Embracing a holiday spirit!
Hello my loves!! Hasn’t it been the most beautiful Fall? Here on the East Coast, I know I’ve enjoyed some spectular days - dreamy foliage, smells of pine needles & evenings filled with golf dusk.
My heart always feels like it’s bursting with gratitude when I notice these things. This is in part because I know my ability to see the beauty in the world is connected with my ability to drop into the present moment. I know that my journey to presence is a commitment, and there have been moments - small and longer periods of time where I have not been as present with myself, and that is OK :)
Writing this blog, I find myself sitting on a bench in a park nearby our apartment. The day is a bit cloudy with just enough sun to create sparkling light on the gray blue water in front of me. What is more beautiful about this moment is that in writing this, I feel deeply connected to all of you. The ability to share my journey, and bits and pieces of things that uplift my life, is a privilege. You are all so remarkable; thank you so much for all that you do.
What is coming through for me, quite strongly, in this month is the idea of embracing a “holiday spirit”as a means to connect to higher consciousness.
When we allow ourselves to connect with others and thoughtfully give with an open heart, we feel so FULL of love and supported. When we allow our hearts to open in the spirit of the holidays, it’s like we are lifted up by this magic. It’s in this giving, whole-heartedly, that we are able to connect with who we really are - a unique expression of Love.
Of course, we know that it is important to give (particularly financially) within limits and boundaries that don’t leave us out to dry. But embodying a holiday spirit isn’t about giving “more presents," it’s about the ability to thoughtfully connect with another human being and gift them with your genuine care in an expression that feels good to you.
Personally, I love writing notes to my loved ones. I love creating some homemade gifts. And I love to thoughtfully consider, what type of gift might someone use daily with an added touch of happiness!
This year, I hope to continue to give in this way, but I want to extend myself even further. How can I embody this holiday spirit and “give” in less obvious holiday-centered ways. For example, can I allow extra time for a conversation with a coworker and ask even more questions, and truly give my listening ear for longer than is expected? Can I write more notes to Doug to surprise him and let him know how much I love him? Can I give strangers more eye contact and genuine smiles?
Embrace the holiday spirit this season and allow it to lift you up into a higher consciousness, a more connected, present and loving version of yourself.
✨I can’t wait to hear how you express your holiday spirit!! ✨
Below is a compilation of some fun ways to show you care to a variety of people in your life —
🙏🏼 For the Zen One —
Crystals
When we pick out a crystal for a loved one, we must do so with care and intention. I love going to the Gardener's Center in my hometown and they have a beautiful selection of crystals with little slips of paper that explain the benefits of the crystal.
You can't go wrong with Rose Quartz, it is a beautiful heart-opening crystal that has so many healing qualities!
Spirit Daughter also has many crystals for sale alone with manifestation cards and other astrology guides!
Candle / Diffuser
A good candle is always a great gift! I love to find candles that are made naturally with organic (or as close to organic as possible) essential oils. My beautiful and inspiring friend makes her own candles and artwork that I simply adore: https://www.bildenfarmacy.com
Diffusers are also a great gift and can be worth the splurge! My brother got me this diffuser a couple years ago for Christmas and it is amazing. I honestly feel like I never know which brand is the "best" for essential oils, but this article might help!
Homemade essential oil rollers
I made homemade essential oil rollers for my bridesmaids and not only was it so fun and soothing, it was very easy to do :) All you need is some empty essential oil rollers like these, a base oil like organic almond oil, and a few drops of your favorite essential oils! Here is an article with some fun blends!
🪴 For the Gardener —
Flourish
Here's the thing - we all have houseplants that we care for these days. Your sister, your cousin, your mom and your grandmother! We know the benefits of houseplants and they definitely increase the Feng Shui in our most coveted spaces. The gift of Flourish Plant Food is perfect for the people in your life. It is an organic plant fertilizer to make your houseplants thrive. My dearest friend Lila co-founded this company and it has been such an amazing journey!
A sweet houseplant
It might just be me, but I believe you can never go wrong with a sweet houseplant or a flower arrangement to show your gratitude. I love adding some ribbons around flowers or choosing a fun pot for the plant. The Earth Garden in New Canaan, CT always has some extraordinary plant and flower choices.
Prints of herbs / flowers
Artwork can be a lovely gift as well. Finding or creating simple prints of flowers, herbs or leaves can become sweet pieces of artwork. This link to Etsy gives some great options!
⛹🏻♂️ For the Athlete —
Gift card to their favorite studio
We all have those people in our lives that are in love with a particular studio or workout. Give them a gift card to their favorite place, or somewhere new they might love. My favorite studio is Sama Yoga Center in New Canaan, CT and if you have a yogi in your life they might love it there too!
Consider a gift card to a salon as well! Our dearest athletes also need time to unwind and tend to their muscles :)
A new yoga mat
Yogi or not, yoga mats are great for all types of workouts - pilates, strength training, HIIT card. I like Jade yoga mats, which are also sold at Sama Yoga Center.
Waterbottles
Waterbottles are not just for athletes anymore, they are for anyone and everyone! We all are aware of the importance of hydration on health. Get your loved one a nice Hydroflask and they will think of you every day :)
👩🏽🍳 For the Chef —
King Arthur flour experience
This baking school is so much fun and well worth the trip! Create the perfect weekend getaway with your loved one and bake something delicious.
Recipes
Perhaps you give a loved one a cookbook with your favorite recipe inside, with a special tool to help them create the recipe!
If your recipe includes a lot of imperishable items, it might be fun to create a little basket of the majority of the recipe ingredients!
Granola and candied nuts are so fun to make in big batches, and you can put them in cute mason jars to give away to friends and family :)
Personalized Apron
This gift is always a hit! I love getting aprons personalized for loved ones. Etsy has some great options as does Williams Sonoma.
Happy gifting!!
