the take home folder vol 97
you probably don't need to buy "one more gift" / social media break / winter solstice tradition / + more
welcome to the take home folder
Ways I’m leaning into the holiday spirit -wearing my cute sweaters, seasonal playlist on the bluetooth speaker daily, Christmas cookies in the covered cake stand, playing games after dinner by the Christmas tree, burning my holiday candles every day, warm/kind/patient/generous attitude toward people (especially service/retail workers!) in my daily interactions, Christmas tree lights on 100% of the time we’re home, sugar cookie body wash, twinkle lights on every day at 4pm, festive puzzle in progress, reading Christmas books to my kiddos, and indulging in a little holiday rom com myself.
It’s a wonderful time of the year. Don’t let it pass you by. The season doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful.
my sunday questions
What is something I can do for our home?
What is something I can do for/with our family?
What is something I can do for myself?
Today for me it’s a big planning session re: the next two weeks, trying a new cookie recipe with the kids, and giving myself a manicure and getting to bed early.
one // you probably don’t need one more thing
The easiest trap to fall prey to is the “one more gift” fallacy. In fact, I almost succumbed to it this week. Should I order a few more stocking stuffers? Did I buy enough for everyone on my list?
The truth is that there will always be one more gift that you could purchase. (Just like there will always be one more thing you could do around the house before you relax, right?) But I’m nudging you feel content in what you planned to purchase and stick to it.
The gifts that you’ve planned to purchase are enough.
two // new cooktop let’s gooo
A few days ago, after 6 weeks without a stove, our new induction cooktop was installed. It feels amazing to tuck the Instant Pot away for a bit and dust off our pots and pans for cooking. I wrote about my feelings of going from a 1987 cooktop to a new one here. Also, thank you to everyone who reached out to share your positive experiences with induction - you turned my bummed feelings about not being able to run a gas line to excitement about cooking on induction.
three // enjoy your mortgage
Have you given yourself time to rest and recharge at home lately? Any margin?
I don’t want to spend the next two weeks running around town buying more stuff and feeling frazzled. I want to spend the time fully present at the events we have and otherwise calm at home. I want to be eating a Christmas cookie and watching The Grinch (2018 version 4ever) with my kids. You know, enjoying the mortgage.
four // candlelight dinner for the solstice
Impactful but low-effort tradition? A candlelight dinner on the winter solstice. We started this a few years ago and the kids randomly bring it up all year long. So, light a few candles on your dining table, turn down the lights, and enjoy dinner together by candlelight on December 21st - the shortest day of the year.
five // consider a social media break
Every year I take a social media break ahead of Christmas. The goal is to unplug, be present, and enjoy the moment without checking in on what everyone else is doing. And it is always restorative and a lovely reset. Could a social media break benefit you?
I’m taking next week off of writing The Take Home Folder too, but look forward to being back in your inbox on December 28th.
Wishing you and your family a peaceful holiday. I hope you are reminded that the best things in life are the people we spend it with, the luxury of a safe and cozy place to call home, good food to eat, feeling connected to nature, and the promise of hope and joy ahead.
see you right back here on December 28th,
p.s. need anything from Amazon or Target this week? Letting my affiliate link open in your app before checking out supports my work at no cost to you. Thank you for doing this, I notice and am grateful.
I plan to enjoy my mortgage this week! What a great way to look at it!
Love the candlelight dinner for the solstice idea!! Happy Holidays 🤗🥰