The Hustle, Bustle and Magic of the Holiday's

There is just something about Christmas lights that makes this time of year magical for me. And if it snows, bonus! As exhausting as it is, I love decorating, shopping, baking, cooking, and wrapping. My favorite part is dinner, not because of the extraordinary amount of food on the table (although I am grateful for that), but because everyone I love is gathered there. It's the reminiscing, the storytelling, the bursts of laughter, and the sense of belonging and gratitude I feel. I never take for granted how blessed I am for the love surrounding me - even in the chaos and madness of the holidays. I always remember to take a mental picture to enjoy long after it's over.

But the truth is that many of us are already busy with work and family responsibilities. The holidays, for all its cheer, only adds to those responsibilities. With all the decorating, shopping, cooking, baking, wrapping, and hosting, it's reasonable to become exhausted, stressed, and overwhelmed. That's often where the magic moments and the meaning of the holidays are lost.

If I had one wish for all of you this holiday season, it would be to enjoy it. Don't let those magic moments be consumed by the stress of getting it all done. Instead, remember to look for them, find joy in them, and don't forget to find gratitude for them. As I said, my favorite moment is sitting at the table with my loved ones. Going into that moment, I enjoy the excitement; when I'm there, I remember to capture it in my mind's eye, and I'm incredibly grateful for it when it's over.

Take some time to think about your top 3-5 favorite things about the holidays. Then figure out what your absolute favorite thing is. Put that list somewhere you can see and use it as a daily reminder to allow yourself to feel the joy in the little things like the lights, the sound of laughter, or spending time with your favorite people. Slow yourself down from the hustle and bustle just long enough to take in the magic moments.

Thank you for being a part of my community, and thank you for your endless love & support for my work. I wish each and every one of you a very happy holiday!!!

 Bernice