17 Days Till Christmas — Fewer Gifts, Better Intentions,Still Checking the list Twice.

We’ve all heard the story of Santa Claus, but gift giving didn’t

start with red suits and chimneys. Fun fact: Santa’s roots trace back to Saint Nicholas of Myra — a real 4th-century bishop who lived in what is now Türkiye.  That makes this season feel even more meaningful to me, because it reminds us that giving has always been about care, identity, and the quiet power of saying, I see you. I see you, sis. So I added a little holiday love to the shop—20% off sitewide. I’m in my “less, better, more meaningful” era, and this feels like the right kind of nudge to help you gift with style and heart.

My past was filled with running around malls filling up the trunk with outfits, wrapping paper and bows and bags, searching out the latest widget, doll, and game. I was the queen of “make the magic happen,” even if it meant I was exhausted and broke by December 24th. But now that I have snow in the hair, my choices are very different. I still love the sparkle — I just want a curated yes instead of a chaotic cart.

And the season is still big for all of us. The National Retail Federation expects U.S. holiday sales in Nov–Dec 2025 to grow 3.7%–4.2%, reaching about $1.01–$1.02 trillion, with average planned spending around $890 per person across gifts, food, and seasonal joy.That number doesn’t pressure me — it grounds me. It reminds me to be intentional with what I buy and proud of what I choose.

Without parents or children around anymore, my go-to has shifted to what I now consider the most luxurious gift of all:

The experience.

Concert tickets. Sports tickets. A future moment waiting to happen.The kind of gift that doesn’t just sit on a shelf — it becomes a story.

For my dear hearts, I add an upgrade that feels deeply personal:

• hire a tour guide for their future none travels

• a great restaurant gift with Michelin-star energy

• something that says, I know how you dream.

And when I do buy a “thing,” I want it to be a special piece — not filler: a great sweater, interesting gloves, fun hats that add pizzazz with the VSG touch, or a scarf that turns a simple look into a full moment.

Because for me, the grown-woman version of holiday giving isn’t about more —it’s about better.

My 2025 list is beautifully simple

My list has drilled down to three per loved one:

#1 Mind. #2 Body. #3 Soul.

Everyone on my list gets:

• One book

• One clothing or style item

• One experience

That’s it.It keeps the season meaningful, not manic.

And yes — I’m choosing books with intention this year:

• All the men are getting Allow Me to Retort by Elie Mystal. Because a great book is a quiet way of saying, I want you to think bigger, live deeper, and feel seen.

• And I’m leaning toward 107 Days by Kamala Harris as a strong grown-woman pick for the ladies — but I also want to hear what you are loving.

What’s on your 2025 Book List?

I’m building my “Mind, Body, Soul” stack and would love your recommendations:

Mind: business, history, memoir, or a novel you couldn’t put down Body: wellness, cooking, movement, or self-care Soul: devotionals, reflection, poetry, or books that helped you start again

My “Body” lane this year (tight, stylish, easy to gift)

I’m keeping it polished and practical:

• Great sweaters https://www.vsg-verystylishgirl.com/product-page/vsg-fine-gauge-faux

• New scarves

• Jewelry sets https://www.vsg-verystylishgirl.com/product-page/wire-flower-set-modern

• Gift cards (because choice is love) https://www.vsg-verystylishgirl.com/gift-card

And if you want my real-world shopping-day secret:I keep it easy and confident with a sleek base I can try everything on over.

A tank catsuit https://www.vsg-verystylishgirl.com/product-page/tank-catsuit under my tunic sweater https://www.vsg-verystylishgirl.com/product-page/classic-black-vsg-crew-neck-seamed-front-tunic-sweater is my cheat code.It makes fitting rooms faster, layering smoother, and decisions clearer.Then I add ankle socks + booties for easy on/off, and I’m ready to move.

A glass of prosecco and a big salad so we can share something sweet with my bestie later — I’m right back on mission.

I’m still in shopping mode — I’m just shopping like a woman who knows what she likes.Less noise. More meaning.Three gifts per person.Mind, Body, Soul. Because now I’m not just giving gifts. I’m giving care with taste.  VSG Holiday Shop Update: 20% off all items for a limited time. No code needed — discount applies at checkout.