You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch

In the final days before Christmas, many are scrambling to find last minute gifts, waiting in lines, creating grocery lists, and trying to figure out how to split 48 hours amongst all of the family members and friends. If you are starting to feel a slight case of Hum Bug coming on, here are a few ideas to get yourself back in the holiday spirit...

Elf on a Shelf is all-the-rage this holiday season. These tiny (slightly creepy) elves are sent by Santa to watch over your children (or husband, wife, roommate, mischievous pets) throughout the holiday. According to legend, they scamper back to the North Pole each night to tell Santa all the good or bad things you did, then they party in your house while you sleep. You kids wake up to find them in a new place and position each morning. Of course the Internet has provided us with a plethora of amusing, inappropriate and downright NSFW images of these Elves the morning after...but here are some PG ideas I happened upon.

Ugly Christmas sweater parties have become a little overdone, but it's only because they are SO MUCH FUN. Suggest an ugly Christmas sweater day at your office. Wouldn't be great to see your boss walk around in something like this (hideous homemade sweater below) all day?! Yes, you can even make your own if your the thrift store and your mother's closet have already been cleaned out.

 

Send a Christmas card that you put some serious thought into. These beautiful embroidery kit antler cards are unique, beautiful and let the recipient know that you spent A LOT (depending on how good you are with a need and thread) of time on it. You can look for a kit at your local hobby store or just cut your own cardstock, grab a paint pen and your sewing kit and kick back with a class of eggnog and start crafting.

Throw a holiday party! It doesn't have to be large, just a few friends, music, drinks and some decorations. It's the perfect way to get your brain in holiday mode. And if you are going to hostess, you might as well do it right with a very fabulous apron by Haute Hostess (made in Arkansas). 

 

Girls aren't the only ones who know how to throw a proper party. One of my favorite hosts (and amazing chef) just so happens to be male, and he would look very, very fabulous in this chic apron with a pocket square.

Give a gift someone will really love. I know it's tempting to reach for your gift closet, but isn't it so much more fun (for both of you) to give someone something unique and unexpected. Here are a few locally-made treasures that may be perfect. 

For the Fashionable: Custom initials cast from recycled bronze by Lauren Embree Jewelry

For True Blood and Twilight Fans: First Bite necklace by Dimestore Diamonds

For the Horror Film Buff: Call me twisted, but I love this zombie ornament!

For the Nerd in Your Life: Movie posters and creative prints by Little Rock designer Matt Owen.