Hi.
I mean that belatedly.
I started writing this the week before Christmas, the week before hosting out-of-town family, and despite feeling like I prepared for an entire month, I realized I had too much to do last week to get this email out. With kindness (to myself), I placed this want-to-do on the post-holiday backburner out of necessity.
So here we are, in what I’ve heard lately referred to as The Week that Doesn’t Matter. No one really works, we’re still eating all the cheese and cookies, and everyone’s tired.
It’s a weird handful of days.
I feel this pull to reflect on the last year and prepare for the new, while continuing to play Christmas music, lighting candles, and shoving handfuls of spiced nuts in my mouth. I’m also wearing work out clothes, promising to break a sweat and eat a proper vegetable … at some point. Maybe. Eventually.
Of course this week does matter. I’ve been going through my planner from the last year, taking a bit of inventory of our life. (We had so many appointments.) I like to spend time reflecting on what worked, what didn’t, and where I sense there needs to be a change. (Professional counceling, communicating expectations, audio-books, silence and solitude: worked. Doing for the sake of doing, decaf coffee, saying No out of fear, pants with a zipper: didn’t.)
But it’s weird to try to prepare for this shiny new year when you’re also in the middle of the low-energy comedown after all the holiday overfunctioning. Anyone else finding themselves recovering from having a revved up mind and body that made sure one million big and small things (which all felt 100% necessary for even the most base-line of holiday expectations) got done?
How are you feeling this week? Are you energized or just hanging in there? Are you tired? At peace? Calm? Unsure?
I don’t think any way is right or wrong. (Observing, not judging: worked.) In any case, I made a few notes about what helped get me through this last month/week and I wanted to share in light of how fast the holidays seem to come each year.
Holiday Production Notes for 2023
*Tape a version of this sign on your door anytime between December 1-14th. It doesn’t matter if you’re wrapping gifts, eating chocolate in silence, or laying down for 5-40 minutes. Leave it there until the 25th. Or longer.
*Write a list for your family that creates clear expectations: “What needs to get done today // What I need help with so I don’t end up frustrated and yelling and sad.” (Worked!)
*This recipe. If you can make cinnamon rolls, you can make this beauty. (Bonus: make it ahead — It’s freeze-able!)
*Give the dog her gift at the beginning of the festivities. Keeps her occupied and she leaves the kids alone.
*Give the most serious human a gift from the dog. (Laughter: worked.)
*Costco Mashed Potatoes. Idea courtesy of my friend Jill. Even for someone who loves to make homemade, there is ZERO point to making your own if these are at your disposal. 5 stars. YUM.
To consider as we move into 2023:
What desire do you feel pulling on your heart to pursue this year? —the one that would be way for God to be seen miraculously and not be a natural outpouring or affirmation of your own abilities? What would it look like to yes?
How could you be a unique face/reflection of Jesus into the world in this coming year? (I’m obsessed with this question.)
Try this on: I don’t need anyone else’s permission, approval, platform, or to wait for someone else to grant me an opportunity in order to live out what God has for me in 2023.
If God’s voice is living and active, what do I need more/less of in 2023 in order to hear him?
Some final 2022-looking-into-2023 Things:
Best eye-opening, heart-connecting, empathy-building book bought
My next SLOW WRITING & ACCOUNTABILITY writing workshop starts Jan. 11th. Three intervals, each two weeks long, with feedback from me x3.
If you’re a mom and a creative: EXHALE CREATIVITY opens for enrollment in January. We’d love to have you.
And now, to round us out:
I kid. Sort of. (Not really.)
If you’re new here, read this to truly understand how close to home this hits.
I’d love to know what you do this week. Is this year different than normal?
Are you a ‘word for the year’ person? A reflective journaler (like me)? Do you purge every drawer and closet and buy yourself new underwear and workout clothes?
Tell me in the comments!
From my family to yours, wishing you ALL THE BEST in 2023.
We celebrate all 12 days of Christmas so this week is still Christmas! At a Christmas dinner right now (feeding the baby, best introvert excuse ever). Taking it slow as we get back into the school & work routine.
My husband actually won best gift picked out from the kids this year! Normally I’m the shopper but this year he was allll about it.
Also, I want to be a word chooser (that’s a title I don’t think exists but let’s go with it) for the year but I think I need to choose like 15 and call it good 😂