Discover the unexpected joy of letting go of holiday perfection. From simple family moments to meaningful reflections, here’s how I’m navigating the season with intention, presence, and gratitude.
At the time of writing this, it’s the day before Thanksgiving and I’m prepping to wind down to enjoy the next few days offline with friends and family.
Initially, I had every intention of making a big ol’ spread.
But with today marking the 2-year anniversary of a big loss on my husband’s side, I opted, instead, to book the four of us in for a three-course meal at one of our favourite neighborhood spots.
No bracing the crowds at Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods…
No cooking…
No clean up…
Just a coffee and park run in the morning with friends and their little ones before our midday reservation; followed by a chilled afternoon of snacks, games and movies as we sprawl across the sofa.
It’s simple, easy and in all honesty, everything I was hoping for.
Something I’ve been reflecting on recently is how – especially here in the States – many of us live day-to-day unknowingly fueled by the need to optimize and make the most out of just about everything, and that only ramps up during the holidays.
It’s not enough to be spending time with loved ones.
It has to be the BEST. DAY. EVER.
The best food, the best tablescape, the best itinerary, the most memorable day…
I can’t help but feel that that mindset is a big reason why we often feel like we should, somehow, be doing more.
And why the pressure many of us feel in the lead up to some of these occasions can take away the magic of the events themselves.
I know this all too well, especially since having my kids.
I don’t know what happened this year, though, but I’m letting all of that go and allowing myself to embrace the magic of the holiday season without being beholden to all of the hoopla around it.
A lot has transpired that has served as an ongoing reminder for me that the value comes not from the wild, overly orchestrated moments; but rather the simple ones, where the ingredients simply involve being with your people.
So this Thanksgiving week, this holiday season and beyond, I’m committing not to lose sight of that.
And the most significant way I can think of is to be present in these moments.
To live it.
Be content with what is.
To honour the seasons, notice the good and anchor into what’s most important.
I hope you do, too.
Here’s a glimpse of life lately:
The best part of having an open schedule is getting to do things like volunteer at my kids’ school
A rainy Saturday lunch date with my girlfriend our little ones
Girls’ night
Truly all I want to eat right now are cozy, hearty food. This was the start of brown butter and sage gnocchi
I decided to take a break from drinking for the foreseeable future for no reason other than because I want to. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while, and last week after enjoying this cocktail, I decided it was time.
