You know what used to stress me out most about the holidays?

Figuring out the gift situation.

What are we buying for whom and how are we delivering it?

The list was always long; the number of days too short.

A few years ago I decided it was time to streamline.

Now my holiday shopping consists of gifting either books, handmade products I purchase from friends, or coquito (Puerto Rican coconut holiday drink) that I make and bottle myself.

For kids, I try to gift holiday themed books or books aligned with their current interests. (Check out my round up of holiday books here: Holiday Books for Your Kids: From Thanksgiving to Día de Los Reyes).

When choosing books for adults, I do my best to gift signed copies of books written by my friends (win win win!).

Read on below for more on my gift giving strategy and for a round up of 2018 books written by my phenomenal friends!

I hope this lists inspires you to support these writers and/or your own creative friends this holiday season. ​

¡Felices Fiestas!

That whirlwind that is the holiday season is almost upon us!

While the holidays can be stressful, there is one part I really enjoy: displaying our holiday picture books and discovering new ones!

I always think about how books can serve as both mirrors and windows for the little ones in our lives.

We use books as mirrors when we share our family's holiday traditions -- like watching the Macy's Parade, singing aguinaldos, or waiting for gifts from Los Tres Reyes Magos.

We use books as windows when we read together about how other families celebrate during this time of the year.

Holiday books also make great GIFTS! So if you're not sure what to get for your favorite kids this season, consider adding to their holiday book collections.

To get you started, I've included some of our family's favorite books (and a music album) below!

Don't forget to share some of your family's favorites in the comments.

​¡Felicidades!

We survived election night!

Despite some heartbreaks -- Gillum & Beto come to mind -- the wave of women, including amazing women of color, heading to congress leaves me hopeful for some much needed change.

Let’s keep up the pressure on our elected officials, so that they work to protect the most vulnerable communities while striving to improve our country for us all.

Ok, now that that's off my chest... anyone else bracing for the upcoming "wave" that is the holidays?

If you're anything like me, you are at once excited and anxious as the holidays approach.

I’m right there with you. ​

Read on to learn about some ways I use Thanks & Giving to help usher in Las Navidades on the right note.

This relative newbie on the holiday scene is one of my favorites!