Today is a day I look forward to eagerly, just as soon as the Thanksgiving festivities are over. You see, friend, for the past two years, I’ve taken several weeks off of work in order to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s with my loved ones uninterrupted, and this year marks my third. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely adore my clients and love what I do. But there’s something magical about this time of year, y’all! There’s nothing like curling up next to a roaring fire with a glass of wine, a bowl of homemade popcorn, and A White Christmas on DVD. There’s something magical about watching our niece and nephew open their presents with joy in their eyes. There’s something intimate and cozy about enjoying a home cooked holiday feast with Armon, just the two of us, after all the family has left. And I would miss out on so much of that holiday magic if I were bouncing back and forth between the kitchen and my office, frantically answering emails while trying to ice sugar cookies with a loved one.

I know my approach is unique. I know for many, the thought of taking about three weeks away from work is unthinkable. But I also know that my anxious heart yearns for rest, and more rest than I can find in a simple weekend off of work. I’ve lived through harsh seasons of imbalance with work and life, and I know how much that weighs on my heart, preys on my health, and strains my relationships, not to mention my quality of work. And since then, I’ve made a commitment to living differently. And it’s worked wonders, y’all!

I know how my creativity flourishes when I’ve given myself the opportunity to rest fully, dream big, and soak up time with those I love. I’ve seen firsthand how my attitude transforms, and how energized I am to get back to work in January. I also know all the wonderful new ideas that are born out of that time of rest. It’s a time of refresh that’s not only good for my heart, my relationships and my quality of life, but also my business!

Rest isn’t something that we just stumble upon, friends. It’s that margin in our calendars that we have to intentionally create. It’s that mentality and pace of life that gives us the freedom to do some of our best thinking, to reinvest in the relationships around us, and to fill our cups with what truly matters most to us. It’s a concept that seems to go against all the hustle and bustle of commercialized holiday cheer that we encounter at every store, but it’s so much richer than the overly busy way of experiencing the holidays that we see all around us.

Whether you’re taking a break for the holidays like I am, or you’re finding time for stillness in the midst of big family celebrations, I hope you give yourself the gift of a little time to rest this season, friend. My little holiday sabbatical, as I like to call it, is something I thoughtfully prepare and save up for so I can enjoy a few weeks away from work without worry. It’s an approach that’s not for everyone, but it’s one that’s helped me take back the holidays from a once busy season filled with a difficult mix of holiday festivities and client work, to one filled with quiet Christmas mornings, bustling family dinners, and lots of laughter. However you’re spending this holiday season, lovely, I hope you’re filling it with things that truly refresh your spirit. See you next year!

From December 18 through January 8, I will be out of the office enjoying the holidays with my husband and pup! During this time, I won’t be checking or responding to emails, but will so look forward to connecting with you when I’m back in the office on January 11th. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, friends!