Sustainable Joy during the Holidays

Something I talk about all the time is finding joy in the small everyday things. I have always loved Christmas, but over the years, my love for it has changed into something much more sustainable.

My focus shifted to the small things, and instead of lots of fancy decor, gifts, outings, and clothing, I began to cook more homemade foods, set the table every day, light dinner candles, use festive napkins and dishes, play beautiful music, and create more intentional gifts. I noticed a change in what I was excited about. I craved more healthy meals and couldn't wait to serve my family. I was excited about the pretty napkins I could dress the table with and give everyone a feeling of joy and wonder. I was playing music while I cooked and letting candles create a warm magical vibe. Having little snacks, cookies, or chocolates on the table felt so luxurious and pampering! This feeling was rich and warm and loving and it was done with things we would normally buy, but it was done more intentionally and made to be a BIG thing instead of something mundane and normal. It was taking small things and being loving and creative towards them. It gave our home such a feeling of comfort, luxury, and excitement. It showed my family how much I love them and gave them the gift of intentional love. This felt more like the holidays than ever before. I even put the fireplace video on the TV and the holiday screensavers.

Our son Ethan gets excited for the holidays and Christmas just as any other kid would, but I was wondering what exactly his excitement was geared towards. I noticed he didn't care to do certain things this year and couldn't help but wonder if all he was excited about were the gifts. We had a wonderful talk about this. I reminded him what Christmas is about and what we should be focusing on. Let's enjoy when family comes to visit, shopping for a Christmas Tree, decorating it, making cookies, and watching movies. I encouraged him to focus on giving, not receiving. Reminding him that we shouldn't only focus on ourselves and what we want, but rather on what we can bless others with. How about our love, our time, our efforts, and our abilities? The joy of giving is so great when you are intentional. These are things that have to be taught and I am so glad I have the ability to see and understand this and set an example. I can see a difference in him and it fills my heart with joy!

I encourage you to evaluate your feelings and intentions all the time, but especially during the cold months and holidays. How can we give a little more warmth and love? How can we be a blessing? I hope you are feeling excitement and love this year. Challenges always happen. Sickness and loss will always be a part of life on this earth, but if we can keep a healthy mindset and know that things will work out in whatever way they are meant to, we can focus on the little wins. No one ever said life would be pain and stress-free. Since stories were recorded we have heard about pain and suffering. It is part of our reality. What we can control is how we respond and what we focus on.

Fill your table with good food made with your hands, put flowers on your table, have snacks and warm drinks ready for your guests, and keep your home tidy. This will fill your cup and help you focus on the things that matter. Host your family, friends, heart, and soul with love. You deserve it. This is our gift in life. We get to create these moments and tell ourselves whatever story we want. Make it a good one.

Cheers my friends! I hope this season is treating you well. All my love!

XOXO- Samantha