It was 1987, and I was in 5th grade. I was given the solo in the Christmas Concert (we called it that back then) and I was BEYOND nervous. I truly loved to sing, but was incredibly shy in a group of strangers. Some things never change ;)

For the occasion my mom sewed me a very special dress. The top was ivory satin with lace trim, and the bottom was made with the most beautiful, rich red velvet. Mom nailed it.

The song I sang was "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and I just adored this song. Between the dress, the song choice and my big sister styling my hair... I was ready to go.

That cutie in the pink dress and the hair clip next to me became one of my best friends in the world.

Ever since then, when I hear this song, I go back to the memories of my 10 year old self (don't you love how songs do that?) My favorite versions are by The Carpenters and James Taylor. I play them tirelessly on our Alexa in the kitchen as I cook dinner and wash dishes, just as my mom would do.

Of course I had to make this Christmas memory into a print, and now holiday cards. They are timeless, and some of my favorite holiday decor. When I see it not only do I feel festive, but I also feel so nostalgic. I am that terrified little girl, that put her nerves aside, made it happen and made herself really proud.

Do you have a holiday memory that you would like to have made into a print or cards?  I ADORE doing that for clients. Let me know! I recently designed one for a friend that accidentally would misspell "Ho, ho, ho" to "Oh, oh, oh" as a child.  We made her prints to give out as gifts this year and I can't wait to hear about how they react. How adorable is that?!?

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas, friends.  From me to you.

Don't forget about my holiday open house, this Saturday 12/8!