Lush Life




Christmas holiday is only a few days ahead. It is a holiday that families come together. Parties will be extravagant and memorable. Being here in the Philippines it is celebrated much more differently. I am going to tell you more about our culture and how we spend our Christmas. Enjoy reading. I know how curious you are.


So called ‘ber

It is known here that if the months end in “ber”, it is already Christmas. So the duration of Christmas here is 4 months, hilarious isn’t it? As you can see Septem’ber Octo’ber Novem’ber 4 months indeed. I am just emphasizing the ‘ber part.


Succulent Lechon

In Philippine Christmas during Christmas Eve the main dish is called lechon which is in basic terms if you are not a vegan it is roasted pig. Filipinos love its succulent red crispy skin. Predominantly, well because the predominant religion is Roman Catholicism. But of course other religions exist here as well. Probably they would not eat lechon. But I am a Roman Catholic so I would.



Gift Exchanging

In this 4 month duration of the ‘ber months, every weekend an exchange gift is celebrated. In those days you will draw a random name in a raffle draw of some sort. He or she will receive a surprise gift. There is a specific ‘theme’ every week. The group might decide if it is ‘something hard’ or whatever something you can think of. Yes in those exchange gifts you will receive loads of surprise gifts and you will give a lot as well. It is so exciting unravelling that ‘something round’ you received. I mean the suspense will kill you! So fun am I right?



Abstract patterned Paról

Our decorations other than Christmas tree is paról. According to Wikipediaparól is an ornamental, star-shaped Christmas lantern from the Philippines. It is traditionally made out of bamboo and paper and comes in various sizes and shapes, but generally the basic star pattern remains dominant. The design of the paról evokes the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Kings to the manger. It also symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and the Filipinos' hope and goodwill during the Christmas season.



Wow you read all of that! So tell me how you spend your Christmas? This is also the last day you can join my Jexshop Giveaway!




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137 comments

  1. really nice =)

    www.heykasumi.blogspot.com

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  2. Very interesting read my dear, and you look amazing! I think I would love spending my Christmas in the Phillipines ;)
    XO IMKE | Pastellics

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  3. great outfit! love the pics!

    https://everydayfacts.wordpress.com

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  4. Cool outfit! ;)
    ♥♥♥
    Jeanne
    http://fashionmusingsdiary.com

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  5. Great look! I love your top<3

    Regards,
    a-cupofrain.blogspot.co.id

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  6. Great shoot.

    x Karen
    http://dressinginlabels.blogspot.com

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  7. Somehow bloglovin has deleted all the blogs i was following and now i have to follow all back :) So I am following yours again! I loved your outfit, sweet T-shirt and you look beautiful, always! And I loved to know about the Christmas traditions! And "ber" months :) I would love to see a parol tree!
    DenisesPlanet.com

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    Replies
    1. Oh a parol is not a tree :) hahaha its a star ornamental lantern. 😉 I wonder how bloglovin did that though 😄

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  8. nice look!
    xx
    http://losaway.blogspot.com.es/

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  9. Carinissima la maglia che indossi!!
    Un bacione Manu
    http://manuelinamakeup.blogspot.it/

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  10. Lovely photos! I really like your top :) xx

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  11. This is so nice!

    ** I'm inviting you to join Love, Beauty Bloggers on facebook. A place for beauty and fashion bloggers from all over the world to promote their latest posts!


    BEAUTYEDITER.COM

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  12. Such a cute look dear!
    Thanks a lot for your last comment and have a wonderful week ahead : )
    Xx
    Larissa
    cenestquedelachance.blogspot.de

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  13. You're Filipino too?! So am I and I always look forward to lechon, eggrolls, and pancit! So jealous you are able to wear to shorts around Christmas time!

    www.rdsobsessions.com

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  14. it was really interesting to read about Christmas customes in your country. I like that part about receiving lots of gifts.

    We also have a lot of different customs here. Pig is also a popular meat choice here:):) Everybody loves it!

    You look very pretty! I like your shorts...and your top is so feminine.

    http://modaodaradosti.blogspot.ba/

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    Replies
    1. Also here, in every party you're invited in there is also gift exchanging so 5 parties= 5 gifts! :)

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  15. nice outfit you look beautiful
    love your top
    http://weirdthoughts13.blogspot.in/

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  16. Cute outfit!
    xMC
    http://mc2squared.blogspot.com

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  17. Nice look! :)
    Have a nice week!
    Arleta!

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  18. A comemoração por aí é bem diferente, adoraria provar o Lechon
    Beijos!

    Sociedade do Esmalte

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  19. Im so jealous of you being able to wear shorts around this time!!! U look pretty ~ xo

    http://www.sweetsimpleday.com

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  20. It was so fascinating to read this post and learn more about how you celebrate Christmas - I've always found it interesting to see how different people celebrate the special time of year :) The decorate staircase featured above looks lovely by the way!


    Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice
    x

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  21. You look amazing
    Beautiful ensemble

    Love Vikee
    www.slavetofashion9771.blogspot.com

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  22. I miss the warmer days! You look very nice!

    xo
    http://thepinkporcelaindoll.blogspot.it/

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  23. i love your top and shoes.

    http://jehanmohammad.blogspot.com/

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  24. My Grandma was actually born and raised in the Philippines, but I never got to learn much about the culture before she died. I really love that you shared this with everyone! I honestly had no idea that the holidays and gift giving took up soo much time out of the year. I actually really like that :) Lovely post, Alysa. Thanks for taking me back to my roots!

    -Rachel
    www.blonderhombus.com

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    Replies
    1. Wow that is so lovely my gran is still alive though, its really nice that now you know a bit of the culture :)

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  25. Too cute!

    God bless
    XO, Claire
    Http://www.littlemissfashionqueen.com

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  26. Wow so many gifts through the weeks! I like that idea. I have done this through all of December for someone before but never more than that. So interesting to read about the customs of another place from someone there. You look amazing in your outfit, dear!!! That top is so sweet and your legs are very sexy!!! And so many wonderful shots of them!! I enjoyed each shot so much and then,,,wow :) The second back shot with the hand was the one that ended up making my night very fantastic! Thank you for sharing these gorgeous and exciting shots!! xoxo

    All Things Bright and Lovely

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  27. Wow...it look super amazing...thx for sharing honey...:-)

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  28. Nice look and photos :)

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  29. I would like to taste Lechon someday. I love the decorations. Great outfit as well. I hope tovisit the Philippines someday.
    www.fashionstylemogul.com

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  30. Great look, love the sound of that lantern, must check it out!!
    Have a lovely day :)
    Rosanna x
    Rose's Rooftop

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  31. You look very pretty!, love the lace top! http://www.mumbaitomelbourne.com/fashion-and-beauty-blog-posts/the-liebster-award-breaking-the-fashion-stereotypes

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  32. Beautiful place and beautiful look! Great Christmas decoration, I love this time of year <3
    Very interesting your culture in relation to Christmas, here in Brazil we also do some of these things...

    http://heyimwiththeband.blogspot.com.br/

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  33. You look adorable. Love your cute top. I would eat that too :D We don't celebrate that much but there's a lot to eat and a X-mas tree :D

    www.glamdevils.com

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  34. A simple and stylish look, which suits you very well :)

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  35. Wonderful look!

    ♘ www.sugarpopfashion.com ♘

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  36. You certainly look ready for Christmas! Love the lace top, you look adorable :) Great look!
    xo Kiki
    http://colormekiki.com/

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  37. Och, great outfit!
    Perfect shoes.
    LOVELY <3

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  38. Love the outfit :) super casual! have a nice day! :)

    Stay in Style
    Karen @ Lookbook Store Blogspot

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  39. Lovely outfit! The top looks so pretty. Gemma xx
    www.jacquardflower.uk

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  40. I really love your lace top darling! ^-^
    xoxo

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  41. Cute and simple! Love the look♥

    summerdaisy.net

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  42. Nice outfit :)
    Xx Blue Ducklings
    http://www.blueducklings.wordpress.com

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  43. Yeah it is! Getting nearer and nearer!

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  44. What interesting and unique traditions! Love the gift exchanges and the lantern. Such a fun way to make things more festive!

    xx Yasmin
    http://banglesandbungalows.com

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  45. Cute look :)

    www.selftimersblog.com

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  46. The extended gift exchange sounds so cool! I've never heard of that tradition but I'm sure it really builds the excitement around the holiday even more.

    -M
    www.violetroots.com

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  47. beautiful! i wish i could be wearing shorts right now, too cold over here! haha

    love the blog girl! if you get the chance please take the time to check out mine and let me know what you think (maybe even follow? no pressure though!)
    PS: my most recent post has a GREAT deal for 16 dollar blanket scarves!!! check it out! you'll love it. :)

    love, rach.
    So, hi.

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  48. Such a fun read! Do you really give gifts every week for 4 months?! Wow!

    Gina
    Pink Wings

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  49. You look so pretty in this lace top, dear ;)

    http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/

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  50. Amazing post! I love your blog:)

    www.bloglovin.com/blog/3880191

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  51. 4 months of Christmas must be nice. I love this holiday the most.

    http://www.pixics.com/blog

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  52. thanks for commenting on the blog. your post makes me wanna be in the Philippines again. I was there this past august and one of my dreams is to be there during Christmas. but tickets are always so expensive. my parents tell me its amazing that time of year. until then i'll be eating my lechon in nyc during Christmas and skyping with my family in manila and Bacolod :) followed you on bloglovin as well. also love the outfit, wish I could be in shorts in December :)

    http://everydaylivingnyc.blogspot.com/

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    Replies
    1. Yeah its nice in the Philippines, but yeah, then there is skype :) enjoy your Christmas! Followed you back on bloglovin!

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  53. Thank you for sharing how Christmas are celebrated in the Philippines! It sure does sounds extravagant and I love how you guys celebrate!

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

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  54. So pretty! Love your shorts!!
    Love,
    Kisses and hugs from www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}

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  55. This is so pretty! And all those lovely Christmas decorations around your home! And 4 months of Christmas! OMG! That's wonderful!!

    Mallory // Perhaps Bananas

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  56. Love this laid back look! Thanks for commenting on Qing's Style. Please always keep in touch!

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  57. Perfect casual look :)

    Stephanie | www.stephykeung.com

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  58. Thanks, darling :D

    Wooow, so comfy outfit :D Love it!

    NEW OUTFIT POST | Brown Leather Jacket
    InstagramFacebook Oficial PageMiguel Gouveia / Blog Pieces Of Me :D

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  59. What a gorgeous outfit, it makes me miss summer! Love your white top!
    Fashion Soup

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  60. Lost of presents is great! ;) Thanks for sharing your traditions! xo
    http://cocojeans.blogspot.pt

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  61. Também amo! *_*

    Seu look ficou lindo!

    Ótima quinta!

    Beijo! ^^

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  62. molto bella la maglia

    http://bellodiesseredonna.blogspot.it/

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  63. Nice pics, would love to travel Philippines, we always plan but something or the other comes up, have heard so much abt its beauty !!
    New post - http://www.sapphireziva.com/2015/12/estee-lauder-advanced-night-repair.html

    xo, kanchan

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  64. Great pictures my dear, I love your top :-) I wish that I will spend one of my Christmas in your country :-)

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  65. Hi! I've found your blog and it's so beautiful. We can follow each other if you want! I'll be happy if you visit my blog. Kisses from Italy. :)
    peonynanni.blogspot.it

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  66. Cute outfit. I can't believe there is anyone able to wear shorts - so cold in UK!

    Jenn | Jennifer Jayne

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  67. Simple and great outfit dear!!!
    Hugs
    Ale
    http://alespinkfairytale.blogspot.it/

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  68. It was really interesting to read about your special Christmas tradition ! It's too cool Christmas lasts for so long there, shall I move ? :) Kisses

    Fashion and Cookies - fashion blog

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  69. oh you look so sweet in that pics :)
    http://www.youtube.com/c/MissLovelyAttitude
    http://lovelyattitude.com

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  70. You're outfit is so pretty! gorgeous hun. Xx

    Lots of love,
    Kayla <3 Xx
    www.kaylasvibrations.blogspot.com

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  71. nice t-shirt!

    www.fashi0n-m0de.blogspot.it

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  72. Thanks for sharing your family's traditions! they sounds so fun! I especially love the part about the gift exchange and guessing what you will get with the theme. That's something I wish I did with my family and friends. It would make things easier when gift shopping, plus it would be fun unwrapping them, like a game. Love your necklace by the way :)

    ~Andrea Tiffany~
    http://aglimpseofglam.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Haha! Yeah its fun when you have a theme for your gift giving party!

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  73. what a great outfit!!
    Have a lovely day,
    Madalena

    www.maadalenaaa.blogspot.com

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  74. ver cute look

    http://www.queenhorsfall.com/

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  75. I love your top! Such an easy going look.

    XO Chelsea http://www.shesaidhesaidfashion.com

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  76. Very interesting!!!

    Have a nice evening!
    Angela Donava
    http://www.lookbooks.fr/

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  77. Looking adorable in your shorts and this white lace top, Alyssa! <3

    Ira / JOURNAL OF STYLE / BLOGLOVIN

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  78. Fantastic outfit! Really great t-shirt :)

    I hope that you visit my blog too and maybe follow: SPIKED-SOUL.BLOGSPOT.COM :)
    Have a nice day!

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  79. Lovely pictures and pretty outfit dear. Thanks for sharing your Philippine Christmas traditions with us. I always enjoy learning about different cultures traditions. :) Michele xx

    www.chicuturnonglitz.blogspot.com

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  80. Hope you had great day, dear ;)

    http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/

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  81. nice look dear,have a nice day.
    http://lavidaloka.com/

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  82. so nice look dear
    kiss
    admaiorasemper.website

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  83. So inlove with those white lace top <3

    Stay in Style,
    Karen @ http://officiallookbookstore.blogspot.com

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  84. Love this outfit! And that stairway looks so festive and beautiful!

    Connie | Sponsored by Coffee | Etsy

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  85. I really like your necklace en the bracelet you have around your ankle!

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  86. Such an interesting post hun, so nice to hear about a different culture and how you experience christmas!

    Elle
    www.theellenextdoor.com
    xx

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  87. Love that necklace! Thanks for sharing your tidbit on the holidays as well :)

    xx www.qustomquinns.com/blog

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  88. Nice, namamayat ka na Mons! :)))

    Have a nice day!

    xoxo,
    SHAIRA
    www.missdream-girl.blogspot.com

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  89. Lovely outfit, the statement necklace and details on the shirt are absolutely stunning!

    - Maya at www.TheKelleyDoll.com

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  90. This is really interesting. I think it would be fun to do the themed gifts. Great post!
    ~Lili
    www.thefashionsalt.com

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  91. Love the outfit, also it's so interesting how Filipino Christmas is similar to Puertorican Christmas, just as long and similar food too!

    ISA Professional

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  92. Beautiful photos dear!

    http://helderschicplace.blogspot.com/2015/12/warm-in-white.html

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  93. Lovely top! Also, very interesting facts, thanks for sharing :)
    xx

    She is Mary

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  94. Very festive, you look gorgeous.
    http://fashionablyidu.blogspot.com/

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  95. Great facts, really interesting :) Just wouldn't be my type of food, being a veggie hehe...your outfit looks lovely! Especially love the lace top :)
    Christina ♥ https://caliope.name

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  96. I find it really interesting learning about how different countries spend their Christmas, so this was a great post to read!

    Musings & More

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