Everyday Festive: How to Wear Happiness this Holiday Season

an easy mood-booster to help you win at sports and life, plus a GIVEAWAY!

I am a huge fan of shortcuts and hacks and especially love finding something small that gives the impression I’ve got a whole new look without buying a whole new wardrobe.

The other day, while stress-scrolling Pinterest during tense moments in Lioness, the action/thriller TV show I was watching, I found myself drawn to outfits that featured a cheap, easy, festive outfit upgrade that I’ll be wearing from now until Christmas…red socks!

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that our clothes and surroundings can boost our mood. Earlier this year, the unexpected pop of red decorating trend, where you add a random red accent to a room, went viral; and two years ago, as the pandemic receded and socializing resumed, dopamine dressing became a thing as designers embraced the happy delight of bright colors.

I love the idea of subtly telegraphing “holiday spirit” while wearing my standard (classic!) navy, brown, and grey—it’s a microdose of joy!

Some more compelling reasons to wear red: a scientific study of Olympic athletes found that wearing red enhances human performance in contests, “across a range of sports, we find that wearing red is consistently associated with a higher probability of winning.” And multiple studies have shown that wearing red makes both women and men more sexually attractive to a potential partner!

Here I am, in my red socks!

If you’d like to feel happier this winter, become more attractive, and win at sports and life (or are looking for stocking stuffers!), here are 6 fun options:

1. Honeycomb Lurex

2. Classic Cashmere

3. Ribbed with a Velvet Bow

4. Ribbed for Men

5. Personalize with text, a symbol, or date

6. Egyptian Cotton

I’m curious: do you notice that specific colors or pieces of clothing make you feel happier? I’d love to know! Seems like I should invest in some red athletic gear…

via Ideal Bookshelf

As longtime readers know, I celebrated a milestone birthday this year. I received several lovely, meaningful gifts, but the one that thrilled me most was from my mother-in-law, Susie: a custom print of my favorite books from Ideal Bookshelf.

This week, to express my gratitude to you for reading, sharing, and encouraging my work, all Some Happy Scribbles subscribers can enter to win a framed custom 11x14 inch print of seven of your most-loved books.

To enter, pop into the Comments section and tell me what your favorite books are!

Paid subscribers will automatically be entered twice, whether you leave a comment or not. I’ll draw and notify the winner on Thursday, December 19, between 5 pm-6 pm EST.

1. A Very Merry TV Dinner. Oh, what fun it is to see a favorite show tonight!

2. The One Thing Every Home Needs. Hint: it’s not a flatscreen TV.

3. A Holiday Not-To-Do List. How to ensure you have time and energy for the people and traditions that mean the most.

Feeling overwhelmed by the weight of your holiday to-do list?

• You don’t need a guide to find the perfect gift! Take a moment and allow yourself to be inspired by the tale of the one gift that saves Christmas every year: The Christmas Candle.

Looking for something good to read or watch?

• My December recommendations include a fascinating podcast on Ozempic, healthcare, and aging; the TV shows I’m watching, and the festive playlists I’m listening to. I’m intrigued by Netflix’s lush adaptation of 100 Years of Solitude, and I hope to check it out this weekend!

Thank you for reading! I’ll be back next Friday with a fun winter staycation checklist! ❄️
xo Amelia

Note: I only recommend products I genuinely like and often have bought for myself. I may earn a small affiliate commission if you buy something I recommend.

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