Thus Far

It’s been a long time since the holidays have looked like they used to, hasn’t it? I found myself in the days after Christmas angry, and sad, and depressed. I had spent time with family. I had received beautiful gifts for which I am grateful. I’d had a couple of days off work and some time to just sit with a cup of salted caramel hot cocoa watching my favorite films and filmmakers online. It sounded so idyllic and, for a few moments, felt that way... and yet there is and was  so much in my life that is not as I thought it would be. There are real problems hanging over my everyday that stir up anxiety and threaten my future. There are obstacles that refused to budge and kept me away from other loved ones this year. There are dreams I’ve been gripping to my chest and toiling at day after day for over a decade—and yet it feels like not an inch of progress has been made since day one. I had been looking for wonder and magic to make up for all the letdowns and pain, and I did as much...

Will all of these get watched? Mmm, probably not. But I’ll have to do at least a few of them because I said I would, lol. In truth, I love Holiday movies—when I can force myself to sit down and watch them; it’s the pausing to take a rest in the middle of a busy season and regular busy life that is the difficult part. So, here is my declaration to hopefully rope myself into watching a couple of these, along with a little reminder to you, dear reader, to make a tea or a cocoa, put on a favorite holiday film, and take a break if you need it. 😉 A Hallmark Christmas Movie    I’ve been watching one or two of these every Christmas season for the past few years ( Holly and Ivy was last year's choice), and I’ve enjoyed every one I’ve seen so far! They have such a perfect, cozy, heartwarming vibe that helps get me in the mood for the season if I’m struggling to really feel it (hello, living in the south and never having snow for Christmas time. :p) I’ve already watched The Noel D...

 A bit different than my normal posts I know, but I was talking to my sisters the other day about the people who give the best holiday gifts. Those who seemed to look right into our minds and see things we didn’t even know we needed but were the perfect gifts for that year. Then I thought about the times I’ve been able to give gifts that were well-appreciated and came up with a few tips from my giving strategy for the Christmas season. Hope you enjoy! Tip Number 1: Listen Throughout the Year Sounds a little late, haha, but you can still start this today! Pay attention in conversations: what are others’ frustrations? What would make life easier for them? What’s a wistful thing they wished they could have or do (experiences make great gifts!) but either aren’t able to or feel they can’t justify the money for? As an example, my dad started working from home after COVID-19, but since then, because of his desk setup, he’s had some neck pain from looking down all day. Last Christma...