My gift to you this holiday season? One word.
And I welcome you to re-gift it to everyone you know.
Hello!
At this time of year, writing a newsletter feels like dropping by someone’s house. You have no idea if it’s a “good time” or what you’ll possibly walk into, yet for some reason, you decide to pop over.
So you find yourself outside someone’s door, trying not to look weird or say anything incriminating for the Ring footage. Suddenly, you realize you probably should’ve called or at least texted, and you consider making a mad dash to your car. But it’s too late for that; the cameras and now the dog know you’re there.
Sending a newsletter in the midst of the holiday season feels a lot like a drop-in.
🚪Ding Dong. Just wanted to stop by and tell you What I’d Rather Be Talking About this week.😁 You busy?
No, not busy at all. I was just about to have a cup of tea and meditate. Have a seat over there. Please don’t mind the stack of gifts to be wrapped, the pile of laundry my kids were supposed to take care of, or the pots and pans from tonight’s dinner. Take off your coat. I was just sitting here doing nothing. 🧘🏻♀️
Similarly, I am on your device, interrupting your day. And while my Thursday morning hello is not unexpected ~ I’ve been bugging you every Thursday since December of 2022 ~ I suspect you’ve got other things to do, so I’ll keep this brief.
Speaking of December 2022, don’t forget the 3 year newsletter anniversary sale on subscriptions running til 12/31!
Moving on to my gift for you… 🎁
Before you get to the business of your day, I wanted to leave you with one word to carry with you through the rest of the holiday season.
Heck, take it into the New Year while you’re at it. (This word doesn’t expire.)
The word is… permission.
~ With a twist. ~
I’m giving you permission to NOT….
Answer the door of droppers-by. (There’s no obligation.)
Wrap those gifts like you’re auditioning for the remake of Love Actually. Instead, buy gift bags at Dollar Tree, tissue paper, & call it a day.
Say yes to every event you’re invited to. (Sorry, I have plans is an acceptable answer. Even if those plans are to sit on your couch.)
Host the perfect meal or party ~ because there is no such thing.
Buy expensive gifts.
Follow every family tradition. (Why not start new ones?)
Tolerate toxic situations. This is where “saying no” to an invitation is perfectly cool. And steering clear of offenders around the family table is not only good practice, it’s self-care.
Say yes to work events if you can’t or don’t want to attend.
Eat against your health needs. Just because Aunt Sheila is raving about her seven-layer salad (with each layer more inflammatory to your body than the next) or cousin Eileen plopped a scoop of bean casserole on your plate doesn’t mean you have to eat them. And when you get questions about why you don’t do dairy or gluten or whatever, just grab some raw veggies, and make a beeline for the kid table where it’s safe.
Check every box on your to-do list. Taking time for yourself is not just a luxury; it’s essential.
Pretend to be joyful.
Speaking of pretending to be joyful, remember if you’re not… give yourself permission to reach out to someone and talk about it. 🩷
What am I missing?
Drop a comment with other things we can give ourselves permission to do or not do in the coming weeks!
And with that, I’m granting myself permission to get off your front door stoop and leave you with a sleigh full of links.
Last-minute gifts for the traveler on your list include this dependable Anker portable charger (at a great price), these packing cubes that I’ve purchased and gifted over and over, and if you like to nod off in flight or on the road, this travel pillow will be your new bff.
A unique gift for the family sommelier: a wine club membership. Or how about some unique, hand-blown wine glasses like these? (My husband & I received similar ones for a wedding gift, and I absolutely love them.)
Looking for last-minute stocking stuffers? Mandy Lea has you covered.
For the person on your list who needs help falling asleep and waking naturally, the Hatch Restore 3 Sunrise Alarm Clock is a good choice.
While on the topic of sleep, I was sent a Moon Bird device to try, and I have to say… it helps me relax at night—get more details on Moon Bird’s website.
Maybe a gift for you instead of someone else, how about a new pair of FIGS by New Balance? Yes, please. In every color. While you’re shopping for yourself, pick up essentials like tanks, pants, and sweaters at Evereve’s sale.
Let’s go somewhere. (Virtually or for real.)
Doesn’t shopping in another country always look and sound more interesting than schlepping to Costco on a Saturday morning? For example, here’s how a French woman buys ingredients for Christmas dinner, and here’s what that same gal buys at the market.
Now that you’re thinking of faraway places, let’s talk mid-winter trips. Here’s one idea - head to Barcelona and discover its art, culture, beauty, and delicious food & wine.
And while you’re in Barcelona, why not hit the links? Golf in February and March can be a nice add-on to a European vacation. I wrote an article on winter golf in Spain for the Chicago District Golfer.
While we’re traveling abroad, here are 10 other fabulous spots to visit in January of 2026.
