Christmas Scenes & Thoughts

Merry Christmas, friends! It's crazy to think that we're only a few days away from Christmas and just a few more away from ringing in the new year. As it seems to perpetually be the buzz phrase - I can't believe how quickly this year has gone.

This time of year is both happy and sad for me - as I believe it is for so many. I always know that I'm not alone in these feelings. I encourage you, however you're feeling, to be patient with yourself during this season, be kind to yourself, and always remember that self care is not selfish. Whatever you need to do to take care of you, do that thing. There's so much that Christmas brings with it. Feelings of hope (celebrating Jesus' birthday), feelings of renewal (goals are being set for the new year), and feelings of peace (the closing of another year). But it also brings heavier feelings, too, and sometimes pushes us (even subconsciously) into valleys instead of putting us on a mountain top. Society often insinuates that feeling anything other than HAPPY (yes, all caps) during this season makes you a grump, a Grinch, cold-hearted, and just plain weird. If you're looking for validation for your feelings, consider this blog post it.

There is nothing wrong with you.

And you're not weird.

There's so much pressure surrounding all things Christmas and holiday. Anxiety, sadness, stress, and all other off-limits emotions are normal and expected for so many of us. Take this virtual hug or Kleenex or glass of wine (whatever you need right now) and be in your feelings if you need to be.

I'm sending all of you lots of love and hope and positive vibes over the next few days as the holiday excitement reaches its peak and fades out. I hope you make wonderful memories with the people you love most and that you're able to celebrate in a way that brings a lightness to your heart. I'm excited (and anxious) for the new year. I love it's freshness - like a newly sharpened pencil or just-washed sheets. I'm in the process of choosing my word-of-the-year. If you're not into resolutions, I encourage you to take this approach! Choose a word that will guide your year - make sure it has purpose and come back to it often throughout the year as a means of reflection, goal-setting, and balance.

Below are a few scenes from around here during this holiday season. I'm sure gonna miss the twinkle lights. . .