creating our simple holiday

I think that the holidays turned from something of utter delight to something stressful around the time that I went from being a consumer of all the wonder (a girl) to a producer of it (a mama). I realize that often I find myself stressed out in the moments when I am most trying to make sure that everyone is happy...silly really. What would probably make all of us the most happy would be just enjoying all of the messy goodness that there is to be had...together.

This year, I am trying to shed the expectation of producing a jam packed season of joy for my tribe. I am trying to step away from what is expected...and trying to see this as something I'm creating outside of expectation.

What do we love most about the holidays? I'm "sending" out a postcard (sliding it under doors)...What are 2 things you love most about the holidays? What is one good memory of the holidays you have? What are 2 things you would like to do? 2 things you might like to get? 2 things you might like to eat/drink? 

With those things in mind, I will be able to feel that I've made some happy (whether that gets communicated back to me or not). I will not treat these returned postcards as a to-do list, but I will joyfully consider the feedback.  :)

My holiday favorites:
-twinkly lights
-candles
-simple greenery
-music
-hot, spicy drinks
-giving 
-making
-togetherness
-cozy movie nights
-a few thoughtful gifts 
-grasping + celebrating the gift of God among us

It's a simple list. I'm just going to go about bringing some of that home. I'm not really even going to think about the stuff that I don't like...or expectations...or what I'm not doing. And that feels good.

Love,
​Jane