"Dear Santa, this year please give me a big fat bank account and a slim body. You mixed those two up last year." –Unknown
Happy Thanksgiving week! Today, I came across an article titled “37 Funny Christmas Quotes to Ease the Holiday Hustle,” which is where the inspiration for today’s article came from. While everyone is making their Black Friday shopping plans, I am blocking time off my calendar to stay home with my family. There is nothing like intentionally curating rest to ease the holiday hustle. My goal today is to share ideas with you that remind you to enjoy the weeks leading up to Christmas. May you be inspired to curate joy and reminded to slow down enough to enjoy the season.
"It's beginning to cost a lot like Christmas." –Unknown
Holiday Season Bucket List
● Cozy up with a good book.
● Sip on some fresh hot cider.
● Hop in the car for a scenic drive.
● Create a holiday playlist.
● Watch a holiday movie and build a menu around the movie.
● Host a smores and hot chocolate bonfire with loved ones.
● Hike in the crisp air.
● Bake your favorite treat.
● Take a listening walk.
As soon as November 1 hits, we are bombarded by a commercialized approach to the Christmas season, and every other email or advertisement on TV is inviting us to partake in the pre, pre, PRE-Black Friday sales. Truly in a fulfilled life, the best things are free. Dominic and I have had an extremely busy few weeks full of last-minute appointments, “necessary” pop-up meetings, family functions, sporting events, and planning new projects while trying to wrap up as many of the old ones so we can rest with our children.
"You can tell a lot about a person by the way they handle three things: a rainy day, lost luggage and tangled Christmas tree lights." –Maya Angelou
Before you get into the thick, let me remind you to take a little time for some TLC.
I’ve curated a list of self-care ideas. Pick one or all and schedule it on your calendar as a non-negotiable appointment. We show up as the best versions of ourselves when we are rested and restored.
● Take a holiday-scented bath with bath salts and candles.
● Make a nostalgic recipe that reminds you of one of your favorite memories.
● Read by candlelight and listen to instrumental music.
● Find a new holiday tea to enjoy.
● Plan a cozy night in with your love.
● Create a peaceful morning routine.
● Get your crockpot out and use it so that you come home to a warm meal.
● Start a gratitude/prayer journal and use it to highlight all your blessings.
No matter how you decide to spend your holiday season, remember that you cannot give what you don't already have inside of you. This is your sign to take care of yourself.
"Christmas gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the important things around us." —David Cameron
I would love to hear your feedback. If you have been enjoying my articles, please visit hshaygood.com and click The Love Journey tab to order your copy of my new book and sign up for weekly emails. My emails are fresh and different from my weekly Globe articles.
“Love is a journey not a destination.”
Comments