WHAT'S AHEAD // December 2020
A PEEK AT WHAT'S COMING UP THIS MONTH @ AP CO.
Editor’s Note // It’s been a while since I’ve written one of these. Three months, to be exact. And now here we are, somehow, at the holidays and the final month of the year. For a year that’s been so tough, it sure has flown by (thank God!).
I’ve had some things on mind recently, one of which I briefly touched on over on my Instagram stories yesterday. So, instead of doing my usual “Month Ahead” today, I wanted to dive a little deeper into my thoughts.
The holidays. A time of joy, a time of excitement, a time of hope, a time full of sparkle and magic. But also a time that can be tough for many and full of sadness and difficulty. It can be hectic and stressful and packed full of all the wrong things. Things that don’t even really matter in the grand scheme of it all, and certainly aren’t what the season is truly about.
As this particular holiday season began, I saw many people jumping right into the thick of things, almost as if this holiday season would be like any other year. Except it’s not. And putting up a tree a month earlier isn’t going to change that (no shade to anyone who did that, though).
Don’t get me wrong, a tree and Christmas lights and decorations can certainly brighten up a gloomy time of year, and I think we can collectively agree that we all need that more than ever this year. But I also think we need to acknowledge how many may not even be able to do that this year. Trees, decorations, heck, Christmas can be expensive. In a year with setbacks and losses for many, lots may not even be able to afford a “normal” holiday season this year. And let’s not forget about those who may not be able to spend the holidays with family, or may have to spend the season alone. That is anything but easy.
All this to say, this isn’t a normal holiday season and I don’t think it should be treated as one nor should anyone feel the pressure to celebrate it as one. The usual holiday madness and to-do’s and stresses are unnecessary any other year, but I believe they truly just don’t have a place this season. 2020 has been stressful and hard enough. We’ve all struggled and suffered this year, some worse than others, but it’s fair to say this year hasn’t been easy on anyone. Why make this month more difficult? Don’t get wrapped up in unnecessary timelines and deadlines, thinking you need decorations done by a certain time or you need to bake X amount of cookies or send your cards out exactly on the 5th of December, or feel pressure to shop sales or maintain traditions. More than ever, I’m encouraging you, me, us to let go, be flexible, embrace what is and truly focus on what matters this season. The hope, the joy, the magic. Not the sales, the madness, the rushing around.
At the beginning of the pandemic, I made a mental shift and challenged myself to find the joy in the little things and to sprinkle little joys into life wherever I could, and, of course, I plan to keep on doing that through the holidays. And, as that has been a theme in much of the content I have shared this year, it will continue to be a theme that carries throughout my holiday content. Simple, little joys you can sprinkle across the season. Things that are merry and bright. Things that are cozy and warm, approachable and realistic. Things you can do with ease. Things that focus on what you have and not what you don’t. Things that encourage you to slow down and embrace the rituals of the season. Things you can do at home, with a small group or even virtually. Things that focus on love, kindness, gratitude, peace and giving to those in need. Things that focus on the hope and magic of the season. Things that focus on what truly matters.
Happy December and happy holidays!
xx
