The Christmas tree is lit with a low yellow glow. My Starbucks coffee is fully charged and ready to help me #werk. But all I want to do is s l o w down for a minute and drink. it all. in. The Voice and Adele are both on tv tonight. Hubby is home for the winter and my baby is asleep under a blankie soft and snug. The sky is begging to snow but the temperature just won’t let it happen. My heart feels so full lately, and at times I fill up with tears and I genuinely can’t tell if it’s because I feel so happy, or because I’m so overwhelmed with this time of year and all the emotions it awakens. (#notpregnant)

Happy December ❤️ isn’t this just the loveliest time of year? The energy in the crowds is palpable. Like you can honestly reach out, open a mason jar and capture the magical air that is Christmas. (Don’t be offended. I celebrate Christmas, so it’s what I say) We hunted for the perfect tree and brought it home to “fall”.  We concocted a playlist of Blake Shelton, Elvis and Justin Bieber holiday while cocktailing and trimming the tree. We introduced the elf into our home and into Maverick’s heart. Seriously, he loves him (no name yet except for “him” which is pronounced ‘heeem’) so much that he puts the little elf snugged into my neck, moving my hair out of the way, and onto my shoulder, a spot that was exclusively Mav’s until this little elf came to be. We’ve made gingerbread houses, saw a holiday train in Saratoga, read countless Christmas stories, and went to the display of lights at quick response last weekend. We’re so jolly it hurts.

But in all the stuff that we’ve done that is festive and fun, my eyes always wander to see the happiness across my husband’s face. Across my son’s little magical mouth. I want to capture every smile and every moment because these times are so special  to me. The only thing better than Christmas is Christmas through my son’s completely fulfilled and awesome sense of wonderment. It’s truly the best gift I have ever received; watching his joy and curiosity through all the seasons and everything that comes along with them. This weather sure does help me, personally, welcome winter with my arms a little wider open than usual! I don’t even think I’ve worn a coat yet? So anyway, as for me I’m trying to learn from my new self, myself as a mother, a little more these days. Last year Christmas was different because Mav was so little but this year I’ve really realized that it’s not so much the presents and the bells and the little laser lights reflecting on everyone’s houses, but it truly is who you have, the relationships you feed and water, and the non-tangible things that we are so blessed to hold. 

My point is this: celebrate the little things. The simple things! The glitz and glam of an Amazon package on your front porch….. If you don’t think packages on your porch are a form of magic I don’t know if we can drink wine together. You don’t think that’s a Christmas miracle? Online shopping? Have we met?! 

I digress. So I’ve had my fair share of the misery that accompanies this season and we have to remember that not everyone is going to have a ruby red and gold rosy attitude. Just don’t let a person who has Scrooge colored blood running through their veins get you down during a time that can be so enchanting. But let us all remember together that there are people walking this earth that are missing loved ones, and this is one of the hardest times to get through. If you miss someone, and you’re lucky enough to be able to, tell them. If you love someone, send them a card, if you want to bury the hatchet, do it now. There is no room in our short time on this earth together for grudges and all its trimmings.

Be free this holiday season, and let that freedom carry over into the new year. Can we all agree that everyone needs to come together rather than standing apart? Open up your heart to love and positivity and let it flood your soul this season. Believe in being good. Believe in love. Believe that little old you can be the change you wish to see on the world. Hop down a peg or two. Call your grammie. Believe in the magic of my favorite time of year 🎄✨ 

Blessings to you this holiday season. I wish you health, happiness and so much love ❤️