Siti Girl Philadelphia Explores the Magic of Christmas: An Exclusive Interview with Mrs. Stacy and Miss Camille on their Cherished Holiday Celebrations

What are some cherished Christmas traditions that you and your mom enjoy together each year? Can you share a special memory of a past Christmas celebration that stands out to both of you?

Christmas is a very special time for my daughter Camille and I. My mother passed away and Christmas was her favorite holiday.  To honor her, I try my best to keep the Christmas magic alive. Creating memories with my daughter is very special to me. Matching outfits, baking cookies, seeing the beautiful lights, and taking tons of pictures is very important to me. Camille loves spending time with her dad and I. It absolutely is always her favorite. My husband and I allow her to open one gift each night the week before Christmas. Each Christmas season we are sure to bake cookies, make gingerbread houses and watch Christmas movies.  We are sure to visit my father each Christmas and share these moments with him as well. 

How do you and your mom collaborate on decorating your home for the holidays? Any favorite ornaments or decorations?

Christmas is great because we get to decorate two trees. Our tree at home and then when we visit my father, Camille gets to help her PaPa decorate his tree. Our favorite ornaments are in memory of my mother and brother. I also love the beautiful Black angel that adorns the top of the tree, she is extremely regal and special and watches over each of us for the Christmas season. It is the best final touch. Decorating begins on the evening of November 30th and we decorate both outside and inside the home. Camille loves seeing her stocking get filled each day leading to Christmas morning.

What are your favorite holiday dishes that your mom prepares, and do you participate in any holiday cooking or baking together? Are there any unique family recipes or twists on traditional holiday meals that you enjoy?

Camille aspires to become a baker so incorporating her into baking holiday treats is not only special but important. We love baking cakes, cookies and brownies. Christmas dinner is filled with all of our favorites and having our bellies full is always a blessing. We love non traditional meals for holidays, both Camille and I agree that our seafood Christmas last year was the absolute best. We both love shrimp and crabcakes.

Can you share a memorable gift-giving experience with your mom? What made it special? How do you and your mom approach finding the perfect gifts for each other during the holiday season?

I’d like to think that this years gift will be most memorable. I am planning to get permanent bracelets with my daughter. The bracelets will say mommy/daughter and I hope it serves as a reminder to both of us when we look at it, that we always have each other. Although my mother is no longer here, I feel a sense of peace looking at my jewelry that once belonged to her. I hope our bracelets serve as that peace for each other in times of difficulty.

What’s your favorite part about shopping for holiday gifts with your mom? Any funny or heartwarming shopping stories?

Camille has great taste and loves to spend money. Camille has been earning allowance this past year and I can see her grasping the actual cost of things she likes now. It is hilarious to say that she no longer needs anything because it will take all of her money. Camille is such a smart, funny, respectful child that giving her the things she asks for is not a problem for her father and I.I actually pointed out something I asked her to buy for me for Christmas and she became upset because then I knew what I would be getting instead of it being a surprise. I was trying to explain to her that it’s ok because I am asking for something that I want but she insists on surprising me with whatever she wants to purchase.

Are there specific moments during the holiday season that hold deep meaning for both you and your mom? How do you express gratitude and appreciation for each other during this festive time?

I try to live  each day with a spirit of gratitude. My motto is “maintaining no sense complaining” in memory of my brother, Keith. It is important to always see the positive in any situation, to make lemonade out of lemons. To understand that life will happen but you do not have to stay there. I journal every day to remain grateful. Being grateful turns what we have into enough. Although my mother and brother have passed away, I am so grateful to be with my husband, my father and my daughter. Spending any moment with them is the absolute best to me.

Do you and your mom have any favorite winter activities or outings that you enjoy during the Christmas season? To see me, is to see Camille with me. That is my rider, my rich best friend and we are outside. We attend every winter festival and are sure to enjoy every cup of hot cocoa we can. I am able to find events through the many organizations she and I are in. Our December calendar is filled with a ton of fun activities.

How do you balance preserving old traditions with the excitement of creating new ones?
This year I plan to introduce Camille to journaling. Not only is it a way for her to improve her writing, but it is a way to express herself and to have something to look back on. I am the author of three motivational journals that provide prompts to guide your writing and I think it is the perfect introduction at her age. I would also like to teach her how to create a vision board. I believe in manifestation and having the ability to speak what you want into existence so being able to write what you want through journaling and envisioning it will allow Camille to bring her dreams to reality.