10 Ways to be Present and Slow Down During this Season:

Baking makes me angry!

No, seriously, almost every time I bake, I get so frustrated!

Once, I flung hot, fresh-out-of-the-oven chocolate chip cookies across my kitchen because they came out flat and I had just TRIPLED the recipe! Before you judge me, that’s not the whole reason I threw them… but you get the point, baking isn’t my thing (and when you see Ethan, my 16-year-old, you can ask him about all the details…he LOVES telling this story).

Last night, I was fuming while in the kitchen trying to make peppermint bark—the extract caused my smooth, perfectly melted white chocolate to solidify instantly—and my temper to boil! I began reflecting on all the pressure this season brings and so much of it seems unnecessary and distracts us from the real meaning and intention of Christmas!

So, as we approach Christmas, I want to remind us all (because I clearly need this, too!), that it’s okay to slow down, breathe, and just be.

We live in a world where the pressure to keep up, accomplish more (and more, and MORE!), and to give—whether it’s gifts, time, or energy—can feel overwhelming. But I believe what matters most, is not the presents we give or receive, but the presence we offer one another. The moments we share, the quiet conversations, the simple joys of just being together… the laughter, hugs, and eye contact… that good-kind-of-intentionality that makes us feel seen and loved, you know what I’m talking about! 

If you’re feeling the weight of expectations or the rush of the season, I encourage you to take a step back. Consider what truly matters most. It’s okay to say no to some things, to rest, and to enjoy the peace of being in the moment. Sometimes the best gift we can give ourselves and others, is the gift of our undivided attention, our presence, our time, and our care… especially when we remove the grumpiness caused by stress (speaking from experience here—dang that peppermint extract!).

In this busy season, let’s remind ourselves that the joy of connection is not measured by how much we do or how many things we give, but by how deeply we show up for one another, just as we are. 

I pray that you have a restful, peaceful, and life-inspiring holiday, Friend!! And whatever you do, don’t throw the cookies! 

Merry Christmas to you!

PS… want a sneak peek into 2025, CLICK HERE!

10 Ways to be present and slow down during this season:

• Put your phone away (in another room or turn it off) during dinner (or any meal!) actually, just limit screen time in general.
• Set up an out-of-office email response to let everyone know you’re off-duty until after the holidays
• Play Guess Who, Mancala, Perfection, Yahtzee, and Go-Fish on repeat (all of my kids love these simple games)
• Go for a coffee walk in the rain with a dear friend (I did that this week and it was life-giving)
• Say no… or “Sorry, but I just can’t, I need a slow week.” (I also did this earlier this week)
• Reduce clutter!
• Start a “light journal” and document all the different light showing up throughout your days
• Pay someone to deep clean your house (I didn’t do this, but would love to! I deep cleaned myself).
• Write a Christmas card full of encouragement and give it to a stranger you pass at the store.
• Tell the cart guys at the grocery how much you appreciate having a cart to put all of your groceries in!! They do important work, y’all! Seriously, be extra kind to all the cashiers, baggers and cart-guys… they need our smiles, too!
• Volunteer or help others in small ways. Acts of kindness can make you feel more connected to others and to the present moment.
• Savor. Savor every breath, every bite, every kiss, every rain drop, every smile… savor your wonderful life.

And, if you’re wondering about the best chocolate chip cookie recipe in the world, it’s this ONE! Just make sure your baking soda is good! And sprinkle fancy salt on top as soon as they come out of the oven. Oh, and use high-quality ingredients… it matters!