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Well friends, the holiday is upon us! Bring on the eggnog sipping, tearing through wrapping paper and hours spent catching up with family. Staying in this Christmas? I've got the indie tunes to keep you cheery all week long.

♫ spotify

Winter Song // The Head And The Heart
Avalanche // Handsome and Gretyl
The Christmas Waltz // She & Him
By The Fireside //  Ellen And The Escapades
Tracks In The Snow // The Civil Wars
Winter's Night // Joshua Hyslop
Two Turtle Doves // Alana Henderson
Grizzly Bear // Angus & Julia Stone
I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day // The Civil Wars
Sleigh Ride // Shel
Winter Moon // Mindy Gledhill
Burst Noel // Malcom Middleton
Sleet and Snow // My First Tooth
Staring At The Stars - Acoustic // Passenger
The Fear // Ben Howard
Winter // Caroline

p.s. Looking for something with a little more jingle? Last year's playlist is full of classic songs!

p.p.s. I'm sharing our Christmas traditions over on Fashiony Fab today. Hope on over to Maru's blog to see what the holiday looks like for my little family.

20+ gifts for the hard to shop for but dying for a treat men on your list...

Native Union USB Cable, Daniel Wellington Watch, Land By Land Travel Candle, Tivoli Audio Speaker, J.W. Hulme Co. Key Fob, Marshall Speaker, Etude Studio Hat & Mr. Kim Beanie via East Dane

NPW Dominoes Set, Wallace & Barnes Wool Blanket, Graf & Lantz Pouches, J.Crew Leather Flask, J.Crew Woodsman Sweater, Mast Brothers Vanilla & Smoke Chocolate Bar, Izola Handkerchief Set, J.Crew Lambswool Scarf (30% off with code HOLIDAYTREAT), J.Crew Leather Work Gloves (30% off with code HOLIDAYTREAT), Rochester Shoe Tree Co. Leather Care Kit, Los Poblanos Gift Set, The Hill-Side Card Holder & Montague Leather Satchel

Aren't men the hardest on your list to shop for? I always have the most trouble picking out gifts that Mr. Jackson won't return (oops... that's happened on a few separate occasions). Add a father, brother, grandpa and bro-friends to the list and it starts to get a little overwhelming! My strategy when tackling the choosier sex is usually the same. Splurge on good-quality necessities (like a sweater, gloves and personal care items) that he might otherwise save on. Men will almost always choose practicality over frivolity (unless we're talking gadgets, then all bets are off) and why not beat him to the punch with styles you can actually stand?

p.s. Check out my 2013 gift guide for the fellas here.

shop gifts for him

other festive posts:
the holiday edit
how to survive the holidays
holiday gift guide: decor
holiday gift guide: littles
holiday gift guide: for her

shop all of my holiday picks via pinterest

p.p.s. I am participating in an ongoing partnership with Shopbop & East Dane, however, all opinions and words are my own. It is my policy to only select goods and companies that I truly believe in and wish to share with you. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Chelsea & The City possible.

Is it just me or is the month of December flying by this year? I'm trying my hardest to focus on the season and create a festive home filled with Christmas crafts and brown paper packages (bonus points if they're tied up with string) but I've been so swamped with work projects that I'm not quite in the holiday spirit... yet. There's nothing like a moodboard to get me inspired (#bloggerproblems). Now I'm pumped to finish my shopping, add another couple of pine branches around our house and cozy up with my little family. What does December feel like to you?

For more inspiration follow me on Pinterest & Tumblr.