Hi everyone! I hope this weekend has given you a breather to rest and regroup before the holiday fever sets in. To give you a little support, I thought I’d share my 2023 list to bring some magic to the people I love this holiday season.
Ready? Let’s go!
Be Fun to Live With. Whether you’re the matriarch of a huge family or a guest, or even celebrating a lovely peaceful holiday at home for one, I always remind myself of this simple truth: the fun has to start with us. For me, this means I need to drop unrealistic expectations of other people, RELAX, choose to see the joy and good intentions, and bring my own good cheer.
Be Where Your Feet Are. Enjoy the lights. Sit by the tree. Take a walk in the snow, or the sunshine. Mark the season by noticing it.
Always, Always, Always Give Warm Hellos and Goodbyes. Whether it’s people you love or just people in the world, being warm is everything.
Less Netflix. More Connection. Dig out that board game — this year I’ve bought Tenzi to try (fast & easy). I’ve also set up a puzzle (a tip: map puzzles are fun for everyone to do, and way easier). We like to buy our family one active “Santa present” that’s something fun we can play together in the back garden.
Start or Continue a Holiday Tradition. This is a little harder, but I go all in. It could be as simple as a cookie drop off for friends, bringing a box of chocolates to open and share during a coffee date or — if you’re more high octane at the holidays, like I am — some fun family traditions. We still do Christmas Camp Out (matching Christmas pjs), Christmas Ninjas (ring and run cookies for people we love on Christmas Eve), a baking day, the pickle present.
Rest. Ask for help if you need it. Delegate and hand out the tasks. Exhausted women are not fun to be around (and we all know they are not fun to BE, either.) I remind myself of this every year: the person who needs to take care of you is YOU, Catherine.
Reflect. Make yourself a hot or cold drink and think about your year. Did you have a warm home, people to love, water from a tap, a choice of shoes, fruit? Are you here, despite the worries and the unexpected way things are turning out? Me too. And I’m grateful.
I wish you were here having coffee with me, sharing your best holiday tips! Just know that I’m over here in rainy Sydney, hoping you have a peaceful, relaxing day. Take good care of yourself this week!
Love, Catherine x
PS. The fun stuff!
Love to hear your favourite holiday tips. Send them through!
Puzzle map of America - we also have the Map of Europe but haven’t yet found a good Map of Australia 1,000 piece puzzle. This one of Canada might be under our tree!
Salmon Wellington - looks wintery and delicious.
Peanut Butter Dessert Cups - I need to try these for my husband, who is crazy about peanut butter and chocolate.
A beautifully written piece about romance in a care home.