VLOGMAS DAY 2 – Making Cookies, Decorating Our Tree, & Get Ready With Me

Welcome back to Vlogmas Day 2, everyone! I’m so excited you’re here because today was seriously packed with all the festive, cozy vibes. If Day 1 was the warm-up, Day 2 is where the magic really kicked in. We had a full day planned — making Christmas cookies, decorating our tree, and a little “get ready with me” moment for a holiday party later. Let’s jump right in!

Morning Coffee & Planning the Day

I woke up this morning to the sound of soft Christmas music (thank you, Spotify playlists!) and the smell of pine from our new wreath. It instantly put me in the festive mood. After making my coffee — a peppermint mocha, of course — I sat down at the kitchen table to plan the day.
The goal? Balance fun with productivity. I wanted to bake cookies before noon, decorate the tree in the afternoon, and then have enough time to film a casual “Get Ready With Me” as I got dressed up for a small holiday gathering with friends.

Making Christmas Cookies

First up: cookie baking!
I pulled out my go-to recipe book and decided on three types of cookies: classic sugar cookies, chocolate crinkles, and gingerbread men. I love how making different types fills the house with that nostalgic smell of spices, chocolate, and butter.

I started by prepping all the ingredients:

  • Flour, sugar, brown sugar
  • Butter, eggs, vanilla extract
  • Cocoa powder, molasses, cinnamon, nutmeg

After preheating the oven, I got to work mixing the doughs. I made the sugar cookie dough first since it needed time to chill before rolling out.
Then, onto the chocolate crinkles — if you’ve never made them, they’re magical. You roll the chocolate dough into balls, coat them in powdered sugar, and when they bake, they “crack” into the prettiest designs.
Finally, I whipped up the gingerbread dough, which made the kitchen smell unbelievable. The combination of molasses and ginger is the essence of December.

While the cookies baked, I played a Christmas movie in the background (today’s choice: The Holiday – a classic!) and cleaned up a bit. Once the cookies were ready, I set up a little decorating station. I laid out icing bags, sprinkles, edible glitter — the whole nine yards.
Decorating the cookies took me right back to my childhood. There’s something so soothing about it. And let’s be honest, I probably ate as many cookies as I decorated. #noregrets

Decorating Our Christmas Tree

After a quick lunch (leftover soup — boring, but practical), it was finally time for the highlight of the day: tree decorating!
We got a real tree this year, and I am OBSESSED. There’s just something about a real tree that feels extra special. Before decorating, I fluffed the branches a little and gave it a fresh drink of water.

First, we strung up the lights — warm white for that soft, golden glow.
Then came the ornaments. I like to mix sentimental ornaments with some classic gold and red balls. Some of the ones we hung today included:

  • A little ceramic house we bought on our trip to Vermont
  • A glittery golden “2020” ornament (a year to remember, for better or worse)
  • A tiny snowman my sister made when we were kids

Each ornament has a story, and I love that about decorating.
Finally, we added the ribbon and tree topper — a simple, sparkly star. I stepped back, looked at the tree, and honestly, I almost teared up. It’s perfect.

While decorating, I sipped on some hot cocoa topped with marshmallows, and of course, I had to sneak in a few more cookies from earlier. Decorating the tree with Christmas music playing and twinkling lights all around really makes everything else fade away. It’s such a heartwarming feeling.

Get Ready With Me – Holiday Party Edition

Once the tree was finished and the cookie trays were safely stored away (okay, minus a few missing cookies…), it was time to start getting ready for the evening.

I set up my camera and did a casual “Get Ready With Me” chat while doing my makeup.
For the look, I kept it festive but simple:

  • A dewy, glowing base using my favorite BB cream
  • A soft brown smokey eye with a touch of gold shimmer on the lids
  • Black winged eyeliner and lots of mascara
  • A classic red lip — because when else if not December?

I also curled my hair into loose waves and added a little sparkly hairpin for that extra holiday magic.
For the outfit, I chose a deep green velvet dress paired with black tights and ankle boots. I added a cozy oversized coat since it’s freezing outside, and a simple clutch to carry my essentials.

While I was getting ready, I talked a little bit about how the holidays feel different every year. Some years are busier, some are quieter, and that’s okay. It’s about making the most of whatever season you’re in.

Ending the Day

Before heading out, I took a moment to light a few candles around the house and sit by the tree. It felt important to soak it all in — the twinkling lights, the smell of cookies and pine, the coziness of it all.
Days like this remind me why I love Vlogmas. It’s not about being perfect or doing it all. It’s about capturing these simple, beautiful moments and holding onto them.

Tonight’s party was a blast — good food, great friends, lots of laughter. I didn’t film much because I wanted to be present, but trust me, the vibes were immaculate.
I came home, changed into my favorite pajamas (plaid, obviously), and ended the night with a Christmas movie marathon and some leftover cookies.

And that wraps up Vlogmas Day 2!
Thank you so much for spending the day with me — whether you’re baking along, decorating your tree, or just hanging out virtually. I hope you’re feeling all the cozy holiday vibes too.
Don’t forget to come back for Vlogmas Day 3. I’ve got something super fun planned that you won’t want to miss!

Until then, sending you all the Christmas magic and love. 🎄✨