{Written while sitting in my quiet office at work that has been emptied by the stomach flu. #HelloPurrell}
Disclosure: This is not a gift guide. This is something that has been weighing on my mind lately and I wanted to share it with you so you can consider it too. We are in it, friends. It is the hustle and bustle time, a time of year when we are programmed to burn the candle at both ends, rush from holiday event to holiday event in a sleep-deprived blur. Doesn't it feel a little like we are being cheated? Like we are so busy complying with the holiday spirit and wringing out every IG worthy moment that we sort of miss it? I feel this way all the time. I look at the cards I send at Christmas and the cards I receive and the words all focus on counting our blessings and spending time with those we love. It is hard to find that balance, especially when we all wear so many (demanding) hats. Maybe with a little intention and purpose, we can find ways to introduce meaningful (not that cocktail parties and retail excursions aren't meaningful!) magic into this season. Here are some of the simple things I've tried to incorporate into my days (and I would love to hear about yours) SEE Christmas Lights: Nothing makes me happier than piling into the car in jammies (and with the dogs), scooting to Starbucks for hot cocoa and driving around to look at Christmas lights. We do this a few times a week and it just makes me warm and fuzzy inside. I love the feeling of community, of celebration, of wonder, and tradition that seeing those twinkling lights evokes (plus, its an excuse for chocolate and whip cream!) LISTEN to Holiday Music: It really doesn't matter what you are doing- Christmas music makes it better. I turn my car radio to the holiday station the day after Thanksgiving and I don't change it until January 2nd and I love it. Try it. Its hard to be irritated at the traffic and the chaos when Mariah is singing, amiright? CREATE Traditions: Whatever it might be: special holiday meals, unwrapping one present on Christmas Eve, binging though Elf and Love Actually, going to midnight mass, matching family jammies (heck yes), Christmas sheets- traditions anchor us and connect us and it is something you and your family will cherish. INVITE Friends: I believe that life is a gift and even the most ordinary day deserves celebration. Don't worry about a messy house, or an unplanned menu- order food in and invite your friends over. Address cards together, bake cookies, make crafts, watch a movie, volunteer together, whatever-- give the very best gift you can give at any season-- the gift of your time. Happy happy holidays, sweet friends. Hoping yours is a beautiful one- sweetly, Michelle