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There are few times that call for background music quite like the Thanksgiving holiday does. Peeling potatoes, setting tables and relaxing with friends just sound better with a few choice musical notes living in out ears. Last year I created a Thanksgiving playlist bursting with crooners (listen here for a super festive holiday) but this year we're channeling an indie vibe.

♫ spotify

Old Pine // Ben Howard
To Build A Home // The Cinematic Orchestra
Stubborn Love // The Lumineers
Big Light // Houses
Two Of Us On The Run // Lucius
Big Parade // The Lumineers
The Trapeze Swinger // Iron & Wine
You Are The Best Thing // Ray LaMontange
Tongue Tied // Grouplove
Food Is Still Hot // Karen O & The Kids
Magic Clouds // Sharon Van Etton
Winter Winds // Mumford & Sons
White Winter Hymnal // Fleet Foxes
For You // Angus & Julia Stone
24-25 // Kings of Convenience
Hold On // Angus & Julia Stone
The Wolves // Ben Howard
Go Home // Lucius

image via wit + delight

We're smack dab in the middle of my favorite time of year on the blog (and in real life). Prepare for things to get pretty festive up in here! While I gear up for Thanksgiving (we already celebrated the first "friendsgiving" out of three) and Christmas (hopefully a quiet celebration at home is on the agenda), I wanted to kick off the season of gift guides and party outfits with a little bit of intention.

wear // Frost may not be the most fun part of November & December but over-sized kits, cozy coats and hats in all shapes and sizes (my newest obsession) make holiday dressing my favorite. Bring on the layers!

make // I've be seeing organic looking holiday wreaths everywhere this year and I love the touch of festivity they add to any space. These beauties are able to remain timeless and expertly avoid the overly tacky tinsel that usually comes along with this time of year. A homemade version would be beautiful with some seeded eucalyptus.

eat // Last night Lo & I partied hard with our friends (Mr. Jackson had to work late...) and I have to say, Friendsgiving is definitely the way to go! Usually Thanksgiving is surrounded by stress, bickering family and the need to outdo each other around the table but a potluck style meal with our new crew completely restored my love of the holiday. I vote every holiday meal (and coffee break) be spent with friends.

rest // Even though my calendar is packed with fun shoots, creative projects and holiday prep, I'm making a conscious effort to prioritize rest this season. Lots of sleep would be such a nice treat (I'll let you know if I actually manage to get any winks in) and some time spent daydreaming and curating inspiration are necessities if I'm going to keep sane until 2015.

love // There's something about the cold that makes love that much sweeter. Fresh off of our engagement, I've never felt closer to Mr. Jackson. I can't wait to enjoy all of the extra cuddling these next few months! We haven't yet started planning the big day but rest assured that I'll be sharing all of the fun details along the way.

REMEMBER: The holidays are about magic, fun and love! As difficult as it can be to stay in the moment (without getting wrapped up... HA... in presents, holiday parties and obligations), it's important to soak up all of the joy.

p.s. If you're struggling I suggest checking out my tips for surviving the holidays here.

Now that we're well into November (where is this year going, seriously?!) it's time to start obsessing about the holidays... after all, it's my favorite time of year! With Thanksgiving (or the new-to-us concept of "Friendsgiving") right around the corner, my brain is filled to the brim with gift lists, turkey recipes and that special kind of brain fog that only comes when the weather starts to chill and shops start proudly displaying holiday decor. Don't judge me (it's okay, I'm judging me) but we already weaved Christmas lights throughout our back patio and lined up our stockings just so. I've taking to telling everybody it was because of Lorelai's request but the truth is, one month is just not enough time for holiday spirit.

Even though this season can be exciting, it can also be incredibly easy to stress out and become overwhelmed. My biggest challenge during this time of year is always trying to remember to savor the experience, soak up the joy and make the most of cheer, holiday parties and the way Lo's little face lights up on Christmas morning. Here's what I'm constantly trying to do:

celebrate the season // Fall & Winter are so magical! Where there was once sticky weather and the feeling that any amount of clothes was too much, there are now chunky fall knits, the scent of a chill in the air and the promise of snow. My favorite fruits and veggies are in season (apple + pumpkin everything!) and the world has never looked more beautiful. Although it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of presents, trimmings and family, try to remember that this time of year is a gift!

think like a child // There is nothing quite like experiencing the holidays through the eyes of a child. Ever since Lorelai joined our little family, this season has meant so much more than it did in previous years. Everything is new and exciting again and it's my responsibility (read: honor) to make sure everything is just as magical as it can possibly be. Try to celebrate this time as though you are looking through three-year-old glasses. Enjoy festive music/movies (no matter how cheesy), get excited for Christmas morning and savor each winter day with excitement... they're fleeting!

make time for yourself // When the wind gets dry and the urge to hibernate sets in your mind, body & soul need extra pampering. I know how hard it can be to juggle gift-shopping, holiday baking and hopping from one event to another but remember to take time to care for yourself. An extra nourishing soak, an indulgent moisturizer or a few minutes to collect your thoughts and reflect are all perfect ways to freeze time and not get lost in the shuffle.

create a nest at home // Something about this time of year makes me want to snuggle up and spend as much time in our home as possible. With holiday decorations already cropping up in our space and frightful temperatures starting outside, I'm finding it all the more appealing inside. Add festive vignettes here and there and really nurture your home during these few months of celebration. It'll be nice to have a cozy safe-haven to retreat to once all of those cocktail parties have come to a halt each night.

get organized //  The hardest part about Thanksgiving & Christmas (or whatever celebrations you have around the corner) is staying organized. Since I'm definitely a type-A personality, my day planner, iCal and tons of lists are my saviors during the holidays! I keep track of everything from people to buy for to turkey day grocery lists, addresses for mailing out holiday correspondence and fun things I want to do with Lo before this season has passed.

Most importantly, remember to have fun! Do you have any tips for staying sane this season?

pottery barn "j" ornament, anthropologie pom pom garland