I am SO excited to show you my new ‘limited edition’ charm that I designed for bcharmed! Ok… so it just came in the mail, and I got it on Friday… and I haven’t taken it off since I got it! I adore it!
In October, the bcharmed folks contacted me and asked me if I’d be willing to design a charm for Christmas, and immediately my favorite ‘Santa’ image popped into my mind. One side is Santa himself with a red and white chevron pattern in the background, and the other side says “holly jolly”. The charm is 1.25” circle, and has a couple little gems dangling as well! I love how Santa’s beard kinda sparkles with clear glitter and there is a little gem on the back in the Holly Jolly.
They asked me to write a little blurb about the charm
When I was asked to create a keepsake charm for Christmas, I immediately thought of this cheery Santa. This cute guy was a part of a vintage collection of holiday seals that belonged to my great-grandmother. He reminds me of the Christmas magic I knew as a child--a time filled with wonder, and magic, and pure child-like joy! It's that same little piece of magic I love to see in my own children's eyes... and even allow myself to believe in as I give in (sometimes reluctantly) to the season of giving and love. Truth be told, Christmas stresses me out. So many things going on, and every year it weighs me down. I wanted a piece of jewelry that I could wear the whole season as a reminder to BE "holly jolly". I hope that when people wear this happy charm they will be filled with the joy that comes from giving, and the magic that comes only from the true meaning of Christmas.
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if you are anything like me, and you need a constant reminder to turn on the 'holly jolly' (i woke up this morning needing an extra dose of "jolly" and "holly"... i have been working like a mad-woman on other-than-christmas projects for the last 3 days, so i need to dig deep to make some magic here around my house. we did have a new friend arrive "Elvis" the Elf.. my kids were SO excited, and have been wispering all kinds of secrets they want him to tell santa!
ok... my friends at bcharmed have given me a "Holly Jolly" Charm to give away to one of my bloggy friends! so i am opening my comments here on my blog today- and Thursday i will be choosing a lucky winner and someone will have this beautiful and happy charm to hang on your neck through this holiday season, and be a sweet tradition each year!
if you want to purchase one of these GORGEOUS charms for yourself, and your bestie... and maybe your daughter...it's only $25... click HERE
please leave a comment, and share with me what YOU do to shake the holiday blues... and stay 'holly jolly'?!
We are so overwhelmed with non-Christmas activities during Dec as well, so it is very important and necessary for us to slow down the pace in the evening and focus on Christmas. We do a few different things to regroup. We like to read Christmas stories in the evening. Have a pie ready to enjoy after everyone is back at the house from various activities. We simply try to make a reason to come together in the evening and devote some time to family and Christ.
Posted by: Arrica Martin | December 06, 2011 at 11:37 AM
It took me a while to figure out I had to "sign in" to leave a comment. I guess I'm first. I LOVE the necklace. Your link to purchase does not seem to be working--for me anyway. Thanks for the chance to win and good luck staying "holly jolly" this season!
Posted by: Theresa | December 06, 2011 at 11:38 AM
Necklace is adorable (and when I took the mouse paper scissors class, the santa quickly became my favorite too)
I rarely have the holiday blues - this is one of my favorite times of the year. I keep bits and pieces of Christmas out year round,a few Santas and a Baby Jesus, to remind us of the 'kid in all of us' and also of what's important in life. Today I put myself in timeout - went to Starbucks with my kindle and took time for me. I think we all need to take care of ourselves so we are better able to take care of those around us and stay "Holly Jolly"
Posted by: Pam Meeks | December 06, 2011 at 11:43 AM
I listen to Christmas music, always puts me in the perfect happy mood!
Posted by: Michelle Huegel | December 06, 2011 at 11:44 AM
When I get overwhelmed, I take a step back, listen to Christmas hymns, count my blessings and look for ways to reach out to others who might be going thru trials or sickness our hardship and try to find a way to cheer them. Everyone should feel the Savior's love during this time. The Santa charm is darling, btw!
Posted by: Lori Turner | December 06, 2011 at 11:48 AM
Hi Heidi! Cute, cute charm! Love that it has some GLITTER ... sparkle is a must for the holidays, right?!
To be "holly jolly", I load-up my iPod with fave Christmas music ... Mannheim Steamroller, Mariah Carey, and John Denver & The Muppets! I drive around town getting gifts and running errands, make Christmas cards, and decorate all to the sound of these tunes! Thanks!
Posted by: susanlepore.blogspot.com | December 06, 2011 at 11:49 AM
What a darling necklace! I'd be so honored to wear it this holiday season!! All the talk of Christmas music is making me sad I forgot my iPod today.
Posted by: Amyklaire.blogspot.com | December 06, 2011 at 11:51 AM
I love it!!! I like to snuggle up in pajamas with some peppermint cocoa and watch Miracle on 34th Street! It usually puts me in a Christmassy mood!
Posted by: Christa Allgood | December 06, 2011 at 11:56 AM
What a beautiful charm! You did a great job designing it, Heidi!
I love me some Christmas music to get me in a "Holly Jolly" mood! It sounds funny but the CD we always listened to as kids was the Alabama Christmas album and the "Thistlehair the Christmas Bear" song will take me right back every time!
Posted by: Tifany DeGough | December 06, 2011 at 11:56 AM
I love the Santa charm--you did a great job. Would love to wear it this year. Thanks for the opportunity to win it.
Posted by: Phyllis | December 06, 2011 at 11:56 AM
I have a hard time enjoying the holidays as well, but I do have to admit that if I sit down long enough to watch the Grinch, I do have to smile. I'm still Grinchy, but at least I have a buddy in Grinchieness.
Posted by: www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawlsIl4OnafevAib2sI7nthXJ9nYYswRNEE | December 06, 2011 at 12:00 PM
I recognize that Santa…. What do I do? Well December is nutty for us…it is my birthday, my teenage daughter's b'day, we do Hanukkah and Christmas… I listen to Christmas Music, drink Cinnamon tea (2 bags per cup) and take a deep breath.
Posted by: Danee Kaplan | December 06, 2011 at 12:02 PM
Love that image, it's a great charm!
Posted by: Cathy Kennedy | December 06, 2011 at 12:08 PM
What a sweet vintagey charm. I started my Christmas baking, so now I finally feel in the Christmas mood.
Posted by: Kelly Oblak | December 06, 2011 at 12:13 PM
I crank up the Christmas music and dance around with Isabelle (my 2 year old)! She LOVES to dance and it gets me in the spirit!!
Posted by: Karalyn Burnside | December 06, 2011 at 12:18 PM
I like Holly and Jolly - and the Santa is so cute!
Posted by: me for 1 | December 06, 2011 at 12:18 PM
Hello there Heidi! I just LOVE this Santa-I have been "using" him a lot from our MPS class. THank you! :) I have always enjoyed the holidays and this year to avoid the "stressed" and overwhelmed feeling I have challenged myself to see this ENTIRE SEASON thru our 3 daughters eyes-I must admit it is pretty darn exciting! You did a beautiful job on the charm!
Posted by: Teri Depoali | December 06, 2011 at 12:19 PM
I love to put some music on and bake Christmas cookies.
Posted by: D | December 06, 2011 at 12:22 PM
The Christmas hussle and bustle can be a little stressful at times. Especially when there is not enough time in the day. I have to remind myself that its ok if the house is not cleaned. Spending time with my little ones is more important than getting the dishes done.
Posted by: Cristina | December 06, 2011 at 12:25 PM
I saw this the other day when you received it. It is SOOOOOO perfect for the holidays. I am currently getting ready to put on a CD while I start to clean the kitchen. That and chocolate are my go to fixes when I am feeling blue. I am out of chocolate, so the CD will hopefully do the job! Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Becky Scott | December 06, 2011 at 12:27 PM
What a cute charm...love the vintage stuff! Don't get the holiday blues until it's all over and then try to find something else to occupy my time...seems like the holidays are here and over quicker every year!
Posted by: Lorie | December 06, 2011 at 12:29 PM
What a darling charm! Turning on the Holly Jolly is so hard these days with the stress of getting ready for the big day. The one thing I do to keep the Jolly around is see how excited my daughters get when I do something Christmassy for them... whether it's making a chain of snowflakes they can count down the days or drawing some Santa pictures they can color and cut out and play with all day. It really does help to focus on the small things. What a fun giveaway!!
Posted by: Amanda Tibbitts | December 06, 2011 at 12:33 PM
Hi Heidi !!
Love the charm - and the story behind it. Me to. I am disillusioned by what Christmas has become. I longed for that childhood wonder & excitement ... so I started a craft swap with 9 other creative souls. I didn't know them all really well but they were friendly happy customers of mine so i invited them to join me - and they did !! We just had our 4th annual ! It is like a cookie swap but you make something - anything. Cards, ornaments, decorations, jam, baking, cookbook, ... whatever you wish. The happy thing is the items are made lovingly and are given from the heart. It is wonderful & exciting & inspiring !! I love it !!
Posted by: Uptomyassinlife.blogspot.com | December 06, 2011 at 12:34 PM
Love the charm and to de-stress I like to grab all of my kids, snuggle up, turn off all the lights, turn on the Christmas Tree lights and turn on Christmas music. Its peaceful :)
Posted by: Aimee Snyder | December 06, 2011 at 12:44 PM
Christmas is my most favorite holiday and sometimes I get blue when I don't have time/money/energy or whatever to go all out for it sometimes. I keep the blues away by planning early and by finding a little way every day to celebrate Christmas.
Posted by: Elizabeth Guerra | December 06, 2011 at 01:17 PM