Fortunately, mankind invented mulled wine

Guys, it makes me so happy - and so fatally tired at the same time... All this holiday stress is really starting to take its toll on my stupid little poodle body. I've barely recovered from my awesome St. Nicholas party at the palace, and now I'm sitting here, together with the neighbours of Dutch Designers Outlet, in the Christmas crowds. Fortunately, mankind has invented mulled wine to put things out a bit, because otherwise I would never have pulled it here.

Apples of Orange

First a brief look back at the complaint at the Orangemen then. What can our royals celebrate say, great. Delicious gifts, sharp poems and mountains of candy flew around my ears. I can report with great relief that my poem and in all haste glued together surprise were a huge hit. What a sense of humour our Máxima has. The chic Marlies Dekkers thong that I had stuffed under meters of tape inside my craft was just one size too small, that's true, but we found a nice solution for that. It turned out to fit Princess Amalia beautifully, and I thought she would make a royal start with her designer collection.

Kingspood

Of course I got a nice surprise myself, although I had no idea who had drawn my lottery ticket when I went out. So that turned out to be King Willem-Alexander in person! The treasure had made a beautiful papier-mâché poodle, complete with a crown, because in the poem I was officially elevated to the status of king poodle! I proudly took it out, to discover that a marzipan dog basket was hidden in it. The moral of the story: for this brand-new royal poodle there will always be a basket waiting for you in the royal outbuildings. So sweet! Once the children had gone to bed, we of course opened a good bottle of wine - or rather a couple. It's a good thing that a driver drove me home in an AA-registered car, because I didn't know what my front or back legs were after the party... Well, you do understand why it took me a while to write this report. Still, the poodle with the hangover. Maybe I should distill a good intention out of this for 2020, but now let's move on to the next items on the party agenda!

Peaks and balls

Christmas, folks, it's coming up. Have you got the tree yet? Peak up proudly, balls prominent? I've done my best for an extra Christmas decoration in the house, you know. They say life's a party, but you have to hang the garlands yourself, so I did. Glitter, glamour and festive warmth, that's the theme in this year's Sebastian House. Quite funny actually, because I see the same theme in the lingerie choices that are made online . Yes, it may be a party month, but my work as a trend watcher goes on, doesn't it?

Unpacking

When it comes to the latest and hottest designer lingerie developments, I can report that this holiday season is going to be a big one. Fortunately, warm Christmas days are predicted, because there are a lot of ladies and gentlemen who are going to be treated to a pretty minimalistic Christmas outfit this year. Strings, busters, hipsters, panties and fruity boxers: they've been flying out of here the last couple of weeks. All of them of great quality of course, because they have a keen eye for that at DDO. Here and there a set with a wink to a Santa suit or a reindeer print, because a joke is allowed, but shiny designy has the upper hand. If you're still looking for a last minute surprise for under the Christmas tree, you'll immediately know where to go for that one heartwarming present. Ordering online is a godsend in these busy times, because you don't have to leave your door and it goes like this, hup, discreetly packaged on the sleigh. That's a free gift idea from Sir Sebastian. I mean, why would you give such a standard Christmas sock every year? With a nice and exciting Christmas slip you make a little more impression, I thought!

An outpouring

Fine. I'm starting to get a little in the mood. Time to confess something to you guys. I'm a little worried about the mail these days. I know things haven't been going so well with our postmen for a while and they're obviously very busy right now, but I think something's going wrong, at least in my own postcode area... Of course I have a huge network as an influencer, so this year I thought I'd start sending all my Christmas cards well in time. Important to stay a bit attentive towards my relations, was the thought.

Not too eager

But the strange thing is that so far I've had suspiciously few Christmas cards in the bus myself. I did put a few business cards with photo and return address in the envelope with all my cards. In October I already cleared a whole wall to be able to hang up all the cards nicely, but yes. I have two so far. One from my old aunt Alie from Groningen and the other one... That one is mine, because I had sent it as a test card to my own address. What do you think? Just keep up the courage and hope it's all right? Maybe the mail will save it, so they can deliver it in a bag at once. Or should I call customer service? I don't want to seem too eager, you understand? Well, let's see tomorrow.

Something's bubbling

By the way, I think something went wrong with the Christmas drinks. Of course I'm only a small self-employed person, so I don't have to give a Christmas party for my own staff. I would have kept a few afternoons empty in my diary, so I wouldn't have to miss the most prominent get-togethers with the highest number of celebrities. Okay, actually, I blocked out two weeks. Seemed smart, but it wasn't really necessary. That one Christmas drink from Dutch Designers Outlet was really super cozy, but yes, I already have a drink with the neighbors on a regular basis.

So that was a little weird.

Christmas hate

Well, you know what? It's really Christmas Eve by now anyway and I think the postman's already on the pies with ragout and a nice beer. I don't have any hairstyles, but I really hate to sit here on my own and celebrate a quiet night. I stop writing and jump on the train to Aunt Alie, with two bottles of cold mulled wine under my front legs. Well, let's just hope she can appreciate those mischievously wrapped up Christmas hates...