My Favorite Holiday Trends + Traditions
The holidays are here, and there’s nothing I love more than embracing the season’s trends and celebrating cherished traditions. This year, I’ve found myself inspired by rich textures, timeless colors, and the warmth of family heirlooms. Let’s dive into my favorite holiday trends and traditions that make this time of year so magical.
Velvet Bows
One of my favorite holiday decorating elements this year has been velvet ribbons. There’s something so luxurious about their soft texture and vibrant sheen. My go-to brand for velvet ribbons is Flax & Twine—their quality and color selection are unmatched. Velvet ribbons are incredibly versatile: they can be wrapped around presents, tied into bows for wreaths, or draped gracefully on a Christmas tree.
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This year, I’ve also had fun incorporating a touch of sparkle with disco balls. These shiny, reflective ornaments blend seamlessly with my holiday decor, adding a playful and unexpected element. Whether they catch the twinkling lights of the tree or reflect the glow of candles, disco balls bring a little extra magic and whimsy to the season.
This Year’s Tree
Speaking of Christmas trees, I couldn’t resist sticking with a classic red theme for my tree this year. The bold color adds such a festive and cheerful vibe to the room, perfectly embodying the spirit of the season. Behind the tree hangs a family treasure: my great-grandma’s quilt. This quilt is a reminder of the generational tradition of quilting in my family and holds so much sentimental value.
Generational Quilting
My great-grandma’s quilt is truly a masterpiece. Can you imagine the time, skill, and love it took to hand-stitch each piece? Every square tells a story, and it’s a tangible connection to my family’s past. Quilting has been a tradition passed down through generations in my family, and it’s something I’ve embraced in my own way. Whether it’s through creating my own quilts or displaying heirlooms like this one, quilting adds a layer of nostalgia and warmth to my holiday decor.
Your New Favorite Holiday Dish
No holiday celebration is complete without delicious food, and this year I’m making classic potato latkes, inspired by the New York Times Cooking recipe. These crispy, golden pancakes are a crowd-pleaser and pair perfectly with a tangy dill dipping sauce. Here’s how you can make them:
Classic Potato Latkes
Ingredients:
2 pounds of russet potatoes, peeled
1 small onion
2 large eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
Grate the potatoes and onion using a box grater or food processor. Transfer to a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
In a large bowl, mix the grated potatoes and onion with the eggs, flour, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drop spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the hot oil and flatten gently with a spatula. Fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm.
Dill Dipping Sauce
Ingredients:
1 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt works best)
1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt, dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve alongside the latkes.
Combining Trends and Traditions
The beauty of the holidays is how they allow us to blend the new with the old. While trends like velvet ribbons bring a modern touch, traditions like displaying my great-grandma’s quilt keep me grounded in the stories and values that matter most. It’s this mix of past and present that makes the season so meaningful.
As the holiday season unfolds, I encourage you to reflect on your own favorite trends and traditions. Whether it’s a particular decor style, a cherished family recipe, or a sentimental heirloom, these elements make the holidays uniquely yours. Here’s to celebrating in style and creating memories that will be cherished for years to come!
