Sometimes I get caught up in the trivial traditions of Christmas. For some it is baking Christmas cookies together, wearing footed pajamas, or setting out cookies for Santa. All of those are wonderfully enjoyable tradition but during the most wonderful of holidays shouldn’t we be more concerned about the truly meaningful traditions? For Haleigh Kenney of XO Events & Design these traditions root back to her Swedish heritage.

For our very last Cottage Hill Original of the year, I couldn’t be more excited. Not only do we have two lovely Silver Cup Artists - Ely Fair Photography and Poppy Lane Design - collaborating together, but the story behind this shoot is something close to my heart. You see, my husband and I are wanting to start a family soon, but we also know that with children, couples can quickly forget to spend quality time, alone, together. And during the holidays, the time seems to disappear even faster. That’s what this shoot is about.

This time of year our bags are constantly packed and ready to go be with our family and friends who may not live down the street anymore. There's a certain excitement that comes with traveling that feels like Christmas morning. The anticipation of new sights to behold or hugging the special someone that waits for us after reaching our destination makes our hearts giddy.