Smash or Pass: judging HOLIDAY DECOR & beloved traditions

[@Caroline_Winkler]

Download the FREE Upside App at upside.app.link/caroline to get $5 or more cash back on your first purchase of $10 or more.

[@deemusch5170]

I love your personality.

[@xlnyc77]

Yes, but WHEN do you put up the decorations? After Halloween? After Thanksgiving? And when to take down the decorations? Dec 26? New Years Day? My family waited until Jan 6 (aka Feast of the 3 Kings) to take down decorations.

[@xlnyc77]

@@kimalonzo3363 Yeah, unfortunate timing on those dates. My family comes from Puerto Rico and it's a tradition there. And we call it "Little Christmas," and we give each other smaller gifts on that day. Well, my Dad is a huge Trump supporter, but I hate Donny's guts. (Just stating facts, not looking to get political) I found this tacky-as-hell Donald Trump ring and ordered it right on time so it could be delivered to his house by "Little Christmas." Cuz even though I dislike Donny, I love my dad and thought it would be a goof to send it to him. And as I'm watching the breaking news that fateful day, my dad sent me a text, "I just got the gift, thanks."

[@wondertwin13]

I think the upside down Christmas tree was invented by people that own cats. Makes no sense but whatev

[@WhatIsHasValue]

Smash or Pass: 70s Decor

[@rebeccathrelkeld7845]

My mom always said there is a special place on the tree for all your handmade Christmas ornaments from school….. it was the back of the tree that was up against the wall 😂😂😂😂

[@Caroline_Winkler]

Hahah good loophole, mom 🙌

[@laurawatkins9399]

Haha GUILTY!

[@heatherchristensen328]

OMG YASSS, I’m that mom😂

[@KateCarew]

It suddenly hit me why my “ornament” base was always a dog treat…that I was told to decorate with…cereal bits dyed with food coloring. Time after time the dog mysteriously consumed my yearly ornament. Oh, we got oranges in the stocking too. It anchored the toe. I’m not sure if these stockings were at risk of blowing away, if the toe would collapse and leave an unsavory foot shape? No idea. Oh wait. Oranges are better in winter.

[@DMHCre8]

Haha, so true!

[@peppermedley8271]

My step mom is elderly and her Christmas letters are always about the six people she knows who died that year, the divorced children, the son-in-law who lost his job, the grandchild's broken arm, her husband is going blind with cataracts, the flat tire they had on their camper trailer, their sickly dog, etc. So depressing!! And the ending is always a paragraph on how much Jesus loves us and how good he is to us. LOL Can't wait to receive and read this year's version of tragedies.

[@kristin7762]

🤣

[@Caroline_Winkler]

Hahaha “six people I know who have died this year. A Christmas letter.”❤

[@goosegirl941]

I hate those letters but I 100% want one of these, reminds me of my granny who would always call to let us know who died ❤

[@MarionHoney]

LOL "thanks Jesus for another STELLAR turn around the sun"

[@MsEgwene]

It's like the movie, four weddings and a funeral. But instead it's six funerals and a divorce, so festive!

[@Samahra01]

My mom was nuts...those letters that people would write boasting about their children's achievements etc...well, my mother would send out Christmas letters telling friends and family about me getting a minor consumption and being put on probation....or that they took out a second mortgage because of her shopping addiction. Man, do I miss her everyday. My mother was the most hilarious, enigmatic person I've ever known! Love this place, Caroline:) You're the best!

[@leyrounni1304]

That is a fantastic idea from your mom and I'm very sorry for your loss

[@Samahra01]

@@leyrounni1304 aww, thanks so much! That's very kind and means alot! It's been 15 years and I never miss her any less but I have become stronger with time and I know she is all around me:) She was a very funny, beautiful, and astoundingly generous woman. If you're in the U.S. I hope you have a peaceful and wonderful holiday...if not I hope you have a lovely rest of the week:) Stay safe out there🙏🥰

[@nikaylabautista7887]

The fact that you saw “oranges in the Christmas tree” and didn’t even google it, but just assumed that people put full oranges on branches 😂 omg I love your confidence

[@orangespiderz]

Was looking for this comment 😝

[@Caroline_Winkler]

A criticism I fully, fully deserve 😂😂😂🤦‍♀️

[@msseasailor5731]

I thought the images you created with the oranges was hilarious!

[@HomeByMon]

@@orangespiderz me too 🤣 the face of confusion with the oranges hahaha 👀

[@amandaperry9399]

No lie I did the same thing and was hella confused

[@climbingjohnnie]

"Work on your personality." 😂 I actually laughed out loud at that. Boredom can lead to greatness or upside down Christmas trees.

[@anitas5817]

Lol

[@alisonneish8647]

Ttt01555

[@JamieM470]

"Boredom can lead to greatness or upside down Christmas trees." I need to print that out and frame it lol! 🤣

[@joyindrelie6715]

@@JamieM470 embroidered on a pillow!

[@bonnydunham7622]

I did too!! 🤣🤣

[@amq16pp]

“No one’s ever like 'in this year my husband had an affair and I’m barely speaking to my daughter' “ I spat my coffee lmaoooo

[@Caroline_Winkler]

Maybe we should be the ones to start this cultural trend

[@patralink]

Laugh out loud moment!! Love it.

[@lisagrace6471]

@@Caroline_Winkler YESSSSSS.

[@toagoodhome46]

Same!! 😂

[@techb3919]

Literally made me laugh for severalll minutes. I love her.

[@dianeandbrad529]

Smash or Pass: things youve seen in dating profiles Smash or Pass: what to get at thrift stores

[@Tobefree10]

the first one!!

[@Caroline_Winkler]

Oh my god this is irresistible. Yes

[@Caroline_Winkler]

Writing it down

[@rachaelc4762]

ohhhh #1 is perfect yes please

[@msolomon7389]

Please do # 1 ! 🙏🏼

[@nakias8362]

"we get it mom you lived in the past" had me rolling 😂😂😂 love this video!!

[@auroraborealis13579]

My mom told me that same oranges story!

[@letitiajohnson6987]

The oranges! 😆 You slice them and dry them out by baking them and then you can string them singly or as garland or you can mix them into your potpourri bowls.

[@Caroline_Winkler]

Ty I was v confused on this

[@MizJilly]

As a former New Yorker, that makes visions of rodents munching on branches dance in my head. I'm probably scarred, though.

[@letitiajohnson6987]

Jilly, yeah I don't see myself doing this but it had been trending the past how ever many years.

[@kateprewett8332]

I'm already laughing one minute in. 😂😂 the oranges 👏🏼😂

[@opodobed]

Wow, I want to try! Do I bake them on a really low temperature?

[@amberblack6908]

I just cut off my mom and I definitely needed this video. It's hard because she moved me away from my other family members when I was a teen. So all I have is my little family and basically my husband's parents. (I know I'm not alone. But after growing up being surrounded by huge family during the holidays.. it's sad.) 😔 sending hugs to all those who are sad about Thanksgiving and Christmas. 💕

[@nancyneyedly4587]

I have gone through a similar family "re-focus" lets say, and while I do think about the energy from the large gatherings, the small cozy christmas for me is so much more relaxing and cozy and personal.

[@greengoddessxo]

I will be experiencing the same thing this christmas but without my toxic father. Time to make new and better memories with people who truly care about you♥️sending you love

[@ashleybergstrom8934]

Hugs to you also. Not everyone is happy and celebrating during the holidays. Can be super painful and sad.

[@MyMomentswithMom]

So sorry you are going through this. Just know you aren't alone. I think alot of us have a member we are cut off from. It is sad, especially if it affects holiday gatherings..... but small and cozy get togethers are just as special. Glad you have your hubby and his parents. Sending hugs back to YOU 😘

[@thesnoopydance645]

Sending a huge hug to you. I know firsthand how tough estrangement can be. It gets better. 🙂💛

[@cristinaaguirre10]

“From someone who grew up very Catholic, I don’t need the guilt stuff.” 😂 I feel seen.

[@amq16pp]

One of the most relatable quotes I’ve heard

[@marymonica]

spiritual trauma girlies just get it

[@dizzybusy1]

I’m still Catholic and I don’t feel that “guilt” is such a bad thing. It allows me to reflect and change. Yes, when someone tells you the cold hard truths about yourself, it can be jarring and your first instinct is to deny it. But once you cool down and reflect you realize maybe there’s some truth there worth investigating. I’m all about self improvement even if the truth hurts.

[@cristinaaguirre10]

@@dizzybusy1 No, it’s not always a bad thing. Reflection and growth are great, it’s the being made to feel guilty about not doing things a certain way or having a different opinion/viewpoint where it’s bad, in my opinion. Trying to constantly meet other peoples expectations at the cost of your peace isn’t healthy. You can’t please everyone.

[@barbarathomas2471]

Went to Catholic school back in the day. I’m doing much better now. Only occasional flashbacks.

[@pamcornelius9122]

I’m a 60 year old widow who recently experienced your red underwear moment. I was listening to an oldies station last night and the theme was “Friday night date night.” The DJ kept repeating that in between songs. This will be my second Christmas alone. Hard pass on a lonely Christmas.

[@carolmiller8811]

I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and prayers your way.❤

[@malzimus]

I'm sorry for your loss. Are there volunteers opportunities in your area that you could look into and enjoy doing? Serving others can be a good way to both help others and pass time simultaneously. 👐 🙏

[@Tuntee]

hugs.

[@lucielariviere489]

❤️🫂

[@louisaseapy6117]

I was a widow at Christmas 9 years ago. It was so sad!! and I'm sorry this is you! I hope you can find some love around you, comfortable people to keep you sane. It also helped a lot to have my little dog.

[@ArtImitatingLifeImitatingArt1]

There's actually an entire podcast dedicated to reading those family holiday letters, they start up a new season around this time every year! 🎄 It's called 'It's a Wonderful Lie'

[@roxemary]

Thank you! Just added that to my spotify list

[@itsmecsmythe]

Thanks also! It's on the must-listen list.

[@nettaP]

Love this.

[@hawaiiansoulrebel]

This makes me very excited, just followed on Spotify.

[@DinainOH]

That's hilarious! But these days you can't tell if someone made stuff up to sound ridiculously funny or sadly true!

[@mamadahling]

Oh my gosh, Christmas letters! I have two that really stood out from people who sent tmi. One was “my husband ran off with his gay lover and divorced me” , and the second was “my husband left me for a flight attendant “. Both went on and on with details.

[@j0394]

"That is the mean spirited holiday that i want" yes yes and yes! More of this!! Nothing brings family together quite like tearing down other people!

[@familyvideosmakingmemories3590]

Why???

[@catherinewhalen974]

🤣😂

[@CygnusMaximusXIII]

Elf on the Shelf is SOOOO much work. Over the past several years, I've been gradually aging my kids' elf (I painted a beard on him, then sculpted a fuller/longer beard, then added grey, then white to his hair and beard, then made him tiny brass spectacles, etc.). My kids are old enough now that I think this year he's getting a rocking chair and never moving or doing anything again. Also... my aunt's Christmas cards are amazing. Despite being a bit on the older side, they include arrests, divorces, drunken sprees, TMI about her relationships - she holds nothing back and I hope it never changes.

[@jessakent2049]

Please note that almost all the examples you pulled up of decorations you like have these great, moody dark walls. Yay to getting over all neutrals! 😄 Edit: The secret to being alone on the holidays is to learn to appreciate something *besides* the togetherness overload. I love Christmas! It's so beautiful. The lights, the colors, even the tacky yard decorations are funny. The smells are amazing; I love a good holiday candle, and baking. Ginger and cinnamon and nutmeg... Love love love.

[@amymullen296]

And books! I give myself a new book, light the candles, and settle in with something delicious.

[@pollydolly9723]

And the beautiful music of the season moves me greatly. The Coventry Carol, En Flambeau Jeanette Isabella, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies....

[@frostfang1]

When I moved out of my parents (only four years unfortunately) I moved states and coworkers were all asking me if I was okay or inviting me over for Thanksgiving and Christmas. And I was like fuck no! This is the only time i get the apartment to myself! (Always had roommates or a landlord home). It was so peaceful. And I made whatever the fuck I wanted, which during the best year was stuffed mushrooms and then stuffed zucchini, and the quesidilla hamburger helper with andouille sausage. Was fucking bomb. And it was still kinda this family experience because my mom sent a thrifted recipe book from the library and that's where I got the stuffed zuchinni recipe from. So it was kinda like the best parts of her being there while the worst parts stayed home.

[@caitlinfoster9508]

Some of the best "Christmassy" moments I've felt have been on my own. Snow outside, cozy blanket, quiet house, dark room lit by the pretty tree, hot cocoa... Peaceful

[@doubleblindman]

10/10 - Would be lightly chided by Caroline again. Smash or Pass: Productivity and/or organizational tips (the kind you see everywhere in lists online)

[@javabeanstudio]

There also christmas decorations called "pomanders" which are whole oranges with cloves pressed into them in pretty designs, and also often have a ribbon tied around them. You see them more often displayed in bowls/on trays/hanging in windows/in floral arrangements though, rather than on the tree, because yes oranges can definitely be heavy lol.

[@AnalisaFreitas]

My mom & grandma loved to make these things!! Never knew they had a name😹wow

[@melissaw8519]

Your relatable sass has become my favorite thing to look forward to on KZbin. It's really the only acceptable kind of pre-Thanksgiving Christmas content I would enjoy. That being said, I am now fighting the urge to decorate. Thanks for keeping it real and always giving me a good laugh.

[@Caroline_Winkler]

Love to hear this, thanks Melissa ❤️🥲

[@sundoesshine8583]

relatable sass. i love it and may use it if that's okay.

[@melissaw8519]

@@sundoesshine8583 please do! 😅

[@ScottEmbler]

Gingerbread houses are stupid, but a soft warm gingerbread cookie is the greatest thing humans ever created.

[@alyssaandress]

Gonna go on record and say that super randomly the IKEA ginger thins are incredible as well

[@bookllama8158]

@@alyssaandress They are called Pepparkakor in Swedish and you can make them yourself. Even nicer than Ikea.😊

[@gingin1050]

Vegan ginger bread cookies rock!

[@annetteprice]

Also ginger bread - not cookie, bread - with whipped cream on top is amazing.

[@RobynCoburn]

I make actual ginger bread - like a spice cake. People love it.

[@iomwiwy_13]

the oranges on the tree was the funniest thing I’ve seen in awhile and I’m glad you left it in the video 😂

[@Rose-oo9gn]

Lmaaooo that’s how I pictured them too 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@kayligo]

My mom use to put oranges in our stockings. Felt ripped off as a kid lol

[@RachaelLedsome]

Caroline, you have inspired me to be more authentic and to accept "where I'm at" so to speak.

[@aprilfrenchdesign]

All of this!! 😂

[@Caroline_Winkler]

This is wildly meaningful. I’m honored and thank you for sharing this with me. Where you’re at is perfectly wonderful. I’m glad you can feel that ❤

[@NoelleAm]

My mom does the orange in the stocking too. So glad I won't get scurvy this winter.

[@redsoxexpat]

"The holidays are about being depressed, and noticing how alone you are." She, who speaketh the truth! 😂🎄

[@Caroline_Winkler]

Hahah I’m relieved this resonates

[@kathrynmcnerney6490]

Totally relate to this!

[@kge6492]

In some European regions at first christmas trees were hanged from from ceilings by the base. Also about the orages - you hang slices of fresh or dried oranges. If you add hanging cinamon your home will smell amazing for month. My family does fully natural tree decor, from wood, wool, orange slices or cinnamon. It's the best ever - no more plastic.

[@anczis]

If I'm not mistaken, upside down tree that was an old german tradition, so it is even more funny ;)

[@mariamary65]

I feel like you're on the precipice of becoming a household famous name. You "smashed" this video with your humour and candor. You're a breath of fresh air Caroline. Thanks for taking the time to make our days a little more joyful :)

[@anabanana66125]

Advent calendars: one big Christmas striptease…. SENT me✈️

[@MarieBachman]

In Denmark it's tradition to make dried slices of orange as tree ornaments or garlands. It's really pretty, all natural and gives a nice smell. I think you would like them :)

[@natalieeeeeeeeeee97]

smash or pass house flipping edition (things that people do to homes that either ruin or completely upgrade the home)

[@taraclarke2565]

yes!!

[@katiedavis512]

Oh my god this is such a good idea. Bought a house a couple of years ago, and it was HORRIFYING how many houses in the area had just been badly flipped. As someone buying a first house, and looking for something affordable with character, it was absolutely heartbreaking.

[@alexw322]

That is my Christmas village mantel, my day is made! Thanks for the notes, love all your content!

[@wayasaunooke3424]

No stop, I had to comment again... the confusion and then the image of whole oranges in the Christmas tree 🍊🤣🤣

[@rickeyryan1986]

I cried at thought of mesh bags of oranges hanging on the tree😂😂😂😂😂 you always hit nail on head!! Love this new tradition pass or smash gets me in the mood ❤❤❤❤

[@angelasagenda]

Caroline I decorate for Winter, not for Christmas. This can be challenging but uniquely fun! This year I’m using vintage ice skates, vintage skis, old rusty sled, branches gathered and painted white, huge snowflakes, giant wood snowman, and birch, fir, branches in an urn. Oooh icicles!!!

[@brendaschueler21]

That sounds amazing because you can leave it up thru all of January which is the bleakest month of the year... at least where the days are short and the weather is COLD!

[@angelasagenda]

@@brendaschueler21 Thanks Brenda! You are so right. I usually put it up the week of thanksgiving and take it down last week of January. By that time, I’m ready to do birdhouses or birdcages with florals and petunias. Pink and and purples usually.

[@hello-mynameis]

I ♥you Caroline, and agree with everything you said except for the gingerbread houses. They were a tradition in my house as a child and continued with my own children. They were always home made, delicious with chocolate roof tiles and other goodies, and never lasted more than a few days :) The most elaborate one was a replica of the Santa Maria Novella Cathedral in Florence with red licorice strings in 2 spirals on either side of the candied rose window...:) xo

[@kmacc974]

wait...what about Street Man?! (me over here hoping we get an update some day LOL) Also, I had almost the exact same feelings about all of the things...especially tinsel and upside down trees.

[@createlovetravel]

Yea I was hoping to hear the update too… but I guess what’s not said is loud enough 😢

[@fremont111]

she said she loves being single

[@AmandaJ__]

That’s what I thought too!

[@aliciareyes5389]

Yesssss!!!! I thought the same. Plis girl let us know, at least the generals.

[@mareegerolymatos8090]

I came to the comments like wait what what happened 😢

[@MeHere650]

Love this video. I kept my daughters Christmas ornaments she made in elementary school. Now that she’s a mom of an almost 8 year old I gave them all to her as a gift so she could decorate her tree. She can hang them right next to all the new ones she’s getting from her child. FYI, those macaroni painted ones DO last forever! 😂😂

[@itdoesntmatteratalldude]

The orange thing makes a lot of sense for cat owners. I’ve seen tips online about hanging orange / lime slices on the tree, cause since cats don’t like the smell of these, it might help keeping them from trying to climb the tree.

[@rlavelleSLP]

I love this! 🎄💫 Would love a “smash or pass” about the Colors of the Year or design trends for 2023 ❤️

[@laurensapato9797]

This is one of my favorite videos you have created 😂 definitely make this a series

[@kathygoertz1065]

Love the head band it really brings the blue, green,gray out in your eyes and your hair as always looks beautiful. I like Gwen Stefani's tradition where she gift wraps the door way to the living room on Christmas morning and her kids have to smash thru it to get to the gifts. I think Christmas decor take years to curate and your taste might change over the years so Don't buy everything from one store and also thrifting can be a real budget saver especially in the off seasons.

[@UnoHoo1]

The eyes are def popping’!

[@talesofloveandadventure]

Now let's see how Caroline decorates for the holidays!

[@michelledee2586]

Yes can’t wait for this one. Gotta be a right side up Christmas tree.

[@michellebrooker8393]

What happened to street man?! Did I miss something?

[@finallyawakened3350]

@@michellebrooker8393 I was wondering the same 🤔

[@leonore3349]

@@michellebrooker8393 She's no longer speaking about it.

[@zvezdoblyat]

@@michellebrooker8393 she giving him the privacy he deserves, and isn't really obligated to speak about personal relationships online, so she's not gonna be talking about him anymore

[@anitas5817]

Hard pass on elf on a shelf. Agree with creepy.

[@cspenc8784]

"Tradition is a way to never innovate, in a way." Splendid episode! It's like a class in holiday sociology.

[@chloanthite]

People celebrate culture through tradition tho, so there’s that

[@vaderladyl]

I have to disagree with that quote.

[@nancyneyedly4587]

She did say except during the holidays...2:23 "but around the holidays, i like it"

[@jarcha4200]

Tradition is also a way to lovingly remember your childhood and loved ones. I always put out a nativity scene my parents gave me forty years ago.

[@Caroline_Winkler]

Haha I see this comment stirring up a lot of conversation! Yes, I said I like tradition at the holidays especially. And I stand by that! AND ALSO, my observation is that some traditions - whether holiday or not - are often given importance for the mere fact that they ARE a tradition, even if it’s a tradition that hurts people, is unpleasant for the participants, or just falls short of its original intention. The opinion I was trying to share is that the justification of “well we’re doing it this way because we’ve always done it this way” often leaves a lot of missed opportunities. ❤️ At the same time, do I also enjoy many Christmas traditions? Indeed I do.

[@jendaq7707]

Caroline has obviously never tasted a truly epic gingerbread cookie but she's still young, so there's time to change her mind.

[@nancyneyedly4587]

IKR! There's thin crispy buttery gingersnap like cookies and then there's fat chewy warm and spicey gingerbread cookies or maybe even a dark molasses laden gingerbread loaf with warm apple sauce and whipped cream!!

[@is-yn6jf]

Extremley hot take but the worst part of gingerbread is the ginger. If you go light on the ginger and heavy on the cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice youve got a winner

[@thegirlabides6851]

I'd love to see a video of how you transition from holiday decor into the remaining winter months and/or how long you keep them up. Thanks!

[@newperspective5918]

"That's like lightly bullying your kids. Yeah that is holiday'y". Haha love this!

[@camarotrash]

I’m from Florida and have always been in love with the light-up village collections. They’re so friggin’ whimsical I could die. And there’s just something about recreating a little, miniature snowy town that means so much to someone who grew up in a place that never really experiences seasonal weather changes (the hot season is ten months out of the year; the less hot season is the other two). But it’s little “creations” like this that make the season magical to people like me.

[@Nicole_Riviere]

I laughed so much! “Upside down Christmas tree? Listen, if you are going through some kind of crisis…”😂😂😂

[@nettaP]

Oohhhh I smash the white tree with neon decorations. But I saved that for when I lived on a tropical island in a huge loft shophouse style home that really lent itself to that kind of expression. It was flocked. And it was amazing. Now that I’m back in the old home country - real tree, old family ornaments, angel older than my mom, but … I’ve stuck with colored lights. Like an obscene amount of colored lights. Love your content alwaysssss.

[@pip5284]

Tradition is appreciating that the things previous generations have chosen to take and continue from past might be worthwhile or good, and might contain kernels of wisdom. It's appreciating that as someone young and dumb you might not know everything. Every generation throughout history has innovated, tossed out some traditions and kept others! I love your channel and how your personal style mixes old and new!

[@leilaniz5909]

We always got oranges in the stockings because they perfectly fill and weigh down the toe of the sock. *and I will 100% keep it going because amongst the cookies and chocolate an orange in the winter kind of hits the spot.

[@diospyrose]

This is literally the only pre-Thanksgiving holiday content I will allow edit: smash or pass home brand collabs!

[@raechelholden1250]

agree on big retro colored bulbs - either outdoor at a large house or public tree

[@margieportice3173]

You’re almost at 300k! I always knew you would make it big!

[@Presmelb]

I totally am a smash on decorative Christmas pillows!

[@mackenzie1779]

This video is my new favorite Christmas movie.

[@aeconiglio]

YOU WIN THE COMMENT AWARD

[@tinachristiansen5174]

I completely relate to your feelings about Christmas & the anticipation. I also get bummed when it’s Christmas Day.

[@oonarhu4681]

Ohhh, that early dressing down about all of us failing the class assignment... so hilarious. Someone suggested the upsidedown tree as a solution to my cat's fun house attitude to Christmas trees, and I realized a) the cat is the only member of the family who would love it and b) we're not that idiotic yet. So good news, we don't have to rig up molly bolts to the ceiling and do something ugly. Yay!

[@Caroline_Winkler]

Hahaha to be fair most people passed the assignment 😂but I can’t resist

[@amymullen296]

I tie the tree to a hook in the wall with fishing line, AND I wire all the ornaments on instead of using hooks. So usually the carnage from the three cats is minor. Also I now use a 5' tree and set it on a low table, which has cut way down on the cats ambushing each other from under the tree.

[@vikkiweigel2504]

I believe it's the lovely dried orange ornaments. I made those during first Covid Christmas...looked beautiful on my tree, wreaths, etc

[@orphanedhanyou]

My mom always made pomanders with oranges & pushed in cloves in a pattern. Smells amazing. You can dry them out which makes them light and they could hang on a tree. She also did dried orange slices for ornaments and garlands.

[@natashamrks]

Watching this on the 7th of January- the Orthodox Christmas - and realising that the “Wonderful time of the year” pillow is one of my favourite things of the wonderful time of the year 😂🙌🏻Merry new year)))

[@devynryan1341]

Do a smash or pass on a popular furniture brand! Whichever one you have a lot of opinions about, id love to watch! But some suggestions are: Ikea, CB2, West elm. Love your videos, take care! ☺️

[@Tenmitsudou]

A new video of yours is always a treat, thanks!

[@rlavelleSLP]

The Christmas orange in the stocking is my favorite gift of Christmas. I always wish family and friends an orange in their stocking Christmas morning. Incidentally, the poem The Orange by Wendy Cope is amazing 🧡🍊🎄💫

[@gothdad94]

i personally LOVE tinsel, especially the old lead kind that's long and hangs really well. i love pairing christmas with danger.

[@nancyneyedly4587]

Yes, the old lead kind! It hung so differently than the plastic tinsel today.

[@retrorosiecheeks]

Oooo do a smash or pass for Valentine’s Day!

[@qkick]

I'm so here for the fun and light content, loved this! Just wanted to say that I really really appreciate your deep life advice videos too! So looking forward to when you feel like sharing more of that again :)

[@chefheidifink]

By oranges in the tree, I think they might have meant pomanders? Classic homemade decoration. Also, I really like a mix of white lights and colourful lights on the tree. It has both the cool sparkle and the warm colour. It works for me

[@nicolepatenaude4266]

I sooo agree that the best part of Christmas is the build up !! Happy Holiday season Caroline !

[@gingin1050]

Pink and white trees rock🥰

[@stephmariem]

Now I need to see how you decorate for Christmas😂

[@jaycole2109]

Another excellent video! Smash or pass on clothing and shoes. Smash or pass at furniture/accessory consignment shops.

[@Madi_Miso]

LIVING for this content Caroline! I had to pause the video 3 minutes in and send to a friend because I was laughing so much!

[@judemanning2648]

for your listner with holiday blues... i liked your advice to mingle at the local pub, or something. Also, i think it helps to bring a little christmas decor/cheer into the home--even if just a string of lights in the window. Maybe light some extra candles. I'm a solo bird, and these things have brought me more joy and comfort than expected. And then binge on fav christmas movies. Hot cocoa... Cozy stuff. Spoil yourself. You may just decide how awesome it is not to have to appease anyone but YOU.

[@skipperandsissy]

I agree with all except, I love gingerbread. Go ahead, hate me. lol Being alone during the holidays is normal for me. Sometimes I feel like decorating, sometimes I don't. Either way, I embrace it and find joy when and where I can. 😊

[@Version0111]

I'm glad you had a reason to buy red underwear this year. Hope both you and your gentleman were able to enjoy being able to share the season with each other.

[@leonoraa1]

It was quite funny how disappointed was Caroline in finding out people are dumb (not understanding the question) :D

[@eviozyra6300]

I didnt get it either and didnt reply 😅

[@rmrsgirl]

Our 9’ slim pre-lit led tree is amazing - we can cycle through multi-colored lights (which husband and 8 yo son love), and white lights (which I love). It has a remote and can do multiple variations of fading, blinking, cycling both, etc. it’s great! (High ceilings, small footprint).

[@rmrsgirl]

Costco for the tree

[@LinXXX03]

your hair is gives me serious envy. its so fluid and beautiful!

[@MrsBrit1]

I'm new to your channel and have been binging your videos. Just wanted to say I love your humor and attitude and street guy chaos!😂 💖

[@jayweh]

glad you're back with decorating tips .

[@patvrabel908]

Loved the Christmas market on F street in front of Portrait Gallery in DC. Used to work close by and enjoyed walking through after work!🎄🎄

[@beautifulsoul8365]

It makes sense. The nostalgia of a relationship, durung the holidays...

[@chelsichristensen]

Really enjoyed the podcast! Always appreciate your realness and honesty. Hope you have a great weekend Caroline!

[@kelly-annmaddox]

Please do a Smash or Pass on coffee table arrangements and accessories. 😁

[@unrespiro]

I was talking today to my friend who is a clinical psychologist and she told me that they have already started to attend more patients during these last weeks and that the number of patients will exponentially rise as we approach Christmas. So yeah, this holiday is really depressing for a lot of ppl, me included! I am so happy being introvert, spending time alone and having just a handful of friends throughout the year but then Christmas holidays come and I automatically start to feel so lonely and not loved. This is just the stupid comparison and social pressure.

[@tamjg]

I disagree about it being comparison and social pressure. This is the darkest time of the year and it's completely natural to want to be surrounded by others, which is why pagans and then Christians chose to make December holiday time. Please consider volunteering or other activities, not just to be a do-gooder but to meet people and be part of something. I'm old but similar to you and trying to help. p.s. We know the historical Jesus was not born in winter.

[@artxlife7236]

You have such a distinct fashion sense, would love a trends-related smash or pass vid!

[@idancealways4ever440]

Haha this was fun & I love that it’s out in November, I’m all about starting Xmas in November. It’s my fave holiday & I want to make it last as long as possible!! 🎄🫶🎁🎅🏼🤶🏻

[@runjoyrun4721]

I haven't felt much in the "holiday spirit" yet this year, but this video is actually making me feel more in the mood for the season. also, a good thing about a real tree in a small space is that you don't have to store it the rest of the year. so I'm with you on team real tree. I definitely wouldn't display a tree upside down, but maybe I'll innovate and just lay it on its side.

[@YOLONOW5280]

Did street man not work out? Does that mean you can give an update? Love your authentic taste 🙏🏽

[@caitlinphillips5989]

Would love to see a smash or pass video on first date ideas!

[@patriciafuchs5970]

Loved this, I do as little or much as I feel like, mainly focusing on my tree which has hand painted wooden ornaments, gingerbread cookies, candy canes, quite eclectic, don’t care if anyone likes it or not.

[@ashleydobson1532]

The upside down christmas tree is an iconic display staple of this local floral boutique in my community... They have multiple trees they decorate with different themes every christmas. So the upside down is stunning in window displays AND also allows for way more floor space. So I only agree with the upside doen trees at Cugini Florists & Fine Gifts in Renton WA. ❤😂

[@capps_loch]

I think they are meaning dried orange slices as ornaments. Edited to add that you totally ended up getting it!! I love it!

[@loriwhinery3210]

Caroline, what moisturizer do you use? Your skin always looks so hydrated ❤️

[@pamelapetrosino4437]

Great video idea! Upside down Christmas tree definitely gives off Dr Seuss vibes, specifically something you’d find in a Whoville home.

[@wayasaunooke3424]

All the Yay and Nay replies on Instagram 🤣 Why did that make me snort with laughter in a very undignified manner? 😂

[@cmreker]

So glad my siblings and I aren’t alone in sitting around and shitting on everyone’s long Christmas cards 😂 one of the best parts of the season, honestly