Earlier this week, I was sitting on my couch with Martini (my dog, not the drink) on FaceTime with Greer and I glanced outside our living room window and it was snowing! The flakes were barely sticking, but it was so fun and kind of crazy to look outside and see snow falling (what can I say, I’m a California girl). I take the flurries as a sign that the holidays are quickly approaching, and thinking about all the upcoming festivities — drinking hot chocolate, decorating the house, listening to Christmas music (+ ‘The Chanukah Song’ - I’m 49.9% Jewish), and spending quality time with family — truly pulls me through the low, or just ho-hum, parts of November. Maybe a little forward-thinking gets you excited too?

Thank you to everyone who sent such thoughtful questions for this week’s AMA (tiny plug: follow Beau Society on IG so you don’t miss a poll; I’m planning to ramp ‘em up!). Also, I love learning about what’s on your holiday wish lists — I think you’ll be super happy to receive our curated BS gift guide, which is currently in production! So many of you asked for Beau hoodies, funny. Anyway, let’s get into your questions and my answers: holiday-themed, because I’m already there in the spirit!

Q – What’s been your favorite holiday tradition with family? I'm horrible at making wish lists but always want more time with family and loved ones. -Kamila (Chicago)

A – Hi friend :) I love what you're saying and I can relate! With my family, there are so many people — so many little ones now! — so it can be tricky to get everyone together in one room. Sometimes organizing around people’s travel schedules means Christmas with certain family members happens around Thanksgiving time, and that’s okay! I think of my family traditions as ever-evolving. But really, I think you successfully hacked the wish list, and I have the same one with one thing on it: Quality time with family.

Q – What are some fun holiday games you love to play, say with family or hosting? -Elle (England)

A – Ohh I love a White Elephant moment because everyone leaves with a little gift and it’s a built-in party activity! You can do a White Elephant with a theme. I love the idea of a ‘Favorite Things’ gift swap, where you tell everyone to bring their favorite product — the conditioner that transformed their hair, or the lip mask they swear by — as a gift and everyone goes home with someone else’s favorite thing. How fun is that? Or, you could do an ornament Secret Santa. It’s like a regular Secret Santa where you draw a name, but instead of getting any gift, you find an ornament that reminds you of that person. If you do either of these, please let me know — I love this stuff!

Q – Hello question from b-madz, advice on staying centered and not letting yourself feel like you’re not getting everything done?! -Bailee (L.A.)

A – Omg hi Bai!! Okay, I feel you on this one so I don’t know if I have the perfect advice. I just remind myself that rest is important. There’s always going to be more to do, you know? When I’m starting to feel overwhelmed, I make a point to get warm and cozy in my PJs, maybe put on a Christmas movie — Elf, or I’m excited to see that new Lindsay Lohan one, Our Little Secret — and usually I end up falling asleep, but I always wake up feeling better. Also, I’m texting you a photo of my holiday mood (it’s a picture of Martini passed out snoring on the couch).

Q – When do you start decorating for the holidays? -Kristin (New York)

A – So, I’ve already started pulling stuff out of the basement! But I love a real tree and you can't put that up too soon because you want it to last. I believe there's a sweet spot where you put up decorations with a long enough lead time so you can enjoy them and don't just feel like you're putting them up to take them down. I don't know exactly when this is…but I don’t think it’s ever too early to get in the holiday spirit!

Q – Would love a good Christmas punch or hot cocoa recipe to try this holiday -Fernanda (Mexico)

A – Last year at Thanksgiving, I made a crockpot hot chocolate. I got cute holiday mugs and all the toppings you’d want on hot chocolate: chocolate sprinkles, crushed-up candy cane, whipped cream, etc.

Q – Hi beau, do you have any ideas for some Christmas sweets recipes? -Carol (Brazil)

A – Hi Carol! I'll definitely be making these chocolate chip cookies — they’re a big hit around here — and peppermint bark. I also saw these incredible Thanksgiving pies in New York Times Cooking (this video, I mean!). I also have a whole folder of Christmas-related goodies. I can share more if you want. Not Christmas-related, but I want to make homemade dog treats, too. I keep putting it off, but it’s on my list.

Q – Favorite candle scents for the holidays? -Taylor (Virginia)

A – It’s not a candle, but a smell pot! Greer introduced me to this concept: You put apple slices, cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, whole nutmeg, allspice and vanilla in a big stove pot filled with water. She uses this great yellow Dutch oven. You just leave it simmering for an hour or so. It makes the house smell SO good.

Q – I need gift ideas for the person who has everything already (my girlfriend lol) -Emma (Pennsylvania)

A – Hopefully, our BS gift guide will give you some ideas. But I've been getting better at just listening throughout the year. I know it sounds simple, but if I’m really listening to someone and I’m present in my conversations with them, I pick up on little things they mention that could inspire a thoughtful gift. Of course, I immediately have to write it down or I’ll forget.

Q – Online or in-person shopping? -Emily (Scotland)

A – Both! In-person shopping during the holidays is stressful and amazing in equal parts. I love all the decorations, but it’s extra chaotic, which makes me want to stay home and do it from the couch. But I love a good New York (City) department store over the holidays.

Q – Should I gift your newsletter to friends and family? -Ava (Canada)

A – Absolutely! Forward it along and we can all hang out here together every week!

Q – What would you say makes a good holiday outfit? -Gabriella (New York)

A – Something about me: I have exactly two moods when getting dressed. 1) I’m going out and I’m dressing up. I’m doing my hair and makeup and probably planning an outfit a week in advance. Or 2) I’m in loungewear. It’s like a Nike half-zip and sweatpants. Luckily, the holidays have both. You wear your cute outfit to a Friendsgiving or a holiday work party, followed by an entire day spent in PJs. I’m thinking about an issue on how to elevate loungewear, bringing on some stylist friends for advice..would you be into that?

Q – Any tips for decorating the Christmas tree? -Elena (Mexico)

A – Bows on every branch (or just a big one at the top and lots of lights).

Q – Hiii. Could you tell us which Christmas songs you always enjoy listening to? -Simone (Brazil)

A – I made you a playlist!