Holiday Reminders for the Season

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I think it’s safe to say we are kicking off the holiday season already!

 

Every major store has Christmas decor out (and if you’re lucky, still some fall decor too!), the radio is playing jingle bells and Black Friday shopping is on the horizon.

 

I planned a little holiday trip earlier this week thinking that not that many people would be out shopping early on a Monday morning. I was very wrong, haha! It was jam-packed and I’m not great with crowds because I always feel like I’m in someone’s way when I’m looking at things. So my holiday trip ended up being a soap restock at Bath and Body Works along with a toilet paper/paper towel restock at Sam’s Club!

 

The joys of adulting!

 

By the way, Bath and Body Works is having a super sale on their hand soaps if you need to stock up or want to try a different scent! We are a Black Cherry Merlot family, but also a fan of the Kitchen Lemon and Strawberry Pound Cake.

 

 

 

I still hope to go back another day when I’m mentally prepared for all the people and grab a yummy Christmas coffee while I’m out. In the meantime, I wanted to put together this post of holiday reminders for the season and I hope you’ll find them helpful throughout this bright and shiny next month or so!

 

Your Feelings Are Valid

 

Even in those moments when you’re thinking to yourself that you shouldn’t be feeling [insert emotion here], your feelings are still valid.

 

While the holidays are supposed to be a happier time of year, it’s important to remember that we are only human. We are going to have a range of emotions no matter what time of year it is. Plus, there are lots of things that affect us a little more during the holidays too. For me, I always miss loved ones that have passed away a little extra and there are a few things that have been heavy on my heart in the recent months, so those feel a bit heavier too.

 

So if you find yourself feeling a little down, grouchy, or just a bit off:

• Allow yourself to acknowledge and process your emotions
• Then, give yourself permission to release those emotions and move forward with a fresh start

 

Everywhere Is Busy Now

 

I got this reminder on Monday morning when I thought I was going to have a semi-quiet shopping trip, haha! Literally everywhere that you can shop is going to be busy from now until after the holidays. I know it’s not fun, but sadly it’s our reality and we just have to do our best to take our most patient-selves when we go shopping.

 

Prep as Early as Possible

 

I just wrote a blog post on this topic last month, so I’ll refer you to that in the link below 🙂 – but the secret for less anxiety is always preparation. I know it’s easier said than done though and inevitably things do come up, but that’s even more of a reason why taking some time to plan and prepare is beneficial!

 

See how I prep for the holidays here to get more tips!

 

Set a Budget for Gifts

 

It’s no secret that Christmas shopping for your loved ones can get out of hand in a hurry! When you’re making lists of people to buy for and jotting down ideas for each, be sure a dollar amount that you don’t want to go over. Do your best to stick to your budget even when you think you see the perfect thing for someone. It really adds up!

 

Spread a Little Extra Kindness

 

This is an all year-round reminder, but especially during the holidays – be a little extra kind to your neighbor! By neighbor, I don’t just mean your actual neighbor(s), but all the people you come across. People are hurting about things they may never verbally express to you or anyone else.

 

So a smile, a compliment, a surprise coffee, giving a quick and easy dessert to share, or even just a listening ear can spread extra kindness to someone and it will likely mean more to them than you’ll ever know!

 

Start Picking Up Ingredients Now If You’re Hosting

 

We always host Christmas dinner here! Our family tradition is chicken and dumplings for the main dish, and all the yummy (and extra carby!) sides. I know some things like dairy need to wait until closer to the week-of, but I always find it super helpful to buy all the other items ahead of time!

 

Grocery Tip: This will sound like madness to every person out there except those who’ve tried it, but just trust me on this one, it helps! Haha! To get in and out of the grocery store as quickly as possible, organize your list of items to pick up by the arrangement of the store. You can choose how you’re most comfortable such as starting at the entrance of the store and working your way to the back, or the way I do it is start at the very back of the store and work my way through the aisles towards the entrance.

 

Watch for Sales

 

*Important note: But don’t buy just because something is on sale!

 

Black Friday is coming up next week which means that tons of sales are going to be hitting your inbox! That can get pretty overwhelming, but there can be some real gems in there for things that you’ve already had your eye on for those on your list. So watch for good deals on what you know your people would love that’s within your budget and leave the rest alone. 😉

 

Have Things on Hand to Brighten Your Day

 

The holidays have a way of making things feel a little magical and there are goodies that you don’t typically get all year. Think ahead for busy days so you’ll already have something in your fridge or cabinet that you won’t have to go out and get it later. One of the things I do is keep two of the 20 oz. mountain dew in the fridge for when I am having one of those days and it gives me a little boost and makes me happy, haha!

 

Iced coffees, yummy casseroles, chips and dip, or soup in the crockpot are some ideas that could brighten your day!

 

The Reason for the Season

 

This can be such a busy time of year for each of us. It’s so easy to get caught up in all the hustle and bustle, even if some of the things are magical and fun, that we forget the true meaning of Christmas. As much as I adore the pretty lights, holiday music, rewatching my favorite Christmas cartoons and movies, drinking all the Christmas coffees, cozy red socks and an infinite amount of other holiday things that make me happy…NONE of it would even be possible if it weren’t for God.

 

Every single thing I have today is because of Him and I am so grateful for the people in my life (that includes you! ❤️). Thankful that I have a roof over my head, working utilities, a loving husband (who’s snoozing in bed while I’m typing this now), our little Draino cat, memories of my sweet Pepper cat who would be laying on my lap now if she were still here, a car that gets me where I want/need to go, food in the fridge, the fact that I can call my mom or my parents or in-laws and check on them (so many don’t have that luxury and I’m sending you hugs if you’re missing a parent today) and a ton of other things that I probably take for granted sometimes. It makes me tear up thinking about all the blessings that God has provided, and He always provides. I don’t deserve even one of these things, but I am so thankful for each and every thing that I have and He gets all the credit, always.

 

I’m so thankful he sent His son to the cross for me, for you, and for every single person in this world. He is the true reason for the season!

 

Want More Holiday Fun?

 

You can check out the posts for more about how I prep for the holidays, a curated gift guide for men, my most requested cookies this time of year, and more tips for holiday shopping – in case you missed those!

• How I Prep for the Holidays
• Holiday Gift Ideas for Men
• Gooey Butter Cookie Recipe
• Simple Tips to Prepare for Holiday Shopping

 

That’s a wrap on these holiday reminders for the season that is upon us, sweet friends! I hope you’ve had a wonderful weekend and have a blessed Thanksgiving week as well!

 

P.S. Some of you know this already, but I started a Substack for my newsletter subscribers and sent my first email last Saturday. I think I really like the fresh format and got some great feedback so far (thanks to each of you for letting me know, I appreciate you!). So I’m including a sign up below if you’d like to join along and see if you enjoy the emails, and no hard feelings if it’s not for you! 🙂