Some years, I barely think about Christmas before December first, when I suddenly realize I have more than a dozen people to shop for and an advent calendar to organize for (very) eager kids. Occasionally, though, I spend November working ahead and pinning down my vision for the season. These years—these approaches—are two worlds apart.
This year I have a goal: Come early January, when I’m wrapping strings of lights around rolls of newspaper and packing up our favorite Christmas storybooks, I want to feel like we really soaked in our season. I want to feel like instead of hurrying through it, we found pockets of stillness.
As I prepare NOW for the holidays, I’ve had some words and phrases bumping around in my head. I think any of them would make an influential intention to keep in your head this month and next.
3 Intentions to Help You Find Stillness this Season
Present over perfect
This one happens to be the title of Shauna Niequist’s book. I don’t think she’ll mind if we borrow it, because it is the perfect goal for the holiday season. We don’t need Pinterest-worthy crafts and baked goods as much as we need to be in the middle of it all—present, not perfect.
Less really is more
Crowded calendars equal crowded minds. Let’s choose the traditions and activities that will help us create an unhurried holiday season.
Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it
These words from children’s author Rohld Dahl are EVERYTHING during the holidays. Let’s find the magic by keeping our hearts open to it this year.
If you want more tools and inspiration to keep the things that matter to you at the CENTER of your holiday season, I’d love for you to check out this 12-day email series I had a hand in writing, along with my good friend Rebecca at Simple As That.
Rebecca and I have been pouring our hearts into this series, and we really believe it can change your Christmas this year.
Because why would we choose to feel distracted, rushed, stressed, or overwhelmed when we can feel collected, cozy, and STILL.
Registration (just $12!) is now open! First email goes out November 15th (but you can sign up anytime until Christmas)! Learn more here—12 Days to a Simpler Holiday Season.
I really hope you’ll join us!
I love this. I have already been thinking about both Christmas and Thanksgiving. I really want to have more intentional and lovely holidays in our home. I want them to be more about family and less about stuff. These are all great reminders, I may have to steal some to put up on my wall as a reminder. Also looking forward to the 12 Days to a simpler holiday season! Love your writing and work!
Mallory
So looking forward to this, Erica!