Your no-chaos guide to a polished, peaceful, joy-filled month
December is a magical month—equal parts celebration, reflection, and “where did the time go?”
Here’s what I know: it moves fast, expectations run high, and somewhere around the 15th, you’ll wonder where the month went. But it doesn’t have to feel like that.
Before the holiday bustle hits full speed, I like to take a moment and reset. A little style, a little home, a little skincare, and a whole lot of intention.
Think of this checklist as your guide to a polished, peaceful, and joy-filled December… with plenty of Grit & Glam along the way. Here’s what’s ahead. We’re covering eight essentials: refreshing your winter wardrobe, creating a cozy home, updating your skincare, organizing your calendar, identifying your style staples, setting intentions, spending intentionally, and building in quiet moments. Phew! Is it Christmas yet? Don’t forget to check out our Holiday Gift Guide Roundup.
How to Prepare Your Closet for Winter
Before the holiday chaos hits, take thirty minutes and make your closet work for you. Rotate out the lightweight pieces. Bring your cozy sweaters, tall boots, and winter coats to the front. Check for pilling, stains, or anything that needs replacing. Identify the one or two pieces you’re actually missing. For more Winter Style Ideas, check out 7 Winter Outfit Formulas.
Nothing calms morning chaos like a closet that’s ready for the season.
Beth’s Style Tip:
Pick one neutral base (camel, black, gray, or winter white) and build your outfits around it. A simple palette creates effortless elegance.
🎁 Holiday Gift Card Raffle — Win a $100 Amazon Gift Card
To celebrate the season — and to thank you for being here — I’m hosting a Holiday Gift Card Raffle!
November’s prize:
✨ A $100 Amazon Gift Card ✨
How to enter:
Just leave a comment on today’s post and share what you loved about this post or what you love about SaaCA.
Boom — you’re entered!
Winner announced:
📅 December 1
I can’t wait to read your comments!
How to Make Your Home Cozy for Winter
You don’t need more stuff. You need warmth, texture, and soft lighting. Add a throw to your sofa. Swap harsh bulbs for warmer ones. Create a reading nook. Light a candle (or use a battery taper if you’ve got curious pets). And I love to add a soft scent to my room. A Jo Malone diffuser is the perfect solution.
A calm home supports a calm mind—and December deserves both.
Winter Skincare Tips for Women Over 50
Winter air is dry, your skin is thirsty, and your routine needs reinforcement. Layer in more hydration. Switch to richer creams. Go easier on exfoliation or switch to an exfoliation mask once per week. And please—don’t skip SPF just because it’s cold. Don’t miss this post about Winter Skincare Swaps.
Beth’s Style Tip:
Rested skin is better than any concealer. Sleep is skincare. Keep reading — I’ve added my top skincare picks further down.
How to Organize Your Holiday Calendar
Events sneak up fast. Sit down now and map out your holiday dinners, family visits, church events, travel days, baking days, and gifting days. Schedule your ‘you days’ first. Block them. Protect them.
You control your calendar—not the other way around.
Winter Style Staples Every Woman Over 50 Needs
Not outfits—staples. A handful of well-chosen pieces will take you through the entire season: a great pair of tall boots, a flattering winter coat, cashmere or ribbed sweaters, gloves and scarves, and one structured bag.
Your wardrobe doesn’t need to expand—it needs to tighten.
How to Set Intentions for December
Not resolutions. Not goals. Intentions.
Ask yourself: What do I want more of this month? What do I want less of? What will bring me joy? Where can I slow down?
December is busy enough. Let your mind be the calm center.
How to Manage Holiday Spending
Between gifts, groceries, and special events, the numbers add up. Make a simple gift list and stick to it. Use sales strategically. Treat yourself to one beautiful thing. Take a peek at your January expenses now, so you’re not surprised later.
Peace of mind is priceless.
And my favorite tradition:
When my children were young, I started what I call the Three Gift Rule.
The three wise men brought three gifts for baby Jesus, so each child received three gifts.
Simple, meaningful, and wonderfully manageable.
It kept our holidays focused on joy instead of excess, and honestly?
It still does.
Beth’s Style Tip:
Simplicity is chic — in style and in gift-giving.
Why Quiet Moments Matter in December
Sitting with Oscar while he dozes beside me — it’s our new rhythm, and I treasure it. Coffee by the tree. Ollie cuddles. A few pages of a book before bed.
The older we get, the more we realize: the simple moments are the ones that stay.
Best Winter Products for Women Over 50
These aren’t random picks—they’re what’s in my cart, on my body, or on the way. Every piece earns its spot.
Earlybird CBD Gummies for Sleep and Relaxation
Perfect for unwinding without checking out. My sleep has never been better since I added Earlybird to my nightly routine.
Best Seamless Underwear for Women Over 50
EBY seamless basics make every winter outfit smoother, sleeker, and more comfortable. Great outfits start with what no one sees—invest in your base layers.
Oversized Sunglasses for Classic Style
Warby Parker’s Aubrey frames have Breakfast at Tiffany’s energy. They instantly elevate your look—even running errands in yoga pants. Pair with a camel coat and a bold lip. I buzzed into Warby Parker while shopping with Andrew, Chelsea, and June. Andrew helped me pick out these Cooper frames. Love them!
Shop Warby Parker Aubrey Sunglasses
Polished Loungewear for Winter
Varley makes polished lounge pieces that look as good on the couch as they do at coffee. Monochrome loungewear is effortless winter chic.
Winter Fashion Trends for Women Over 50
Velvet Pants for Holiday Dressing
Stretch velvet pants are soft, sleek, and dressy without trying too hard. Velvet is the winter texture. Balance it with matte fabrics—cashmere and velvet together is perfection.
Sherpa Jacket for Travel and Errands
A sherpa crewneck jacket is cozy, structured, and ready for errands or travel days. Let sherpa be the star—keep the base outfit simple.
Ribbed Sweater Dress for Winter
A ribbed turtleneck sweater dress is slimming, polished, and endlessly versatile. Add tall boots and a belt for instant ‘put together.’
What to Wear for Holiday Decorating
Theory’s oversized hoodie and pull-on pants are comfy enough for ornament wrangling but chic enough for surprise guests. Tonal loungewear photographs beautifully—and you feel good doing it.
Best Matching Sets for the Holidays
Spanx Air Essentials in festive red is soft, stretchy, and flattering—the full package. Gold hoops, a red lip, and sneakers turn this into a casual holiday outfit. But I like to mix and match, too.
Best Winter Skincare for Mature Skin
A gentle cleanser plus a rich night cream is the winter glow secret. Fresh is running incredible sales right now—up to 50% off bestsellers.
50% Off Fresh Bestsellers | 30% Off Sitewide | Tint & Trio Gift Set
Chico’s Winter Jackets and Accessories
Chic, festive, polished—at incredible prices. Don’t underestimate a brooch. It adds personality to any winter coat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Style
What if I don’t want to buy anything new this month?
Refresh, reorganize, and repurpose what you already own. A new pairing of existing pieces can feel brand-new without spending anything.
How do I start organizing my closet when I feel overwhelmed?
Start small. One drawer. One corner. One cozy ritual. Progress beats perfection every time.
How do I stay stylish in cold weather?
Layer intentionally. Combine tall boots, a quality sweater, a flattering coat, and one statement accessory. That’s the complete formula.
What is the one winter wardrobe piece worth investing in?
A winter coat that makes you feel unstoppable. You’ll wear it every day, so invest in quality, fit, and a color you love.
What are the best winter style tips for women over 50?
Build outfits around one neutral base color. Invest in quality over quantity. Choose cashmere, structured bags, and well-fitted coats. Add personality with accessories like scarves, hats, and brooches.
How do I take care of my skin in winter?
Add hydration, switch to richer creams, reduce exfoliation frequency, and never skip SPF. Prioritize sleep—rested skin looks better than any concealer.
Closing Thoughts
December doesn’t have to be chaotic—it can be intentional, stylish, and joyful. With the right pieces in your closet, a cozy home, and a simple plan, you’ll glide into the holidays feeling confident and collected.
Drop your own December rituals in the comments—I love hearing how the Grit & Glam Club sets the tone for the season.
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