On a Different Holiday Season and How I’m Finding Silver Linings

 

The holiday season is officially here and I hope this note finds you healthy and happy!

How are you doing? Are you getting in the holiday spirit? Are you feeling a little sad or emotional this holiday season most likely won’t be what you’re used to?

Personally, I’ve been feeling a range of emotions. On the one hand, I’m joyful and excited because I’m a huge fan of the holidays. On the other hand, I’m wrapping my head around the fact that I won’t get to see my brother and sister-in-law, and so many family and friends I love and miss.

Then too, there’s a part of me that’s relieved my December calendar isn’t jam-packed with ugly sweater parties and events, and that it’ll be a simpler holiday season. Because as you know, 2020 has been a year — and my body, mind and spirit could use some downtime to relax, restore and recharge. 

No matter how you feel, I hope you know it’s perfectly OK!

We can sip all the holiday mocha frappe festive lattes and binge all the movies we want, but not sharing traditions and meals with family and loved ones or laughing it up at parties may be hard for many of us.

That’s why this week on the EveryDay Happy Show podcast I share four ways to navigate the 2020 holidays and how you can find joy in a simpler holiday season.

You can listen and enjoy it here.

I hope this episode helps you feel more peace, love and joy during the holiday season.

2021 is around the corner and usually this time in December I’d be shifting my focus toward setting goals for the next year. But this year, something in me has changed, and I feel like taking advantage of every day and finishing the year off strong. 2020 has taught me a lot (I’ll share more next time), and one thing I feel strongly about is living in the present and making the most out of now. 

Speaking of … I feel like the last person on Earth to read The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. I’ve honestly had the book on my shelf for at least 10 years, but books are funny like that and sometimes you just pick one up that you’ve been staring at for years and it ends up being the right time. 

If you too have been waiting for the right time to read it (or feel like revisiting it), I’ll be sharing some takeaways and insights on Instagram if you want to join me. 

The holidays can be a hard time of year, and this year will be no exception, so do your best to be kind, patient, and loving to yourself. And of course to others, too. 😉 We’re all going through a lot — and we’re in this life together. 

Wishing you a very merry holiday season filled with love, peace, and joy!
Emily 

P.S. If you’re looking for thoughtful and affordable holiday gifts for loved ones (or yourself!), here’s our Savvy Miss team’s top 5 picks for giving gifts of calm. 

P.P.S. If you enjoy the EveryDay Happy Show podcast (and I hope you do!) please take a moment to give us 5 stars on Apple Podcasts (here’s a quick video to show you how) and share it with a friend. Thank you so much in advance! 

 

Quote I’m appreciating: 

“May your walls know joy, may every room hold laughter, and every window open to great possibility.” — Mary Anne Radmacher