A Not-So-Cozy Night Reading by the Tree

Posted on December 17, 2025December 19, 2025 by gigis ramblings

comfy chair and christmas tree by fireplace

The week before Christmas is supposed to feel warm, magical, and full of quiet anticipation. Instead, our house has been taken over by the flu — and it hit hard. Fevers, body aches, headaches, and a cough that refuses to let either of us rest have turned what should be a peaceful holiday stretch into pure survival mode.

The hubby and I have found ourselves in an unspoken competition over who feels worse, who can breathe the loudest, and who has the highest fever. The truth is, we’re both miserable. He’s just slightly worse, which has automatically placed me in the role of full-time nurse, whether I’ve felt up to it or not.

When Love and Sanity Collide

I love my husband deeply, but when two sick people are trapped in the same space, patience wears thin fast. After hours of coughing, shifting, and shared misery, I realized I needed a small break — not from him, but from the noise, the constant hogging of the covers and then kicking them off, and the feeling of being completely overwhelmed.

Stepping away wasn’t about frustration or lack of compassion. It was about preserving my sanity so I could keep showing up with care instead of irritation.

Choosing Christmas Light Therapy

I grabbed my book, moved into another room, and settled in beside the Christmas tree. I didn’t turn on a lamp or put on any background noise. The glow of the lights was enough.

There is something deeply calming about sitting in a room lit only by a Christmas tree. The soft twinkle slows your thoughts. The shadows feel gentler. The entire space seems to breathe differently, and for the first time all day, so did I.

Getting Back to December Reading

I am embarrassingly behind on my December reading. Between the chaos of the season and now being sick, my books have been waiting patiently while life ran me over. Curling up by the tree felt like reclaiming something familiar and grounding.

Reading, even for a short while, reminded me why it matters so much to me. It isn’t about hitting a goal or finishing a chapter count. It’s about escape, comfort, and letting my mind rest when my body refuses to cooperate.

A Quiet Moment in a Loud Season

Christmas doesn’t always look like the pictures we imagine. Sometimes it looks like tissues piled on the nightstand, separate rooms for the sake of sleep, and doing whatever you can to make it through the night with a little peace intact.

That quiet moment by the tree wasn’t dramatic or festive in the traditional sense, but it was exactly what I needed. It was calm. It was still. It was healing in its own small way.

Letting This Be Enough

If you’re struggling this season — sick, exhausted, overwhelmed, or stretched thin — let this be your reminder that small comforts matter. You don’t need a perfect evening or a long list of accomplishments to find peace.

Sometimes all it takes is a book, a blanket, and the soft glow of a Christmas tree to remind you that comfort still exists, even in the middle of chaos.

And tonight, that was more than enough.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

Why I Still Believe in Christmas Magic

Posted on December 16, 2025December 17, 2025 by gigis ramblings

Christmas magic is often thought of as something that fades with age. As life grows busier and responsibilities mount, the wonder of the holiday season can seem distant. I have found that Christmas magic doesn’t disappear—it changes. It becomes more intentional, more meaningful, and more personal. While it may not be as loud or sparkling as it once was in childhood, it runs deeper and can be felt in the choices we make to honor the season.

As children, the magic of Christmas is given to us. Decorations appear, meals are prepared, gifts are given and traditions unfold effortlessly. Adulthood changes that perspective. Now we are the ones creating the magic, responsible for maintaining traditions and setting the tone for the season. This shift is not a loss; it is a deeper form of engagement that allows us to create memorable experiences for ourselves and the people we love.

How Christmas Magic Changes as We Grow

The magic of Christmas evolves with age. It moves from anticipation and gift-giving to intention and meaningful participation. Adults experience Christmas magic in the effort put into creating holiday moments, whether decorating the home, preparing special meals, or hosting family gatherings. It is in these intentional acts that the season comes alive, demonstrating that the essence of Christmas is not about receiving but about giving and preserving joy.

Traditions That Keep the Magic Alive

Traditions are the foundation of lasting holiday magic. Returning to familiar rituals year after year, such as lighting the same candles, cooking the same meals, or revisiting decorations from years past, provides a sense of continuity and comfort. These traditions tie us to both past and present, reinforcing emotional connections and helping the magic of the season endure. Each repetition adds another layer of meaning, strengthening the ties that make Christmas feel timeless.

Family’s Role in Holiday Magic

Family gatherings are often imperfect, but they are central to why Christmas feels magical. The season draws people together in ways that everyday life rarely allows. Shared meals, extended conversations, and collective laughter create a sense of connection that reminds us of what matters most. Even the recognition of change—who has grown, who has joined the family, and who is no longer present—adds depth and weight to these moments, making them all the more magical.

Nostalgia and the Power of Memory

Nostalgia amplifies the experience of Christmas. Scents, songs, and decorations can evoke memories from years past, reminding us of love, security, and shared experiences. This emotional resonance is not frivolous; it is foundational to the feeling of Christmas magic. Even bittersweet memories carry warmth, reinforcing why the season feels uniquely special compared to other times of the year.

Choosing to Believe in Christmas Magic

Believing in Christmas magic as an adult is a conscious decision. It is about prioritizing joy, presence, and connection despite the stresses of everyday life. It is about decorating when you are tired, showing up when it is easier to rest, and committing to traditions that bring meaning. This intentional belief ensures that Christmas magic continues to thrive, not because it remains the same as in childhood, but because it has matured into something richer, more thoughtful, and enduring.

Creating Meaningful Holidays Without Overspending

Posted on December 15, 2025December 16, 2025 by gigis ramblings

Why “More” Isn’t What Makes Holidays Special

Somewhere along the way, holidays turned into a competition of receipts. Bigger gifts, fuller tables, more decorations—yet somehow more stress. Meaningful holidays aren’t built on how much you spend; they’re built on how present you are. The memories people carry aren’t the price tags, they’re the moments.

Set the Mood, Not the Budget on Fire

Atmosphere matters more than excess. Soft lighting, familiar scents, and a cozy space do more heavy lifting than expensive décor ever could. Candles, wax melts, or incense instantly shift a room into “holiday mode” without wrecking your wallet. Reuse what you already have and layer it differently—mix textures, swap locations, change lighting. Same items, brand-new vibe.

Traditions Beat Transactions

The holidays people remember most usually involve rituals, not shopping bags. Movie nights, baking days, storytelling, game nights, or evening walks to look at lights—these repeatable moments become anchors. They cost little, but their emotional return is huge. Pick one or two traditions and protect them every year. That consistency is what makes them special.

Thoughtful Gifts Don’t Have to Be Expensive

Meaningful gifting is about attention, not money. Consumables, handmade items, thrifted finds, or curated bundles often feel more personal than store-bought clutter. A small gift paired with a handwritten note will always hit harder than something expensive and forgettable. If it shows you know the person, you’re doing it right.

Food That Feels Like Home

Holiday meals don’t need to be elaborate to be memorable. Focus on a few comfort dishes that everyone loves instead of an overwhelming spread. Potlucks, soup nights, breakfast-for-dinner, or themed meals keep costs down and energy relaxed. Food should bring people together, not leave the host exhausted and broke.

Give Time, Not Just Things

Volunteering, baking for neighbors, writing letters, or helping someone decorate costs very little but adds depth to the season. These acts ground the holidays in connection instead of consumption. Kids especially remember how the holidays felt, not what they received.

Redefine What “Enough” Looks Like

Overspending usually comes from pressure, comparison, or guilt. Let go of the idea that holidays need to look a certain way. Your version only needs to feel right for your household. A slower pace, fewer obligations, and intentional choices often create more joy than a packed calendar ever could.

Related: My Must-Play Christmas Songs

The Real Takeaway

Meaningful holidays aren’t cheaper because they lack value—they’re richer because they focus on what matters. Warmth, familiarity, intention, and connection will always outshine excess. When you strip away the noise, what’s left is the good stuff.

Candy Canes: How They Became a Christmas Staple

Posted on December 14, 2025December 14, 2025 by gigis ramblings

Candy canes are one of those things that show up every December without anyone stopping to ask where they came from. They’re just there — hanging on trees, stuck in mugs, crushed on desserts. But they’ve been around a lot longer than most people think, and the story behind them is simpler (and stranger) than the holiday myths make it sound.

Where Candy Canes Actually Started

Candy canes trace back to Europe, sometime in the 1600s. Back then, they weren’t red and white, and they definitely weren’t peppermint. They were plain white sugar sticks — basically early hard candy.

One of the most common stories ties them to church services, where curved candy sticks were handed out to children to keep them quiet during long ceremonies. The hook shape made them look like shepherd’s crooks, which later helped people connect them to Christmas imagery. Whether that symbolism was intentional or just convenient storytelling came much later.

What matters is this: candy canes weren’t born as a holiday icon. They became one over time.

When Peppermint Entered the Picture

Peppermint didn’t show up until the 1800s. Before that, candy was more about sweetness than flavor. Peppermint changed everything because it was strong, familiar, and easy to recognize.

The red stripes also came later. Early candy canes were solid white. The stripes didn’t become common until candy-making techniques improved and mass production made it easier to add color consistently.

Once that happened, the look stuck.

How Candy Canes Became a Christmas Staple

Candy canes didn’t really explode in popularity until the early 1900s, especially in the United States. That’s when they started showing up on Christmas trees, in stockings, and eventually in every store aisle from November to December.

American candy companies played a huge role in this. Automation made candy canes cheaper and faster to produce, and once they were easy to make, they were easy to market. From there, they became part of the season whether people questioned it or not.

Interesting Candy Cane Facts

The classic candy cane shape wasn’t easy to make by hand. For a long time, each one had to be bent individually.

Early candy canes were often softer than the ones we have now. Today’s versions are harder because they’re designed to last longer on shelves.

Peppermint became the default flavor because it masked imperfections in sugar and stayed stable longer than fruit flavors.

Crushed candy canes weren’t originally a topping. That trend came much later, once people started baking and decorating with them instead of just eating them straight.

Why They’ve Stuck Around

Candy canes are cheap, recognizable, and tied to memory. They don’t need updating or reinventing. They’re one of the few holiday items that stayed simple while everything else got louder and more complicated.

That’s probably why they still work.

The Lost Art of Winter Homemaking

Posted on December 13, 2025December 14, 2025 by gigis ramblings

Winter once shaped the rhythm of home life in ways modern living has largely forgotten. Before constant schedules and convenience culture, the colder months encouraged slower days, warmer spaces, and a focus on care rather than productivity. Winter homemaking wasn’t about aesthetics or perfection — it was about creating a home that could sustain comfort, nourishment, and connection through long, dark seasons.

Today, this lost art is quietly resurfacing as people seek more intentional, grounded ways to live through winter.

What Winter Homemaking Traditionally Meant

Historically, winter homemaking centered on preparation and preservation. Homes were stocked ahead of time, meals relied on slow cooking and stored ingredients, and daily routines shifted inward. Families spent evenings repairing, cooking, reading, and resting together rather than rushing from place to place.

This approach treated winter as a season of maintenance and care. The goal was not productivity, but sustainability — physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Why Modern Winters Feel So Draining

Modern life no longer slows down when temperatures drop. Work schedules, social obligations, and digital demands remain constant, even as daylight fades. As a result, winter often feels exhausting instead of restorative.

The absence of seasonal rhythm is one reason winter homemaking feels lost. Homes are no longer encouraged to become places of rest and recovery, but extensions of busy external lives.

Slowing the Pace of the Home

Reclaiming winter homemaking begins with allowing the home to move at a different pace. This doesn’t require drastic lifestyle changes — it simply means working with the season rather than against it.

Slower evenings, fewer commitments after dark, and meals that take time to prepare all help signal rest. When the home slows down, it naturally becomes warmer, calmer, and more supportive during winter months.

Creating Comfort That Serves a Purpose

Winter homemaking is not about buying more or following trends. It focuses on comfort that supports daily living. Soft lighting instead of harsh overhead bulbs, familiar scents that make a space feel lived in, and textiles that invite rest all play a role.

Food is equally important. Slow-simmered meals, baking, and warm drinks fill the home with comfort long before they are consumed. These elements are practical, not decorative — they exist to make winter life easier and more nurturing.

Homemaking as Care, Not Performance

One reason winter homemaking faded is because homemaking itself became performative. Homes turned into displays rather than shelters. Winter homemaking challenges that mindset by prioritizing function over appearance.

A winter-ready home may include repeated meals, visible clutter during busy weeks, and imperfect spaces that still feel safe and grounding. Comfort and care matter more than presentation.

How to Bring Back the Art of Winter Homemaking

You don’t need to adopt historical traditions or change your lifestyle completely to reclaim winter homemaking. Simple shifts make a meaningful difference. Cooking foods that take time, creating evening routines that encourage rest, and using lighting, scent, and texture to soften your space all support a more seasonal home.

The lost art of winter homemaking was never about doing more.

It was about doing less — with intention.

In a fast-paced world, winter offers an opportunity to slow down, turn inward, and let the home become a place of true care once again.

Easy Winter Simmer Pots That Make Your Home Smell Amazing

Posted on December 12, 2025December 16, 2025 by gigis ramblings

When the weather turns cold, there’s something comforting about a pot quietly bubbling on the stove, filling the house with a deep, layered scent that feels lived-in and intentional. Winter simmer pots are simple, affordable, and customizable, and they beat artificial sprays every single time. No flames to babysit, no overpowering chemical smells, just real ingredients doing what they’ve always done best.

What Is a Winter Simmer Pot?

A simmer pot is exactly what it sounds like. You add water and fragrant ingredients to a pot, bring it to a gentle simmer, and let the steam carry the scent through your home. This isn’t about exact measurements or perfection. It’s about building a scent that matches the season and your mood.

Winter blends warm, spicy, citrusy, and slightly earthy. Think kitchens that smell like something good is always happening, even if nothing’s in the oven.

Classic Winter Simmer Pot Ingredients

You don’t need anything fancy. Most of these are already sitting in your kitchen.

Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, or grapefruit add brightness and keep heavier spices from smelling too dense. Cinnamon sticks are the backbone of most winter blends, warm and familiar without being sugary. Cloves add depth, but go easy, a little goes a long way. Star anise brings a subtle licorice note that feels old-world and cozy. Fresh rosemary or pine needles give that evergreen, just-cut-tree vibe without smelling like a cleaning product.

Easy Winter Simmer Pot Combinations

Orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise create a classic winter kitchen scent that works all season long.

Apple slices, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of vanilla extract feel like baking without turning on the oven.

Lemon slices, rosemary sprigs, and a few peppercorns give a clean, woodsy scent that’s perfect if you don’t love sweet smells.

Cranberries, orange peel, and cinnamon sticks look beautiful in the pot and smell festive without screaming holiday.

How to Use a Simmer Pot Safely

Add all ingredients to a pot and cover with water. Bring to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat so it barely bubbles. Never let it boil dry. Check the water level every hour or so and top it off as needed. You can reuse the same ingredients for a day or two, but once they lose their scent, toss them and start fresh.

If you don’t want the stove on, you can also use a small slow cooker on low.

Why Simmer Pots Just Feel Better

Simmer pots don’t just make your house smell good. They create atmosphere. They say “someone lives here,” not “someone sprayed something.” They pair beautifully with wax melts, incense, and seasonal décor, especially during winter when everything else feels a little quiet.

When the weather turns cold, there’s something grounding about a pot gently simmering on the stove, filling the house with a warm, familiar scent. Winter simmer pots are simple, affordable, and easy to customize, and they’re a solid alternative to sprays and plug-ins.

No complicated steps. No exact measurements. Just real ingredients doing what they’re supposed to do.

What a Winter Simmer Pot Is

A simmer pot is water plus fragrant ingredients heated on low. As it warms, the steam carries the scent through your home. That’s it. You’re not cooking anything, just letting the ingredients slowly release their aroma.

Winter blends usually lean warm, citrusy, and slightly spicy without being sweet or overpowering.

Common Ingredients That Work Well

Most simmer pots start with fruit. Oranges, lemons, or apples are easy and reliable. Cinnamon sticks add warmth without smelling sugary. Cloves bring depth but should be used sparingly. Star anise adds a subtle, earthy note. Fresh rosemary or pine gives a clean, woodsy edge that feels natural, not artificial.

Use what you like. Skip what you don’t.

Easy Winter Simmer Pot Combinations

Orange slices with cinnamon sticks make a classic, all-season winter scent.

Apple slices with cinnamon and a small splash of vanilla smell like baking without being heavy.

Lemon slices with rosemary create a clean, fresh blend that works well if you don’t enjoy sweet scents.

Cranberries with orange peel and cinnamon look good in the pot and smell bright without being over the top.

How to Use a Simmer Pot

Add everything to a pot and cover with water. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat so it barely bubbles. Check the water level occasionally and add more as needed. Don’t let it boil dry.

If you prefer, a small slow cooker on low works just as well.

Why Simmer Pots Are Still Popular

They’re simple, inexpensive, and flexible. They make your home smell good without overpowering it, and they feel more natural than most store-bought options. In winter especially, that kind of low-key warmth goes a long way.It’s simple, old-fashioned, and honestly kind of magical in the best way.

Winter Tea Blends: Cozy Sips to Get You Through the Cold Months

Posted on December 11, 2025December 12, 2025 by gigis ramblings

winter teas surrounded by oranges and cranberries

When winter hits, you can either fight the cold… or pour yourself something warm and enjoy the season. Winter tea blends do more than taste good — they set a mood, shift your energy, and make your home feel like a sanctuary. Whether you’re into spicy, herbal, fruity, or soothing teas, winter is the perfect time to experiment and find your signature cold-weather brew.

Why Winter Teas Hit Different

Winter blends are usually built around warmth — spices, citrus, herbs, and ingredients that comfort you from the inside out. Many of them support digestion, immunity, and relaxation, which makes them ideal for chilly evenings, holiday chaos, or slow-paced mornings.

Common winter tea ingredients:

Cinnamon
Ginger
Clove
Star anise
Orange peel
Cranberry
Vanilla
Peppermint
Rooibos
Chamomile

1. Spiced Cinnamon Black Tea

If you love bold flavor, this one hits like a warm hug. Black tea gives you the caffeine kick while cinnamon, clove, and orange peel bring that winter spice vibe without tasting like a candle.

How to make:
Black tea + cinnamon stick + 1–2 cloves + orange peel. Brew strong.

Why it works:
Perfect for mornings or late-afternoon slumps when you need warmth and focus.

2. Ginger Citrus Immunity Blend

A powerhouse for cold season. The mix of ginger and lemon supports digestion and immunity, and it tastes clean — not medicinal.

How to make:
Fresh ginger slices + lemon peel + honey (optional) + green or herbal base.

Best for:
Post-holiday detox days, or when you feel a scratchy throat starting.

3. Peppermint Vanilla Rooibos

This one feels like a winter dessert without the sugar. Rooibos is naturally sweet and caffeine-free, and the peppermint/vanilla combo is soothing as hell.

How to make:
Rooibos + peppermint leaves + a dash of vanilla bean or extract.

Best for:
Nighttime sipping, winding down, or pairing with holiday movies.

4. Cranberry Orange Herbal Blend

Bright, fruity, and festive without being childish. The slight tartness from cranberry balances the sweetness of orange.

How to make:
Dried cranberries + dried orange peel + hibiscus + a hint of cinnamon.

Best for:
Holiday gatherings, brunches, or making your kitchen smell amazing.

5. Chai With a Winter Twist

Chai is already a cold-weather classic, but adding a little extra cardamom or star anise gives it seasonal depth.

How to make:
Black tea + chai spices (cinnamon, ginger, clove, cardamom) + star anise + milk.

Best for:
Snowy days, gift-making days, or anytime you need a cozy pick-me-up.

6. Cozy Lavender Chamomile

For your calm nights. Floral, soothing, and perfect when you need to shut the world out.

How to make:
Chamomile + lavender buds + honey.

Best for:
Stressful evenings, bedtime routines, or holiday burnout.

Tips for Building Your Own Winter Blend

Start with a base (black tea, rooibos, green tea, or herbal mix).
Add one strong spice (cinnamon, ginger, clove) so it doesn’t get muddy.
Layer one aromatic (vanilla, mint, lavender).
Finish with a citrus or fruit note (orange, cranberry, apple).
Keep it simple — 3–5 ingredients max is the sweet spot.

Make It a Ritual

Winter tea isn’t just about flavor — it’s a vibe. A moment. A reset.
Pour it into your favorite oversized mug, light a wax melt from Mama Crow’s, warm up the room, and let the season feel intentional instead of chaotic.

Why Winter Teas Hit Different

Common winter tea ingredients:

Cinnamon
Ginger
Clove
Star anise
Orange peel
Cranberry
Vanilla
Peppermint
Rooibos
Chamomile

1. Spiced Cinnamon Black Tea

If you love bold flavor, this one hits like a warm hug. Black tea gives you the caffeine kick while cinnamon, clove, and orange peel bring that winter spice vibe without tasting like a candle.

How to make:
Black tea + cinnamon stick + 1–2 cloves + orange peel. Brew strong.

Why it works:
Perfect for mornings or late-afternoon slumps when you need warmth and focus.

2. Ginger Citrus Immunity Blend

A powerhouse for cold season. The mix of ginger and lemon supports digestion and immunity, and it tastes clean — not medicinal.

How to make:
Fresh ginger slices + lemon peel + honey (optional) + green or herbal base.

Best for:
Post-holiday detox days, or when you feel a scratchy throat starting.

3. Peppermint Vanilla Rooibos

This one feels like a winter dessert without the sugar. Rooibos is naturally sweet and caffeine-free, and the peppermint/vanilla combo is soothing as hell.

How to make:
Rooibos + peppermint leaves + a dash of vanilla bean or extract.

Best for:
Nighttime sipping, winding down, or pairing with holiday movies.

4. Cranberry Orange Herbal Blend

Bright, fruity, and festive without being childish. The slight tartness from cranberry balances the sweetness of orange.

How to make:
Dried cranberries + dried orange peel + hibiscus + a hint of cinnamon.

Best for:
Holiday gatherings, brunches, or making your kitchen smell amazing.

5. Chai With a Winter Twist

Chai is already a cold-weather classic, but adding a little extra cardamom or star anise gives it seasonal depth.

How to make:
Black tea + chai spices (cinnamon, ginger, clove, cardamom) + star anise + milk.

Best for:
Snowy days, gift-making days, or anytime you need a cozy pick-me-up.

6. Cozy Lavender Chamomile

For your calm nights. Floral, soothing, and perfect when you need to shut the world out.

How to make:
Chamomile + lavender buds + honey.

Best for:
Stressful evenings, bedtime routines, or holiday burnout.

Tips for Building Your Own Winter Blend

Start with a base (black tea, rooibos, green tea, or herbal mix).
Add one strong spice (cinnamon, ginger, clove) so it doesn’t get muddy.
Layer one aromatic (vanilla, mint, lavender).
Finish with a citrus or fruit note (orange, cranberry, apple).
Keep it simple — 3–5 ingredients max is the sweet spot.

Make It a Ritual

DIY Cinnamon Pinecones: The Easiest Way to Make Your Home Smell Like the Holidays

Posted on December 10, 2025December 11, 2025 by gigis ramblings

Nothing says “holidays in the South” quite like that warm hit of cinnamon when you walk through the door. And even better? Making your own cinnamon pinecones costs next to nothing and gives you better scent, better style, and way more personality than the overpriced store-bought ones. Pinecones are basically free décor scattered all over the yard, and with a little love, they become the coziest winter touch for your home.

Gather Your Pinecones

Start by collecting a good pile of pinecones. If they’re fully open, dry, and looking pretty, perfect. If they’re closed up or damp, don’t stress. That just means they need a little drying time later. Try to avoid cones that look moldy or soggy. Texas folks like us usually have pine trees everywhere, so this step is practically free. If you don’t have easy access to a wooded area, craft stores sell bags of plain pinecones that work just as well.

Bake Them First (Trust Me, This Step Matters)

This is the part everyone skips, but it’s the real secret behind good-looking, long-lasting pinecone décor. Baking gets rid of hidden bugs, dries up sticky sap, and helps the cones fully open. Heat your oven to 200°F, line a baking sheet with foil, and spread your pinecones out in a single layer. Bake them for 30 to 40 minutes, keeping an eye on them so they don’t burn. You’re aiming for dry and toasty, not crunchy. Once they’re done, let them cool completely.

Mix Your Cinnamon Scent

Time for the part that makes the whole project worth it. You can use cinnamon essential oil, cinnamon fragrance oil, or a blend like cinnamon, clove, orange, and vanilla. Fragrance oils usually smell stronger and last longer, especially for holiday home scent projects. In a small spray bottle, mix 20 to 30 drops of oil with 2 or 3 tablespoons of water. If you want a bold scent, go wild and add more drops. There is no “too strong” here unless you prefer something subtle.

Coat and Seal for Maximum Scent

Place your pinecones inside a gallon-size Ziploc bag or an airtight container. Spray your scent mixture over them until they’re lightly coated. You don’t need them dripping wet—just enough for the fragrance to cling. Seal the bag tightly and let the pinecones sit for at least 24 to 48 hours. If you want them extremely strong, leave them sealed up for several days. The longer they rest, the more intense that holiday aroma becomes.

Let Them Dry and Display

Once they’re fully scented, take the pinecones out and let them air-dry on a towel for a couple of hours. After that, they’re ready to make your home smell like cinnamon heaven. Add them to bowls or baskets, tuck them into wreaths or garlands, place them on decorative trays, or even use them for product photos for Mama Crow’s. They bring that cozy rustic charm without looking cheap or store-bought.

Optional: Dress Them Up

If you want extra flair, brush the tips with white paint for a snow-kissed look, add glitter if you love sparkle, or tie twine bows around a few for a farmhouse vibe. It’s totally up to your style.

The Best Christmas Decorations on Amazon

Posted on December 9, 2025December 10, 2025 by gigis ramblings

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

One of the best perks of being an Amazon Influencer is getting our hands on the season’s hottest items months before everyone else even knows they exist. By the time December rolls around, I already have a secret stash of what’s trending, what’s worth the hype, and what’s about to sell out.

And y’all know me — Christmas decorating is a full-time sport around here. I’m always hunting for pieces that feel festive, fun, and a little bit “Lisa.” Here are a few things I’ve been watching (and honestly fighting the urge to buy immediately).

A Sign That Basically Screams My Name

“It’s Either Serial Killer Documentaries or Christmas Movies” Rustic Wooden Sign

If you know me at all, you already understand why this jumped straight into my cart. It blends my two moods perfectly — true crime binge nights and Hallmark-Christmas-movie-marathon days. It’s cute, farmhouse-style, and one of those things that everyone points at and laughs because… well, it’s me.

The Pre-Lit Tree That Has Me Considering a Fifth Tree

Mountain Pine Flocked Tree with Remote (7.5 ft)

Now this tree? She’s stunning. Fully flocked, pre-lit, pre-decorated, and classy in a way that makes me want to rearrange furniture just to make room. The lights are gorgeous, the flocking looks expensive, and the remote control is just small-town luxury at its finest.

Oversized Velvet Ornament Balls

Set of Three 32-Inch Inflatable Velvet Christmas Balls

These are downright adorable. Think huge statement ornaments you can toss in the yard, foyer, porch, or any corner that feels a little too plain. They look plush and high-end, and the size alone makes them an instant conversation starter.

Lighted Gift Boxes for Under the “No-Gift” Trees

Three-Piece Lighted Holiday Gift Box Set

I don’t put presents under every tree in the house — some of them are strictly decorative. These lighted boxes are perfect for filling that empty space in the cutest way possible. They glow, they sparkle, and they make a tree look finished without any wrapping paper at all.

The Garland Everyone Is Talking About

Thick, Realistic Faux-Cedar Garland (5 ft)

This garland is all over the place this year, and for good reason. It looks natural, drapes beautifully, and instantly gives that rich, cedar-forest vibe without shedding all over the floor. I’ve been eyeing it hard for mantels, entry tables, and stair rails.

A Christmas Wax Warmer That Fits Right Into Mama Crow’s

Tannenbaum Tree Wax Melt Warmer

You already know I had to include something that pairs perfectly with Mama Crow’s Wax Melts. This warmer looks like a little Christmas tree and blends right in with holiday décor. It’s festive without being cheesy, and the glow is soft enough to feel cozy at night.

The Surprisingly Spicy History of Gingerbread

Posted on December 8, 2025December 9, 2025 by gigis ramblings

Cozy holiday baking scene with richly colored gingerbread cookies

A Sweet Little Legend With a Whole Lot of Spice

Gingerbread isn’t just a cute holiday cookie — it’s one of the oldest and most storied treats on the planet. This spicy, cozy classic has been everything from medieval medicine to a royal flex to a symbol of holiday warmth. And honestly? It’s kinda amazing we still bake it the same way hundreds of years later.

Let’s take a ride through its past — no corny stuff, just real history and good vibes.

Where Gingerbread Started (Hint: Not in a Christmas Kitchen)

Gingerbread goes way back — like Ancient Greece and Rome back.
Ginger was prized as a healing spice, so early versions were more like medicinal pastes or preserved ginger mixed with honey. No cute little men yet.

By the Middle Ages, Europeans were adding breadcrumbs, spices, and honey to make early gingerbread cakes. These were used to:

Settle stomachs
Freshen breath
Treat “melancholy” (basically medieval seasonal depression)

So yeah… gingerbread was originally mood medicine. Kinda fitting for winter.

The Queen Who Made Gingerbread Fancy

Enter Queen Elizabeth I, who absolutely loved extra stuff.
She had her bakers shape gingerbread into the likeness of visiting dignitaries — yes, she literally handed out edible portraits to impress people.

This is where gingerbread men were born.
Royal shade, but make it snackable.

Gingerbread at Festivals & Fairs

By the 1500s and 1600s, gingerbread became a festival treat. People bought it at fairs shaped like:

Hearts
Flowers
Animals
Good luck charms

Some folks even believed gingerbread carried magical properties — wearing it, gifting it, or eating certain shapes to attract love or protection.
Basically the original Pinterest manifestation board.

Germany Takes It to a Whole New Level

Germany said, “That’s cute, but watch this,” and created Lebkuchen, the iconic gingerbread cookies decorated with intricate icing.
Then came gingerbread houses, inspired by — you guessed it — the Hansel & Gretel fairy tale.

These became a holiday staple because:

They looked festive
They doubled as décor
And kids loved them (still do)

The tradition spread everywhere and now even adults find themselves elbows-deep in royal icing like contestants on a baking show.

How Gingerbread Became a Christmas Must-Have

Ginger was warming, rare, and expensive — so gingerbread naturally aligned with winter feasts. Eventually, it got tied tightly to Christmas traditions because:

It stores well
It smells like a holiday mood
And it feels nostalgic even if you didn’t grow up eating it

Some families bake the same recipe every year. Others go full engineering mode with elaborate gingerbread mansions.
Either way — it’s officially part of December’s DNA.

The Sweet Symbolism

Beyond taste, gingerbread carries themes of:

Warmth
Home
Creativity
Festivity
Good luck and prosperity

A simple cookie that still somehow manages to feel like love, memory, and holiday magic baked together.