The holiday season always holds a special kind of magic, especially when it’s shared with your little ones. This year marks the first day of the 3rd annual 12 Days of Chriselle—a series designed to celebrate not only fabulous giveaways but also the cherished moments that make the season truly memorable. Instead of one massive giveaway at the end, we’re turning the spotlight on 12 meaningful stories, each paired with surprise prizes, so there are even more chances to win something extraordinary. Make sure you visit every day from December 1st through 12th, because you never know what delightful treat awaits!
As the years go by, the holidays become more than just a time for celebration—they evolve into treasured traditions that deepen with each passing moment. For me, the true joy of the season is magnified by the special time I spend with my daughter, Chloe. Watching her grow, I’ve witnessed her developing a genuine understanding of what the holidays are all about. It fills my heart with joy to know that she not only remembers the fun and laughter of past celebrations but also eagerly anticipates re-creating those moments every year.
Last year, we had a “mommy and me” day that set the tone for our family traditions. We painted our nails together, baked cookies for Santa, and decorated our Christmas tree with all the sparkle and warmth that the season brings. I still remember the sheer excitement on Chloe’s face when she saw the Christmas tree light up—her eyes lit up with wonder, as if she knew that every ornament held a story and every light sparkled with magic. One of her absolute favorite moments is when we take the time to paint our nails—a rare treat that makes the day all the more special. I cherish these moments, and I’m excited at the thought of one day sharing them with my younger daughter, Colette.
To kick off this holiday season in style, we’ve partnered with one of my favorite brands, Essie. Their new Gel Couture set is nothing short of a lifesaver. As someone who’s constantly on the go, I rarely have the luxury of spending hours in a salon, only to have my freshly done nails chip the moment I step out. With Essie’s Gel Couture set, I can achieve a flawless gel manicure at home in no time—saving both time and money while still enjoying a chic, salon-quality finish. Although Chloe is too young for traditional gel treatments, this innovative polish uses a gel top-coat instead of a UV light to set, making it perfectly safe and easy for our mommy and me nail sessions.
I decided to step outside my usual comfort zone and chose a beautiful caramel brown shade called “of corset”—a sophisticated twist on a classic nude that pairs perfectly with any outfit. Chloe, ever the little fashionista, opted for a fun combination of pink and sparkles, selecting shades called “bodice goddess” and “lace is more.” As I painted her tiny nails, her excitement was contagious, even as I fretted over whether she’d sit still long enough for the polish to dry. Fortunately, the fast-drying top-coat saved the day, and soon we had matching sets of perfectly polished nails—each set a testament to our shared joy and creativity.
Once our nail sessions were complete and our nails were safely dry, the real holiday fun began. Our next stop was the kitchen, where we baked cookies for Santa. For Chloe, the belief that more cookies equal more presents is absolutely adorable. As we mixed dough, cut out festive shapes, and baked batch after batch, the kitchen filled with warmth, laughter, and the irresistible aroma of holiday treats. Beyond cookies, our family traditions also include writing heartfelt letters to Santa, curling up with a good Christmas book (Chloe’s current favorite is “The Night Before Christmas”), and of course, decorating the Christmas tree. This year, I even let Chloe choose her own ornaments—a decision that resulted in a dazzling display of sparkles and color that perfectly captures the essence of the holidays.
These special moments are more than just activities—they are the building blocks of cherished memories that I hope to pass down to both Chloe and, one day, Colette. Every painted nail, every batch of cookies, and every twinkling light on our tree is a reminder of the love and joy that defines our family’s holiday traditions.
In the spirit of giving back, our partnership with Essie has also allowed us to support Baby2Baby, an organization that helps provide essential items to families in need. It’s a reminder that the holidays are not only a time for celebrating our own traditions but also a time for extending kindness to those who need it most.
And to help you create your own holiday memories, Essie is generously giving away two Gel Couture sets to two lucky readers. To enter the 12 Days of Chriselle giveaway, simply:
- Leave a comment on this post with your Instagram handle, answering: “What’s your favorite holiday tradition?”
- Then, head over to my latest Instagram photo and leave a comment there too.
We’ll be randomly selecting the winners at the end of the day, so be sure to check back tomorrow to see if you’re one of the lucky ones!
This season, as we celebrate mommy and me traditions and the promise of new memories, I invite you to cherish every moment with your loved ones. Whether it’s a simple nail-painting session, a day of baking, or the joy of decorating your tree together, these are the experiences that make the holidays truly magical. Happy holidays, and see you tomorrow for more festive fun with the 12 Days of Chriselle!
