419: Nine Favorite Things.

Writing from New York, but already feeling so excited to be heading home soon. This is my last work trip of the year, and while I’ve truly loved traveling—especially during the holiday season—I’m more than ready to settle in, take care of my family, and celebrate Christmas at home.

This year, more than ever, I feel such a strong desire to make the season feel special and relaxing for everyone. I’m dreaming up cozy dinners, hunting for just-right gifts, and crossing my fingers for a white Christmas. I have such a clear picture in my mind of what I want this Christmas to look and feel like, and for whatever reason, the pull to bring it all to life feels stronger than ever.

I’m not sure why, but I’m very much in a nurturing mindset right now. Some people might say it’s old-fashioned or even “too much,” but taking care of the people I love genuinely fills me up. It’s how I show love, and honestly, it’s what makes me the happiest. Of course, I know the importance of caring for myself too—but creating comfort for others is where I find the most joy.

So this season, I’m really leaning into that part of myself.

And this week…

I was able to do exactly that. We brought together over a hundred members of our community for the most beautiful, festive dinner in Chicago—our very first HBH Community holiday party. And I know it won’t be the last.

It was such a magical night, and I truly think everyone who joined felt it. What made it even more meaningful was knowing that all of the ticket proceeds are being donated to ACF+, one of the adoption agencies our family worked with when adopting my youngest brother, Oslo (more details and ways to donate are below).

I walked away from that dinner feeling incredibly full and grateful. It meant so much to be together in that way. I barely had my phone out all night, so I’m still waiting on photos and videos from the photographers—but I can’t wait to share them with you.

The next morning, I flew from Chicago to New York for this final trip of the year. And now, I’m officially counting down the hours until I’m home.

I feel so lucky to have so many of you showing up and supporting Half Baked Harvest every single day—it truly is the greatest gift.

This week will be spent at home doing all things CHRISTMAS CHEER! It really is the most magical and special time of the year. I hope you’re all soaking it in too!

Enjoy one of the last Favorites posts of the year!

1. Things I’m Loving.

playing…holiday puzzles and games! Soon it will be time to shut the screens and enjoy this special holiday with family and friends. I love a festive puzzle and found some cute ones this year. Ordered this Snowfall on Main Street Foil Puzzle and Snowfall Over New York City, love all the holiday puzzles they sell. Super cute!

wanting…every piece from the Polo Ralph Lauren Team USA collection. Most pieces are completely sold out already! But their website says they will be available again in early January. On my to purchase list, the Team USA Full-Zip High-Pile Fleece. You’d think my younger brother, Red, would have special access, but nope. No such luck! We’ll have to wait till January!

even more stocking stuffers…adding this Bourbon Pecan Pie Chocolate Bar from Compartés.

shopping…Christmas gift wrap! Aspen and Arlo has the CUTEST wrapping.

gifting…Zadro Towel Warmer. Something I personally would love, but wouldn’t buy for myself. The ideal gift to be given.

everything in my cart (low)…a beautiful Wool Blend Short Coat With Scarf. These cozy sweaters: the Jacket Cardigan, Brushed Jacquard Knit Jumper, and Alpaca Jacquard Jumper (from the Ski Collection).

plus these  Tall Boots With Topstitching. All from Zara!

also, from Zara, fun winter accessories. Love this Ribbed Knit Hood, High Collar Knit Scarf, and Tall Wool Blend Socks.

Plus, a pretty Leather City Bag too!

listening to…Money, Power & Confidence: A New Playbook for Women ft. Maggie Sellers Reum.

and…our Christmas playlist.

gifting…the Limited Edition: The Skinny Confidential x Heaven Mayhem.

gifting…With Heart: St. Jude – fresh rose and lily bouquet. Throughout December, $10 of each of these bouquets will go toward St. Jude’s. Make sure you order by December 23rd if you want these to arrive on Christmas Eve.

The best holiday pajamas…

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>stocking suffer for mom and Asher…the RAKxa Wellness Spa at St Regis Aspen. Perfect for weekends spent in Aspen this winter. I need to jump in on this too!

also for mom’s stocking…these HEATTECH Ultra Warm Leggings. Cozy!

everything in my cart (beauty)…the Maybelinne SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick (in Pioneer). Used this for a holiday Friday night in New York and it stayed on all night!

gifting everyone Rhode this Christmas, the Glazing Milk Ceramide Facial Essence, Barrier Restore Cream Comforting Daily Moisturizer, or I might do the Mini Rhode Kit Glazed Skincare Essentials, which includes all my favorites!

everything in my cart (high)…this festive Checked Teddy Jacket from Miu Miu. And a Cotton Canvas Fur Jacket from Source Unknown.

sharing…34 of the Best Christmas Cookie Recipes and 36 Festive Dinners to Cook This Holiday Season.

2. Holiday Recipes for Entertaining.

Most Popular: Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread

Runner-up: Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates

Also have to mention: Crispy Prosciutto and Cheese Sliders

The Cheeseboard: Christmas Tree Cheese Board

For Snacking: Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Puff Pastry Twists

The Best Dip: Whipped Goat Cheese Candied Bacon Dip

See More: Our Most Popular Holiday Appetizers

3. Last Minute Gifts.

4. The Most Meaningful Gift of the Season.

I wanted to take a moment to share something incredibly special to our family.

ACF+ is an organization we connected with through the adoption of my little brother, Oslo. They support medically complex children and help them find permanent, loving homes. Their work is truly life-changing, and it means so much to all of us.

On Tuesday night in Chicago, we hosted an HBH Community event, and Raptive generously covered all of the costs so that the full $30 ticket donation could go directly to ACF+. Thank you to everyone who joined us—you helped make such a meaningful impact.

If you weren’t able to be there but would still like to support ACF+, you can use the link here or scan the QR code below. Even a small donation truly helps.

Thank you so much for listening and for always supporting the causes that are close to our hearts.

5. Final Trip of the Year – Chicago to New York.

the communities shared Instagram stories

6. Homemade Holidays.

For years, I shared a Homemade Holidays series every December—posting homemade holiday crafts and gift ideas each Sunday before Nine Favorite Things. I truly loved creating that content, and lately I’ve found myself really wanting to bring some of it back.

Below, I’m sharing a few of my favorite Homemade Holiday ideas from years past. I still love these so much—and honestly, I think I need to do an updated gift-wrapping post soon!

Fun fact: the Christmas Potpourri post is one of my most-viewed posts of all time. So crazy! I first shared it back in 2014, and it’s still one of my favorites to this day.

A Christmas Cookie Swap

Christmas Gift Wrapping Ideas

(I LOVE wrapping a beautiful gift)

Make the House Smell Like Christmas

(one of my favorite Christmas crafts to date)

Glittered Gingerbread Christmas Tree Ornaments

(I make these every year and gift them – they’re the cutest)

Coziest Homemade Hot Toddy Kit

(I’m going to share an updated kit soon!)

Holiday Gifting: Homemade Simple Syrups

(a gift for the friend who loves to mix a cocktail)

The Gift of a Christmas Scent (Homemade Holiday Potpourri)

(a great hostess gift)

Snowy, Sparkly Pine Cone Ornaments

(these are so fun! I need to make them with Asher and Oslo)

7. Favorite Links.

90+ DIY Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas

10 Genius Gift-Wrapping Hacks You’ll Be Glad You Learned Before Christmas

What Are Your Family Christmas Traditions?

DIY Holiday Decorations And Other Festive Craft Ideas

What Foods Are Meaningful to You?

Want to Give a Gift That Counts? Seven Ways to Donate and Volunteer

24 Insanely Easy Micro-Habits That Will Change Your Life

It’s the Year of Body Care—Here’s How to Build an Effective Routine

Simple Steps That Help You Feel Effortlessly Put Together Without Trying

We Asked 18 Designers: What Kitchen Cabinet Style Will Rule in 2026?

8. Wintery Style Finds.

holiday party looks

9. This Week’s Dinners + Weekend Eats.

Monday: Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti

Tuesday: Red Wine Braised Short Ribs

Wednesday: Creamy Balsamic Mushroom Chicken Marsala

Thursday: Crockpot Crispy Pork Ramen

Friday: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Saturday: Spicy Pomegranate Ginger Paloma

Sunday: Frosted Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls