Around my house, it's beginning to look a lot like Chrisssssstmaaaaas. I've got the tree up, the lights on outside, and the table set with sparkling serveware. At the beginning of December, I like to spend one night writing out Christmas cards while listening to my favourite holiday tunes {The Pogues' Fairytale of New York and Rum DMC's Christmas Is, to be exact}. This year, I've fallen in love with a collection of cards from Vancouver designer Valerie Lau. Her shop, Designs by Val, is an obsession of mine, but this Christmas has exceeded all my prior favourites. At $4.50 each or $18 for a box of eight, these are the unique kind of cards that will have recipients ooh-ing and aah-ing. Below are a few of my picks for this season, nestled amongst my home's holiday cheer. xo, Lauren