail they put into their invitations and creative decor.
Staying on the Harry Potter theme, a British fan created a Harry Potter-themed Christmas tree.
Oncreating a stress-free holiday party.
Looking to view Christmas lights displays in your area? This database allows people to list their displays so others can find them.
Looking for an alternative to a live Christmas tree? Here are some ideas on this Pinterest board.
From Billboard: the most downloaded holiday songs in recent years.
From Billboard: the most downloaded holiday songs in recent years.
From Everyday Feminism: Christmas songs with feminist messages.
Season of Giving: Gift Guides
Gift ideas for the “grammar geek” in your life.
“Something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read.
And something to light up the world.” Gift Guide by Glennon Doyle Melton of Momastery.
And something to light up the world.” Gift Guide by Glennon Doyle Melton of Momastery.
Encouraging young feminists: Empowering gifts for girls.
Shop Blue: Maggie Mason of Mighty Girl created a compilation of items from shops run by women and minorities who are Democrats. On her regular blog, she also has suggestions for gifts for toddlers; gifts for babies; and gifts for the tea lover in your life.
Gift Guide for Highly Sensitive People & Introverts.
Donations + Supporting Causes and People You Love: I love how this gift guide from Design Sponge includes a variety of ideas, including: donations to causes, handmade gifts, subscriptions, and experiences.
Whether you’re donating in honor of someone for the holidays or doing your annual year-end giving, Charity Navigator has tips, ratings, and more.
Articles, tips, and more
This article is several years old, and still has relevant tips about how to minimize food waste during the holiday season.
A parent reflects on approaches to kids and gift-giving.
An article about being depressed and in mourning during the holidays.
Holiday tips for parents of kids with sensory processing disorder, from a blog and from an occupational therapist. Several ideas for sensory activities for the holidays:
Rachel Schneider’s take on surviving the holidays (and holiday vacations) as an adult with sensory processing disorder.
Tips for Introverts during the Holiday Season:
6 steps introverts can take to lessen their stress during this busy season.
Tips for introverts on dealing with holiday parties.
An introverted parent’s guide to surviving the holidays.
Need a break from the hustle and bustle?
Pictures of calming winter scenes.
A cute picture of two cats next to a Christmas tree.
closertohappiness 