Hello my dear friends~
During holiday seasons past, Martha Stewart kept up a steady stream of creative ideas in women’s magazines, making us (me) feel compelled to do it all – and then add more each year, like baking shortbread in clay molds, printing my own wrapping paper, and creating themed trees with hand-painted ornaments…
I think I might’ve been among the few people who discovered she was sometimes wrong – like when she recommended untwisting paper ribbon with a hand drill. I actually tried it Martha, and all it did was drill a hole in the end of the ribbon. (Is paper ribbon even still a thing?)
I enjoyed all of it, I really did. I like being productive, and my background is in art, so yes. But it also got stressful – especially right about now, three days before Christmas. I still wake up at 2am remembering things I need to do, but back then I stayed wakeful for hours.
Nowadays it’s the creatives on Pinterest and Instagram, hopefully not making you feel inadequate. You don’t need permission to let go, to have fun, to relax.
You’re doing it just right if you’re finding joy in whatever you’ve chosen this holiday season. I promise, no matter what, when you look back, you’ll remember the good stuff. Disclaimer: this isn’t wistful grandma wearing rose colored glasses missing the good old days. This is a clear assessment of living life, coming from a woman who’s juggling activism, strength and rowing coaching, and 15 grandkids.
Getting older has its perks, like finally being liberated from the feeling of never doing enough, especially things that might be just “extra”. Took me long enough.
I’m so proud when I look at my kids, now grown, creating holiday traditions for their own families. They have kids who will soon be graduating from high school, then college, starting jobs and relationships – and asking them for advice. It’s a joy to watch it all unfold. These moms (2 daughters and 4 daughters-in-law) are prioritizing and adjusting, adapting every day as the kids grow, and so do they.
You’re finding pleasure in small things. You’re staying strong and peaceful in stressful moments. Your strength shows – and your kids are noticing.
I sometimes can’t believe I’ve gotten to this place in life. But I did.
And I know you will too.
x
Polli
