Politics, my drama on IG, broadway auditions - a doozy!

[@itsjessicabraun]

Sign up for Rakuten today and get a $40 sign-up bonus (with qualifying purchase) here: www.rakuten.com/r/JAMBEA13 Thanks Rakuten for sponsoring!

[@AndreaLT520]

Rakuten is the best. I already have over $100 for my next payout.

[@danielleayde2330]

Rakuten is good.

[@kmmf726]

I have used them for years but you really have to watch them. On MANY occasions I have had to email them about not paying...especially if it's a high paying item. For example I purchased an expensive TV through a well known company using the Rakuten link and (as I have learned to do) I luckily took screenshots of everything. The percentage they were going to pay me back, the amount, totals and terms and conditions. All was good until it was time for them to pay and suddenly they removed that order from my list. After I emailed them and asked about it they said that purchase was excluded in the terms. That's where my screenshots helped. I sent them everything I had proving them wrong then customer service suddenly stopped replying. Once I reported them to the BBB they FINALLY paid me. It may seem petty but at that point it was about the principle.

[@denisemarie6131]

Rakuten doesn’t give me my money. I have to go back to them each time. And I have to give them all the shopping trip details. It’s very annoying. I liked ebates so much better

[@kmmf726]

@@denisemarie6131 Absolutely agree! I finally got tired of having to email them all the time so I rarely use it anymore. Guess it saves them money so maybe that was the plan.

[@thecasualpuzzler]

Our favorite zero dollar Christmas tradition that my husband and I do. On Christmas Eve, we make a giant thermos of hot chocolate. Go for a walk or drive around the neighborhood, have some Christmas tunes going and look at Christmas lights. We usually end up at the town tree and just sit there and talk about our favorite parts of the year.

[@pattiflanigan5244]

I love this! What a beautiful tradition ❤️

[@alicewilliams____]

This is the cutest thing I’ve heard

[@JennaMcCallister]

This is so sweet. 💜

[@dawndavis8512]

I love the part about accidentally created traditions. During covid when everything was mostly shut down but partially reopening, I was pregnant and had a toddler so we were super cautious. Felt like we had to give up so many traditions so we started putting on our PJs and making hot chocolate and driving around to look at Christmas lights. In my mind it was just something to do to try to get into the spirit, but my daughter the following year told me she couldn't wait to do our tradition. I had no clue what she was talking about until she told me that. We do it every year now. At the time I was so sad that we couldn't go do all the things we normally do and she remembers it fondly 😭

[@kristinj6298]

Santa asked me if we wanted an Elf on the Shelf and I told him that I was worried our dog would bark at the Elf so it probably wasn't a good fit for us :)

[@jumac819]

Genius!

[@daniellereid01]

Very wise!

[@dawnsuntken1080]

That darn elf was the worst and I did the minimum. So glad when my boys got older.

[@kimberlysmith8447]

I had to pause when you said "I've had kids for 7 years now" because I remember when you didn't.....time is just moving insanely fast!

[@Saramd900]

Same! I remember her first pregnancy and when Genevieve was born and she said almost 7 years and I was like "....WHAT?!" 😂

[@kristiturner1102]

Why am I laying in bed crying? Cause that reminder you just gave (I have 0 kids but the sentiment applies) “I’ve made it through the toughest days of my life, and I’ll get through this.” Thanks for being our online bestie!

[@heyshay3337]

I dont understand why people think it's okay to be mean to other people for no reason (in person and online). Love your content and admire the fact that you handle that hate online so well.

[@suematulewicz631]

I agree even in the work world 😢

[@Okayletsgooo]

1st amendment

[@RTCPhotoWork]

I believe that it's primarily a reflection on how unhappy so many people in the world are. (Observing NOT justifying or excusing)

[@k8m549]

​@@RTCPhotoWorkI just don't understand the mentality of wanting to insult someone for no reason

[@heyshay3337]

​@@evelynrodriguez-bb7lhabsolutely! Plus if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.

[@MiciahChase]

We pray for the people who send us Christmas cards at dinner. We just pick one each night and it is such a sweet little tradition.

[@katnuccio85]

I write a postcard to each person after the new year. I let them know that I prayed for them that day.

[@MrsJoviolet]

What a lovely tradition!

[@katnuccio85]

@@MrsJoviolet at first I was so intimidated to write to my non-Christian friends, but I did it anyway. I was so surprised to hear back from so many of them that they appreciated my postcard and prayer. I dare not miss it! Cheers.

[@rachelfackrell8577]

Your perspective on everything is so refreshing. Thank you for your authentic and positive influence online! ❤️

[@laurajoli576]

When my daughter was in Kindergarten she wanted to know why we didn't have an elf that came to visit our house. I told her that I heard that the naughty elf only came to visit naughty children and since she was so well behaved we didn't have one. Surprisingly it worked because all the children in her class that were talking about the elf just happened to be the ones that were the naughtiest in her class 🤣

[@tabithak5943]

The way this could’ve backfired hahahahahha love the gamble!!! I refuse to do elf on a shelf too. Sooooo much work. At one of my daughter’s preschool they did it there. She didn’t ask us about why we didn’t have one at home. So thankful for that. If she ever does ask I’m stealing all these ideas everyone has lol dog, naughty kiddos, etc.

[@Karen-DeMars]

Lol - the shade! 😂 I picture you fielding angry phone calls from the moms of all the “naughty” kids … 😬 But I agree with the comment above - a brave gamble that fortunately paid off! 😄

[@annemariecronen9096]

As a Gen X mom with kids in their 20’s, I’m so glad we missed the elf on the shelf fiasco! The holidays are already stressful enough trying to accomplish everything without adding that to have to commit to keeping up with

[@kladies3021]

Gen X'er here 👋🏽 in full agreement with you! Ain't nobody got time for that!!! It reminds me of those Giga Pets we had when we were kids!😩

[@everythingin3466]

Another genx here - I was quick on my feet the day I was asked about the elf “mom, are we going to have an elf like the one at Sara’s house ?” “Nope, the elf is not part of our religion” - kid accepted that answer and moved on - it’s a now a funny family story because our kids told countless people that the elf was not part of our religion 😂

[@reneeburich9497]

Nope, never did the Elf on the Shelf and I’m SO happy we skipped it.

[@Sweetgotham]

When so many people feel like they have no power, being negative is a cheap form of power they can co-opt

[@Karen-DeMars]

This is an excellent insight! I hope there will be people in their lives (or in the periphery of their lives) who will help them recognize how ugly and pointless it is to direct that kind of unkind commentary or dark energy at others. And I hope they eventually manage to feel empowered in ways that are meaningful and positive.

[@RTCPhotoWork]

​@@Karen-DeMars I don't think they're unaware in the first place.

[@jmdagger10]

I am 47 years old, an older mom of 2 daughters (4 and 6) and work full-time. I do NOT have time for Elf on the Shelf and will never start. I will make sure to create magic and memories in other ways but that little man isn't going to ruin every evening in December.

[@MultiMelcat]

Hot tip- this is the best thing I ever decided to do when my kids were young and I was up until 2 AM on Christmas Eve still wrapping presents. We always have a traditional Christmas Eve dinner with family and friends and all the things. BUT! I order Chinese Food on Christmas. I have done this for the last 14 years. I didn’t have the mental capacity to do TWO big meals back to back with 6 kids. My kids all still request a big Chinese food order and I am never going back! It was the best decision. All of our friends know about this tradition and on more than one occasion they have popped over to grab a plate. Highly recommend!

[@melissaf.568]

Kylie (Kiki Chanel) actually ordered a mold test! It was mold! Also, we don’t do elf on the shelf. My kids asked why we don’t have an elf and I told them I told Santa that the elf wasn’t allowed at my house because he’s messy 😂🤷🏻‍♀️

[@gingerrieger7404]

We’ve been doing the “Need, Want, Wear, Read” for so many years now. We’ve included something from Santa and as they get older, we’re bringing in experiences instead of things.

[@andromedashh]

I’m really glad you didn’t take the palette videos down cause I had a good giggle, and was really exhausted too by how people were reacting. It takes a lot of tenacity and strength to see past all this and still post quality content regularly. I’m so grateful you persist because I love your channels and podcast so much ❤

[@its.rebeccamarie]

I use Rakuten because you suggested it a long time ago and I still love it!! I love the chatty videos mixed in with the shopping content.

[@sophiecantu3691]

16:55 i’m not a mom but that pep talk just made me feel sm better abt my finals lol

[@micheleberg4670]

One of our "traditions" is putting out paper bags with candles on the driveway Christmas Eve to light the way for Jesus. I'm currently 53 and my 86 year old father and I do it every year. It is so beautiful and I look forward to it every year.

[@Scoutmhen]

That’s so sweet. ❤ I love that you and your dad still have that tradition.

[@erinhoyt1671]

The two major complaints I see that I don’t understand are 1) Being mad about both PR and shopping (and decluttering) but also want reviews on new products. Or not understanding that new product reviews get the most views. Plus it’s not really product waste if you help ppl make decisions, shop wisely, and prevent buying bad products. 2) Being mad about sponsorships. Podcasts are sponsored and I feel like I don’t see as much hate about those. It’s just a commercial and pays for the content.

[@shescalledirina]

Also, in male dominated niches, *no one* complains about sponsorships.

[@erinhoyt1671]

@ Great point!

[@pennieobrien204]

I don't get the Elf on a Shelf thing either. How exhausting that would be! When I was little ours just was in the Xmas tree. I'm 62

[@susanjeffries5108]

I appreciated the way Jessica handled the discussion about politics and how not every space has to include political drama because sometimes we just want a safe space where that's not going to be a part of it. That being said, I do think it's slightly dangerous to go with the philosophy that if you align with one or two hot button issues, that's the way you should vote. Of course Jessica mentioned the candidate matters, and that is so true. But for me if there is also a total deal breaker in the rhetoric of a candidate or a political party, that is also a reason not to vote for them. Like if I agreed with them on two important points, but there was something absolutely atrocious that they believed in or had espoused, that would be enough for me not to vote for them. We all have our own trigger points, and for me personally, if there is anything that ever calls intoquestion the safety/value of women or children, I just can't get behind it. There's been some predatory stuff in my past, so if a candidate ever outwardly shows or promotes aggression toward women, I just CAN'T with them. It scares me. The things someone stands for as well as what they are against really matters. I used to work with this guy who was such a scoundrel! Not honest at all. And there were people I worked with that said he was a great guy, just never trust him with anything to do with money or work. And I was like, you can't separate the two. If you are a dishonest person who takes advantage of people in business and lies to them and tries to swindle them, I don't see how all of a sudden you're a salt of the earth guy once it's 5:00 and your shift is over.

[@francescaagogo]

Well said without having to name names… vote your values! 🗳

[@womanofacertainage5892]

As a person who works in law enforcement, I won't ever vote for a person who has admitted on video that he or she has grabbed women by the private areas. Or if they've been found to commit sex assault by a jury. Full stop, end of story. Carry on . . .

[@francescaagogo]

@@womanofacertainage5892 I’m with you; thank you for your service! As an educator, woman, human being , I could never vote for that same person who is a convicted felon on 34 counts, who espoused/espouses hate on immigrants, women, poc, LGBTQ; incited an insurrection; was 2x impeached… but I rest my case.

[@Ms12Brightside]

You nailed that explanation. I could not have explained better myself!

[@laurenneely645]

THIS!!

[@janelgrobleski]

I have a 5 and 3 year old, and my kindergartener asked the other day about the elf coming to our house😅 I also do not ever want to do it and told her that was so odd that an elf was in her friends house 🤣🤣🤣

[@TheDrummersWife]

I don't have kids, but Elf on the Shelf is the creepiest thing ever 😅

[@jgheart3018]

oh no it gets worse...my great nephew was gifted a "Snoop on the Stoop" and yes, it's Snoop Dog dressed as an elf with his sunglasses & neck chains in a special display box 😳

[@TheDrummersWife]

@ that actually sounds amazing!

[@sarahprovenzano7933]

Coming from a mom with older kids, mine asked for elf on the shelf every year. I never did it. They survived lol. That is way too much mental burden for this time of year for me.

[@marimarrr97]

27:08 I appreciate this take, but it’s important to acknowledge that this is not always possible. Especially when I comes to undocumented families. Specifically when family members believe you should be deported from a country you’ve called home for decades. If they bring it up, it’s hard to just say “I don’t want to talk about it”

[@rachelmanthey9452]

I feel the same way. It’s exhausting living in this world we live in. I have deleted all social media except youtube. And honestly, you and Tyler are the only ones I watch regularly anymore. I just try to remind myself that unnecessary negativity is about that person and not about me.

[@rebeccapatterson8049]

… the way you are careful with words about Santa in case there are little ears listening is SO appreciated 🥹

[@audreysanders2669]

I feel this so much! I hate that HATE is so openly thrown at random people. I don't Facebook anymore. It was so toxic. I also have to be careful with TikTok, because it was affecting my mental health. I choose to send love, and that is why I like yours and Tyler's videos. So thank you!

[@symplyg8489]

I think you are correct in that people in general, are more moderate or progressive than they categorize themselves on daily real issues; it is the campaign that polarize issues and brought out the worst in people. Some I have to believe are just caught up in the mob mentality while others are committed to hatred of anything and anyone different from themselves because misory loves company. I appreciate your candor in your position!

[@eschrad]

Jessica: "Took him a long time to edit" ... Me: "Not as long as the 'Yurt' videos!" 😂 (Love you, Tyler!)

[@rileypink18]

HAHAHA only real ones know

[@Brezooka]

🤣

[@Happy2Run4Me]

In regards to “mommy’s wrist” or carpal tunnel: I got this when I was a teenager, before children. This was before the age of computers and computer mice & keyboards for me. It also occurred in my non-dominant wrist, my right wrist. I read somewhere (I don’t recall where) that that can be a symptom of low vitamin B6 (along with a few other things). So I asked my mom if I could take B6 to see if it would help and it did. It helped right away. Where I’d suffered for weeks w/o any signs of healing this made it heal in a week or so. I kid you not. I’ve had it flare up occasionally since (like after my babies were born) and every time if I start supplemental B6 it just goes away. I just thought I would mention it since it made such a huge difference and since B6 is a water soluble vitamin it can’t hurt to try. As any extra is eliminated via urination. I hope this helps someone out there if that’s the cause. ☺️

[@G8torLady]

A cute tradition I just saw recently was placing a pinecone in a bowl, letting the child water it and then when goes to bed, it grew into a fully decorated tree. Wish I thought of that when my daughter was a child.

[@camy87]

Now that our son is in his own apartment, he hosts Christmas. We go over Christmas Eve, eat a meal together & spend the night. Open presents on Christmas morning & my husband makes blueberry pancakes & then we head home early afternoon. So relaxing and wonderful!

[@laurenthompson2404]

I appreciate that you've shared multiple times that you are politically moderate. I was raised in a household that leaned too far in one direction and it isn't healthy. Political extremism blinds us. We should all be open to hearing different viewpoints and I'm so glad I can do that now.

[@itscallietaylor]

I admire your values and mindset so much, Jessica. I'm sending you a lot of love, good health, and happiness this New Year 🥰 Enjoy the holiday season!!

[@lizschulzke]

i loved this video, jess. you have such a refreshing and stable (is that the right word??) mindset. thank you so much for sharing!!!! 🩷

[@Danielle-ic7pv]

One of our tradition is that once a week during the year my husband and I will write a little note on a “post it” and we put it in a jar. We also ask friends and family who visit us at our house to do the same. Christmas Eve we empty the jar and read the comments which are signed and dated. It brings back memories, we love it!

[@jewelsbarbie]

I love this idea!! Thank you so much for sharing. ❤️

[@elzona1983]

I love that phrase you said, “Shifted back into alignment.” I don’t have kids but I felt that’s what my dogs did for me. Show me joy and love in times of hardships.

[@beaniesmalls1]

And people on social media like to be offended by everything. It is so annoying. Most people need to lose the internet.

[@Karen-DeMars]

“ … lose the Internet.” That phrasing just cracked me up. Love it! 👏

[@tinyhandsbigdreams]

Thank you for these videos. I watch nearly every one of your videos (time is limited these days!) but the ones where you sit and chat to us are my very favorite. I've been watching you since you were sitting on your bedroom floor talking about ELF. I haven't worn makeup in nearly a decade, but I am SO glad I stuck around because of YOU not just your content. You are a light of authenticity on a platform with increasingly less-real content. Thanks for being you and sharing with us all!

[@roxy148921]

Totally agree about Elf on the Shelf. Do NOT ever want to start that

[@kaitamblo]

14:43 I wanted to chime in on this part specifically with regard to “rampant offensiveness”. I think we as a society have been trying to be better about correcting our fellows about things that we have always done that just aren’t right. But at this point it’s almost like we’ve reached burn out from it, to the point now that if someone just corrects us, it can come across as aggressive and “rampant offensiveness” because we’re so emotionally taxed with doing the work of fixing everything we’ve been taught. I hope this translates well

[@spoiledchoclatemilk6560]

We’ve lost nuanced and assume the worst of people. There’s too many verbal tripwires, and somehow if you didn’t know all of them including exactly when they change, you’re a bad person. Its toxic as hell

[@MomNTraining]

Whatever tradition you start, make it so simple and uncomplicated so you can actually enjoy it too!

[@maxinebromfield5116]

We have a few Christmas traditions. Some grew organically over the years, like decorating cut-out cookies on the eve but the one I chose to start when my son (who's now in his 20s) was born was to buy one or two really special ornaments every year, which he opens on Christmas Eve and hangs on the tree. They will be his to take with him when he settles into his own household but in the meantime, it's so nostalgic to unwrap and hang them every year.

[@deirdremccann3212]

Magnatiles, best toy my six year old grandson ever got. We bought them for him when he was two and added to them over the years. Not only does he build models with them but he uses them lots with other toys. The other day he had his tub of sea creatures out and made boats with the magnatiles. So open ended. 💙🎄

[@dwachter22]

Hi, I was a viewer for many years and your and your husbands vlogs got me through a lot during covid. I remember back then you trying to do some antiracism work around the George Floyd protests and Black lives Matter protests, as a political science and philosophy girlie I'd encourage you to learn more about the intersections of issues like the economy and race and race and gender issues. I'm not sure if you've seen it at all but I would highly highly recommend the documentary 13th by Ava DuVernay I think it is something pretty much everyone should see at least once and I just would encourage more community building around white women holding each other accountable for antiracism and other similar issues, genuinely this is meant in the most well meaning way I think its important as white people with privilege especially but also for all Americans to be as educated and knowledgeable about our systems and political issues as possible

[@LiveLaughLeaveBB]

Family tradition since I was basically born is that we get a new ornament each year that represents something from that year. It could be an avocado toast, a dog or a tiny house on wheels... Just depends what happened that year! 🎉🎉

[@Tarashelton86]

Our Christmas tradition each year is to have one of our boys read the Christmas story from the Bible every Christmas Eve. We all gather in the living room, our 2 boys, my husband, and myself with our fur babies . The Christmas tree lit, the TV off, and just peace and quiet. Soaking in all these precious moments with my babies that are not so small anymore

[@bkdavidson09]

We do an activity based advent calendar every year! It implements most of the things we already do every year, but in a fun way where there’s something we do every day. Sometimes it’s going to see the lights, or making a Christmas craft, baking cookies, etc. Some days it’s easier, like they get to open their Christmas PJs or a Christmas book. My kids love it and it’s been easy to adjust as they have gotten older as well.

[@wendyc.6416]

Thank you! I like this style of videos from you ❤ And I agree, Tyler did an awesome job with the Egypt videos. I haven’t seen all of them but they’re great!

[@Sometimesiexercise]

Christmas tradition idea - decorate an ornament ball you get from the craft store and each person puts wishes or hopes on little pieces of paper that go into the ornament ball. Put the year on the outside of the ornament. Eventually you’ll have enough ornaments to make a Christmas future tree (Christmas carol vibes) and someday your kids can open them and read theirs and your wishes/hopes from decades ago ❤️

[@audreysanders2669]

Love this! Going to use it!

[@Sometimesiexercise]

@ oh yay! I’m so glad you like the idea, thanks for commenting to tell me ❤️ I really enjoy doing it and can’t wait to have a tree full of them one day lol.

[@Karen-DeMars]

What an incredible idea! I’m 57 with a 28-year old son who just got married this year, and I’m totally going to start this tradition in our family … thank you! ❤

[@laceyhendershot9317]

I LOVE this so much. Going to Hobby Lobby and starting this immediately.

[@Sometimesiexercise]

@@Karen-DeMars oh yay!!! Thank you for taking the time to comment and tell me. I love that you’re excited to implement it with your family, that brings me so much joy ❤️ happy holidays!!

[@BTweety04]

My daughter's teacher two years ago gave an elf to every kid in class. Thanks a lot Mr. Rivas, now I have to move that damn elf every night. Right after that he moved away. Probably a smart decision 😅🤣

[@itsmrsvelez]

GIRL! I am WITH YOU with Elf on the Shelf! I’m glad I’m not alone 😂

[@DaniBones27]

30+ year old Christmas traditions from my family: Writing jokes on blank ornament bulbs Starting the morning with peanuts Christmas album - an absolute must. Christmas brunch: Swiss and bacon quiche from Betty Crocker cook book & Jewish sour cream coffee cake (not sure of the origin, it’s a 40 y/o recipe) Christmas movies, food coma naps, family time.

[@leilasursill4768]

My most favourite Christmas tradition we’ve started with the kids is getting them to pick out their own ornament every year. We’ve done it since they were born and the only rule is that they have to pick out the ornament that makes them feel happiest. We mark the ornament with their name and year. Once they’re adults they will be gifted all of the decorations they collected so that they will have a lifetime of sentimental decorations to start their own adult tree off with. Some of their choices are hilarious and will be cute stories to tell in the future. This year they both chose an ornament of a sausage dog in a sweater and beanie wearing ice skates 😂

[@allisonb8974]

My family used to drive around on Christmas Eve looking at Christmas lights in nearby neighborhoods. I always looked forward to that every year!

[@eddyaaaaaaa]

10:50 my husband was just moments ago noticing this about me! He says I'm very careful with my words so they aren't misconstrued (I'm a teacher) and I said YES AND IT MAKES ME TIRED 😅

[@Karen-DeMars]

Lol - yes; I’m so with you … NOT triggering petty people is exhausting! 😓😢😴

[@shanonswanson4880]

I agree with you about comments being taken in unintentional ways, I am a production supervisor and one day I had an employee clap (1 clap) in an excited way and another employee brought us to HR, because she thought it was disrespectful? The clap was done as a "yes! We are awesome" way...how does someone take that bad? And it happens more than I want to deal with! Love your videos every one of them!

[@Terroreyez]

I’m so glad my kids were never into “elf on a shelf” either! It was cute at first, but everyone got so intricate with the mischief and it seems exhausting. Our family always does Xmas pajamas, hot chocolate, and a movie on Christmas Eve. ❤

[@telizabethxo]

My favorite tradition we used to have a Christmas tree in my room and “Santa” would leave one small gift under it (as I got older it was left outside the door). I could open this before coming downstairs in the morning. Usually it was something I could play with quietly a book, a doll and as I got older sometimes a magazine or puzzle book. Credit to my mom because she kept this up well into my sister and i’s 20’s. The idea was something to keep us distracted when we were being kids on Christmas who couldn’t sleep.

[@glamlioness1505]

The Egypt videos are done SO SO well. I cried hysterically at the sphinx/ pyramid video. My grandmother was born and raised in Egypt so it just hit different

[@allaodushkin7541]

One of Christmas traditions is to get pizza after the Christmas eve service and then go home and go all out on a sleepover type Christmas movie marathon. I mean ALL the Christmas movies. We've even pulled out mattresses out from the kids rooms before. Kids have no bed time and they can stay up as late as they want. To so fun to still see their excitement as teenagers! So glad we started it

[@beaniesmalls1]

We moved from a lot of gifts to several experiences. For example, they got four gifts each, but we invested in season tickets to a local semi-pro baseball team, zoo or CoSi memberships, a stay at Great Wolf Lodge and Waterpark (indoor) for after cmas in january or february to offset the winter blahs. We found investing in experiences as a family was so much more meaningful and fun!

[@MomPita]

When our kids were little, the Christmas tradition was cozy clothes, preferably jammies, and we used to lay a blanket on the floor and eat our Christmas dinner together while watching Christmas movies. And because we did the ham and turkey, etc., for Thanksgiving, we would do seafood: shrimp scampi, crab legs, shrimp cocktail, etc. It was just fun and cozy. Oh, and making popcorn and cranberry strings!

[@hannahwhite9729]

So glad you talked about the negative comment thing! Even the most wholesome content has someone in the comments finding something to criticize about. Loved this video!

[@jgheart3018]

that color shirt is beautiful on you...our Christmas tradition is I make cinnamon sticky bread Christmas morning to have with our bacon (or sausage) & egg breakfast. My daughter is now 48 and has continued this tradition with her family 🥰

[@kaitamblo]

So I am Pagan and celebrate Yule as well as Christmas (my husband and I were both raised Catholic) and so we do a Yule based craft! Last year we made Yule Moon cookies, and this year we’re making spell ornaments 🥰 I’m so excited!!!

[@Naedlj]

On Christmas Eve we leave out my homemade cheese dip and tortilla chips and a big sweet tea for Santa and 9 sugar cubes for the reindeer.

[@MariaMedina-fu4yh]

Hey Jessica, shout out to the hard work that Tyler put into the Egypt videos. I will never be able to travel to Egypt, but had the best time watching all the videos!! There were parts that were so overwhelming it brought tears to my eyes. They were just so amazing. I'd be proud as well. Thank you both for the effort you both put into your channels. It is appreciated. Sending love and light to you and your family for the holidays. ❤

[@jelibeanncoffee2577]

I checked on the Patrick Ta palette before I tossed it. Misinformation is costly on all aspects. Plus, I've thought SO much about starting a KZbin channel, and I see horrible rude hurtful comments all the time, so I'm not going to do it. I'm 56, and in the last 10 years , the world has become a cesspool of negativity and blame and my feelings about this are kind of scarey, due to everyone has to be right and wants to be "heard", but the reality is most ppl don't want to listen, because these ppl live in a plastic bubble and they make the world go round. Ugh, I've been in self care mode this year, and try very hard to stay positive. SO ... Thank you for being YOU, because you make me laugh and cry and like so many of us here feel like you are our online bestie who gets it.❤😊🥰🤗

[@Liljmonster]

I was originally supposed to see Wicked in 2013 in LA for my senior band trip and ended up missing it because I got diagnosed with MS and was stuck in the hospital. I really didn’t know much about it, but I always knew that I loved the wizard of oz. So I promised myself that I wouldn’t spoil it and would see it live one day. Now that the movie is out I have been avoiding any and all spoilers beyond part 1 and I am IN LOVE. My boyfriend and I both left the theater crying (he is not a musical theater guy at all). I can’t wait to watch it again and to find out what happens!

[@HannahK780]

Love the chatty videos! Tyler’s Egypt videos were literal travel channel quality! Been loving Vlogmas so far with you guys too!

[@lisag6195]

The impression of a critical person tearing up the hypothetical lab analysis made me literally laugh out loud 🤣 That is exactly how some people behave

[@angelathater1857]

I’ve never loved you more than to hear you talk about the “Elf”. ❤ My daughter is grown now, but there was nothing more terrifying than waking up to realize you forgot to move that stupid little thing. 😂

[@tiffanybyram8738]

I feel the EXACT same about the elf on the shelf. I don’t need one more ball to juggle this month. I’m doing the best I can keeping the wheels on the bus 😅

[@helaineshpritz4984]

I too am claustrophobic and went thru similar tunnels and did the same thing! Sometimes the experience pushes us through!

[@melissam5669]

This is an outstanding blog. I totally needed this Jessica. I’m a bit older than you. My kids are in college. But I miss those snuggle babies. Thank you for sharing your life with us for so many years. I look forward to these videos so much. And I love your advice to just be ourselves and don’t worry about those who want to be mean there’s no reason for it.

[@lucyacker4068]

I bought the same shirt at old navy and loved it so much i bought 2 more colors! I recognized the shirt on you as soon as i turned on the video 😊

[@musicinjune]

I have a sibling that will not stop talking politics and it’s so hard to keep having those conversations. I completely agree with your stance.

[@alyssarobbins1853]

🌛🌛🌛 My favorite Christmas movie is Elf! Makes me so happy! Love you girl

[@laurenmccauley1242]

Jess I absolutely have been loving watching you for the last 10 years because you’re the most down to earth real person! You can never win on such a big platform but I just love that you stay true to yourself! ❤🥰 happy holidays KZbin bestie!

[@ashleyevans4938]

We used to always go to my in laws on Xmas day but because of our schedules I felt like we were so busy and rushed and I hated it. So now we stay home. I make food. We stay in our pj's and play with our toys and watch Xmas movies. We also always go see Xmas lights. There's a few big drive thru displays so we wear our pj's and get hot chocolate and a treat and go! We listen to Christmas music in the car and its so much fun!

[@JenandJoeontheGo]

AMEN!!!! We didn’t do the elf either. I’d rather enjoy the holidays and not create more stress, lol. We got a Snoop on the Stoop to lower expectations.😁😁😁Jen xo

[@amandaknull6765]

The Egypt videos are incredible! I haven’t watched them all yet but so amazing!

[@HurshRoad]

Someone wanting to take a pallet to the lab is hillarious

[@ellianacharice8880]

Good on you for catching the DeQuervain’s early! I got it in both wrists and ignored it too long and ended up having to wear a splint for weeks and weeks and then eventually had to do Physical Therapy to get it back to normal.

[@lauracarns717]

Elf on the shelf is a bit of work but it definitely doesn’t have to be a big deal ! We just move our elf different places every day , sometimes we’ll throw a letter from the elf in or a candy or something. We definitely don’t tho the elaborate tricks or gifts though . The kids love just finding her in a different spot and fully believe in the magic ! But there has been the 3am wake up of Ope need to move the elf 😂

[@Scoutmhen]

Our daughter is now 14 so the Elf is just another decoration at this point, but when she was little, we had a lot of fun with it. It was so fun to hear her say, “Mommy, the Elf is on the TV today”. ❤ it was a pain when we’d forget to move it though. 😂

[@ChristinaChasse]

OMG I was listening to this while getting ready for bed and heard my name! Love your channel and so excited to see the basement tour soon! Also, Tyler’s Egypt videos were amazing!

[@samanthafierro6477]

My Wicked story- I was fully in the throes of Wicked obsession (the show, not the book). I met my now-husband who had been reading the books at the time so right away we bonded over a mutual love of the story. Then I find out his last name is Fierro and I was like 😳😳 well now I have to marry this man lol and 10 years later I did! So I married "Fiyero" 😂😂😂

[@laurenslaughter2440]

My daughter is 4, so this year she really *gets* Christmas: the birth of Jesus, Santa coming down the chimney, etc. So I’m really starting to think about and start some good solid Christmas traditions. I feel the same way about Elf on a Shelf, but I heard something a few years ago that’s a similar idea, but less maintenance and more in-line with why our family celebrates. I started it this year; it’s called something along the lines of “finding the baby”, and each night you relocate the wise men from the nativity to somewhere in the house, and then Christmas Eve night you put them back in their rightful spot so that on Christmas morning, they’ve found their way to Jesus.

[@corriesites2431]

We have had the same simple christmas dinner for 30 years. And no one wants to change anything. Turkey, stuffing in the bird, mashed potatoes, my special green bean casserole not made with cream of mushroom soup, cranberry sauce from a can, and eclaire dessert. We also open presents one at a time.

[@montieverett4983]

I’m an officer on the Bible study group on Fort Knox, Ky. With programs and events happening the stress is real. I’ve been praying longer everyday just so i can get it all done. Funny how spending extra prayer time on your busiest days helps.

[@jessicaevans4902]

Holiday tradition: when I was little, my dad would read ¨The Night Before Christmas" to us before bed on Christmas Eve. He would be super over the top and use silly voices. We would then put out our cookies and milk for Santa and go to bed. My father is gone now, but I still remember those times with happiness.

[@gilliandrutchas694]

🌛🌛🌛The Muppet’s Christmas Carol is the best. Christmas movie ever!! As an English Teacher how can you go wrong when Gonzo plays Charles Dickens!

[@tarski7420]

Love your videos, thank you! We don’t celebrate Christmas but one tradition I loved as a kid, and we do now for our nephews & nieces is a treasure hunt when we celebrate wedding anniversaries. The couple gets gifts, and the kids have a treasure hunt with clues to look in different places around the home for the next clue….the last spot there’s a little gift or loot bag with treats/toys. They almost love the game more than the price at the end haha. We usually just do about 7 or 8 clues depending on their age. And it’s fun for the rest of the family to watch their excitement :)

[@Karen-DeMars]

What a clever idea - and a lovely tradition! 💕

[@Sometimesiexercise]

YES. It’s an exhausting time period for communication. This super resonated with me and it does feel negative. I can’t wait for the pendulum to swing the other way lol. Appreciate you sharing that you feel that way too ❤️

[@Sometimesiexercise]

Also the fact that you’ve seen the Carrie Diaries and referenced it made me so happy 😂❤ I loved that show

[@vavavath]

For Elf on the shelf - when my kids asked why we didn’t have one - I said I would talk to Santa but… that means the Elf is right there in our house always watching their behavior. They said never mind, we don’t want one!

[@luckyahmed200]

I’m Muslim and My family never did traditions but I had my son this year and I’d like to do something for Ramadan and Eid next year 😊