- Write Santa a letter listing all of the things you’re grateful for this Christmas (he’s actually a pretty good listener).
- Embrace *all* of the moments, even the imperfect ones.
- Lavish yourself with love and kindness.
- Take a few deep, relaxing breaths. Breathe in the scents of the season — the tree, the ginger cookies, the hot chocolate, the mac and cheese cooking in the microwave… (Yes, microwaving mac and cheese counts.)
- Let go of any guilt you’re feeling. You’ve done the best you can, and that’s all you can do.
- Ease your expectations.
- Talk a walk around your neighborhood to admire the Christmas decorations.
- Treat yourself. The season only comes around once a year.
- Light your favorite Christmas candle, and pause for a minute to listen — really listen — to your surroundings.
- Do one easy thing that’s guaranteed to make you smile. 😊 In my case, it’s watching a cheesy holiday movie, painting my nails, baking something yummy. Any small thing that brings you joy.
- Hug your cat (or rather, let your cat hug you, because we all know it’s gotta be their idea).
- Spend some quality time with yourself.
Merry Christmas, my friend! I hope you’re having a wonderful holiday. Just wanted to say a quick thank you for your friendship and for always being there this year, and to remind you to be extra kind to yourself today.
Christmas always turns me into a big mushy ball of cheesy goo (but what else is new?), and I’m sending so much love to you, to your fur family (meow), and to all the lucky people whose lives you touch.
Love you very much,
Karen
Susan T. says
December 25th, 2018 at 12:10 pmMerry Christmas Karen and family and most especially to Tabs! Extra gravy for everyone! You deserve it.
Karen says
December 25th, 2018 at 7:02 pmHi Susan,
He most definitely had extra gravy and lurvies today. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Susan says
December 25th, 2018 at 2:29 pmMerry Christmas!! Love from Germany 🙂
Karen says
December 25th, 2018 at 7:01 pmLove back from the SF Bay Area, Susan! Merry Christmas!
Chelsea says
December 25th, 2018 at 7:30 pmMerry Christmas Karen! Thanks for the reminders. I got to pet some extra kitties today – my nephews Remington and Steele and a friend’s cat Paul (girl), as well as my dog niece Jetta. It definitely made me feel better when I got stressed at a family thing.
Oh, while we were up visiting my parents, we went to the animal shelter my mom works at and Zack took some nice pictures of adoptable kitties to try to get them adopted – so many good boys and girls. Cross your fingers for them!
Pamela says
December 25th, 2018 at 7:36 pmMerry Christmas to you and your family! Thanks for the beauty inspiration and feel good messages throughout the year. ((Hugs))
Michele DiCola says
December 25th, 2018 at 8:15 pmMuch love from the East coast . A big thank you for all your great advice and kind words .
Merry Christmas 🎁🎄 to you and your family . Tabs included .
Daphne B says
December 25th, 2018 at 8:49 pmMuch Love from Georgia. Thank you for all the beautiful photos, Inspiration, and encouragement you give to all of us throughout the year. Thank you for sharing so much of your life with all of your readers, and for your sense of humor, which makes me smile every day. Merry Christmas to you, Connor Claire, El Hub, and of course, Tabs!
Linda Libra Loca says
December 26th, 2018 at 12:15 amMerry Christmas and lots of love to you and your loved ones.
Linda Libra Loca recently posted … December Empties 2018 – Taking out the trash 20
Becca says
December 26th, 2018 at 6:13 amThis is such a cute list! I’ve tried to do as many of these as I could, and they make me feel so festive. Great idea! Xx