29 Days Until Christmas
Click for the full-resolution version.
Inspiration
The month between Thanksgiving and Christmas is one of the most stressful times of the year for me. For about two weeks beforehand, I tend to be in blissful denial of the ever-looming holiday. And then, with about two weeks left, I go into panic mode, trying to get all the shopping, decorating, and baking done in record time.
For some reason, the holiday panic started early this year. But I was pleasantly surprised yesterday when I looked at the calendar and discovered that it is still November! Oh, thank goodness! I really don’t need the added stress right now, and I am determined to get started early (earlier than usual).
We’ll see how that goes. Habits are hard to break.
About The Image
Serena’s bodysuit is a new group gift from DEAD DOLL and is super cozy for lounging by the fire while stressing over a holiday to-do list. It comes with a 3-color HUD. Serena’s hair is by Wasabi; the earmuffs are removable. The socks are a recent FLF from C’est La Vie, and Serena’s delicious-looking drink is by ChicChica (I would love to have this in RL!).
The couch is a new release by Dust Bunny. It comes loaded with blankets and pillows and is perfect for snuggling with your honey – or furry companion – on cold winter nights. The full set includes a loveseat, rocking chair, coffee table, rug, blanket cabinet, and more. All are available at the current round of Equal10.
Credits and the before/after image editing comparison are below the story.
The Panic Before Christmas
The fire crackled in the hearth, casting a warm glow over the cozy space. Serena sat on the plush couch, her furrowed brow betraying the stress that weighed heavily on her shoulders. The calendar on the wall behind her was a constant reminder that Christmas was just 29 days away. The list of things she needed to accomplish before the festive day seemed insurmountable.
Her faithful companion, Archie, a spirited Schnauzer with a salt-and-pepper coat, curled up beside her on the couch. His warm presence offered some solace to Serena, who cradled a candy cane-colored mug filled with hot cocoa and marshmallows. The aroma of chocolate with a hint of peppermint wafted through the air creating a momentary oasis of calm amidst the chaos of holiday preparations.
Serena took a sip of her cocoa, the rich liquid providing a brief respite from her racing thoughts. The twinkling lights on the Christmas tree cast a soft, comforting glow in the room, and the sound of carols playing in the background added a festive touch. Despite the ambiance, Serena couldn’t shake off the feeling of being overwhelmed.
The list of tasks seemed endless — decorations to put up, cards to send, gifts to buy, and meals to plan. She had promised her family and friends a magical Christmas, but as the days ticked away, the pressure intensified. Serena sighed, her breath mingling with the steam rising from the cocoa.
Archie nudged her hand with his cold nose as if sensing her distress. Serena looked down at him, a small smile playing on her lips. “You’re right, Archie,” she said, scratching behind his ears. “I need to take a step back and breathe.”
With Archie by her side, Serena decided to tackle one task at a time. She started by making a list, breaking down the overwhelming workload into manageable chunks. As she wrote down each item, a sense of control slowly replaced the chaos in her mind. Archie, sensing her newfound determination, wagged his tail in approval.
One of the items on her list was finding the perfect gift for her longtime boyfriend, Gavin, a veterinarian with a deep love for animals. Serena mulled over a variety of thoughtful presents that might resonate with his passion. She considered a custom-made stethoscope, engraved with his name, or perhaps a weekend getaway to a wildlife sanctuary. The options were endless, but she wanted it to be special.
Finally, inspiration struck. Serena decided to create a personalized scrapbook featuring photos of them together, interspersed with images of a few of his adorable patients. The memories they shared and Gavin’s love for creatures great and small would come together in a heartfelt tribute.
As Serena made plans to create the scrapbook, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. The true magic of Christmas lay not just in the decorations and festivities but in the heartfelt connections and thoughtful gestures that bind people together.
“We’ve got this, Archie.” Serena smiled as she scratched Archie behind the ears. “But for now, let’s just sit here and enjoy the peaceful silence of the night.”
CREDITS
Hair: Wasabi Karissa
Eyeshadow: Izzie’s Winter Glam Eyeshadow
Lipstick: Glam Affair Aray Lips Toner
Bodysuit: DEAD DOLL Lupita Bodysuit (group gift)
Rings: Kibitz Lola’s Rings
Socks: C’est La Vie Rin Socks #4
Drink: ChicChica Festive Cocoa
Pose: Kirin Summer Heat (slightly modded)
Dog: Rezz Room Schnauzer Adult
Trompe Loeil Chelsea Pavilion Natural
Dust Bunny Hazel Nook Large Sofa
Tarte Pine Tree in Basket
Hive Christmas Countdown
FINCA Door Wreath (group gift)
Apple Fall Hartley Fencing
Skye Birch Grove
For store SLurls, please visit our Store Links page.
