Is this Christmas Magic?
I hope so. ❤️
Merry Christmas!
Holiday greetings to you today, whether you’re celebrating the holiday or simply taking a moment to recharge. And, if you’re working today - at a hospital, nursing home, in law enforcement, travel, or any other position that doesn’t stop when it’s a holiday, thank you. ❤️
I also want to acknowledge that Christmas can be hard for a host of reasons. Initially, I was going to say that I wish I could make the day easier if you’re missing someone or mourning the loss of how Christmases used to be. But then I realized, just what could I possibly do? And if I could say something, I’d start with myself (following the airline air mask theory), then say it to my family, and then reveal those magic words in this newsletter. This circular thinking led me to realize there are “no magic words” that can help when loss is part of your Christmas.
But there is a thing called Christmas Magic.
And that Christmas Magic can come in the form of a newsletter, with a direct message from me telling you, “I see you.” But that magic can also come more subtly - a smile from the clerk at the gas station as you frantically fill up your tank on the way to cousin Lila’s. It can come when you’re back in your hometown, at Christmas mass, and run into an old friend, or waking up on Christmas morning to messages from friends from near and far. That magic is felt when you yourself reach out - maybe by preparing a care package for a family in need, or reaching out to someone who has recently suffered a loss. Or you drop off a plate of cookies at your elderly neighbor’s house.
Christmas magic happens in a million different ways. It can happen on, before, or after Christmas. Whether we’re on the giving or receiving end, there’s one thing I know… Christmas magic is powerful. And while it’s not powerful enough to bring back the person or the situation we’re missing, or even to give us a boost when life gets crazy, the magic does something else.
🌟 It reminds us that whatever we’re going through, wherever we find ourselves on Christmas or any day of the year… we’re not alone.🌟
Speaking of not being alone… I want to thank you for being a part of What I’d Rather Be Talking About.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday, and as we move into the New Year… peace & happiness.
I’ll see you next year!
XO,
Abbey
P.S. I can’t leave you with empty stockings today, so I’m leaving you with a few links. As a special Christmas gift, I had Santa & his elves grant access to all the links in today’s issue. No paywalls on Christmas! Enjoy!
In case you want to check out some holiday sales:
The teeny tiny hearts on this sweater teleport me back to 1983.
Stock up on winter basics while the gettins’ good at Lands End.
Riddle me a more gorgeous travel cosmetic bag. I dare you.
Not a stocking stuffer, but something I bet you wouldn’t mind unwrapping is this IKEA bench. And if you’re looking for more gifts from IKEA (for others or yourself), click this link pronto.
If you want permission (and almost doctor’s orders) to buy these house shoes, read this article about why your street shoes should stay at the door.
Finally, for the cold winter days ahead, put a pop of color in your house to remind you that spring will come.
Catching up on some of my favorite Substacks over the holidays:
BIG SALAD by Joanna Goddard of Cup of Jo fame. This Best of Everything in 2025 is a good place to start.
MORNING PERSON by author Leslie Stephens. This weekly newsletter is packed with obsessively curated recommendations, ideas, interviews, and essays on living an intentional and meaningful life. (Leslie’s words, not mine.)
BEST CASE SCENARIO by Liz Plosser - so much wellness info, where do I start?
THE LEMON TREE MINDSET always makes me think in different ways. (Literally, because it’s a bilingual Substack - read the Spanish version, El Limonero.) One of my favorite issues has shaped one of my 2026 mantras: If It’s Not a Hell Yes, Ditch It.
SARAH’S BOOKSHELVES - I’m not a big reader, but if you are, here’s a rundown of Sarah’s top picks for 2025.
FOR YOUR LISTENING & WATCHING PLEASURE:
Songs that sound like Christmas but aren’t.
This Winter Ambience 432 Hz mix is excellent for focusing or relaxing.
This Handpan deep-meditation music is ideal for meditation, inward reflection, and seasonal reflection.
If the stress of the season is affecting your sleep, try this Yoga Nidra guided meditation for deep rest and reflection.
Meanwhile, at our house, we’re obsessed with Apple TV’s most-watched show ever… Pluribus. What’s Pluribus? In a nutshell, aliens take over the planet, and there are 13 humans left to save the planet.
And with that lovely idea, I’m going to sign off. But do not fear. I’ll be back next year with a very special Welcome to 2026 edition!
Enjoy this next week… take some time to recharge, see people you love, and just be.
Abbey
Thank you for the shoutout. Finding and connecting with another woman who loves writing and wellness and sport (you!) has been one of my greatest Substack joys. Don’t stop! ♥️♥️♥️