The Holiday Magic Moms Always Create (But Rarely Get to Feel)

No. 92 - A gentle reminder to slow down and be more present this season

I never realized how much holiday magic was actually created by moms, until I became one myself. And in this season of doing all the things from buying presents, organizing classroom parties, cooking, cleaning, decorating, and just generally having our plates full of to-dos, it’s easy to miss out on experiencing the magic ourselves.

If there’s anything I can encourage you to do today, it’s to turn off auto-pilot for just a bit, and spend time being more present this season instead of just going through the motions.

Sip your coffee a little slower in the morning, savoring that hint of peppermint.

Hug your babies a little longer, noticing their sweet arms wrapped around your neck.

Step away from your desk to eat your lunch. Give yourself that much needed break away from the screens and teams and zoom meetings.

Answer the phone when that friend you haven’t talked to in forever calls. Spend the time to actually talk about how each of you are doing.

Allow yourself to sit in silence a little longer during that church service.

Take walks in your neighborhood to admire the decorations. Drink hot chocolate every night with your kids.

There’s so much “to do”, you could spend the entire month checking things off your list and still feel like you’re nowhere close to being done. I’m afraid if that’s all we focus on, we’ll start the new year resentful of another season that went by too quickly, and burnt out instead of refreshed.

What if we all slowed down? Decided to move through the next few days and weeks a little more peacefully? Allow ourselves to stop and appreciate the magical moments, instead of being so busy creating them for everyone else?

I know I need that, and I’d bet I’m not alone in that this holiday season.

📺 We finally got around to watching the latest season of The Diplomat and I loved it so much! Have you watched it? The dynamic between Hal and Kate is so frustrating, but also keeps hooked.

🧖🏻‍♀️ I’ve been on the hunt for new bath towels, but didn’t love the idea of spending $50 a piece. I found these bath towels at Kohls and they are SO SOFT and fluffy. Trust me, if you’re looking for new bath towels, I’ve done months of research and these are it.

🧀 I made this Mac and Cheese recipe for our Thanksgiving gathering and it was creamy and delicious. The kids and the adults loved it.

Welcome to new subscribers - Alexandra M., Michelle M., Seainin D., Ari M., and Keith K. I’m so glad to have you all here!

Happy Friday, Friends! I hope you all have a great weekend!

---