Merry Christmas From the Front Porch

Welcome to the Merry Christmas edition of this weekly series, sweet friends.

I hope your week has been filled with unexpected blessings.

We’re in full on “making a list and checking it twice” mode.

As I shared last week, my parents hosted our extended family’s Christmas party over the weekend and it was so much fun.

We also spent time celebrating my sister’s birthday with a cookie exchange which was a big hit too.

Sprinkled between those events was my nephew’s last football game of the season, a choral concert, and lots of wrapping.

Given my family is a constant source of inspiration for the blog, I’m often asked how we all stay so close despite living in different cities.  

It’s such a hard question to answer, you know?

I think part of it is because my parents and their siblings genuinely love each other and enjoy each other’s company.

Another thing is that we have more people willing to put forth an effort to prioritize each other than we have people who don’t.

And the third thing is that we continuously wrap each other in hugs and grace.

That’s also a blessing.

One thing I always try to remember is something Jon Acuff told our mastermind group a while back…

*Care about, what the people you care about, care about.*

It’s something I try to stay mindful of each day.

The flip side of that coin is to prioritize and care about the things you care about too or you’ll risk burnout.

It’s a delicate balance because to properly show up for others, we have to show up for ourselves first.

Truly, I can’t tell you how many women I know who put themselves last.

Especially this time of year.

So, as we march towards the holidays, I want you to think about what you need most and I want you to find a way to gift it to yourself.

Maybe you need to slow down so you can actually enjoy your time off this year.

Maybe you need to create a bucket list so you can be more intentional.

Perhaps you need to ask for help or to delegate a task you don’t enjoy.

Maybe you need to schedule some quiet time or to give yourself the option to celebrate differently.

Maybe you need to adjust your expectations, learn to walk away or to finally stand up for yourself and your needs…no means no…even during the holiday season.

It’s ok to have boundaries.

I don’t know why people guilt each other into doing things anyway.

Never forget, your needs matter because you matter.

As always, I’ll be cheering you on even as we take some time off to prepare our hearts and home for what’s next.

Until then, I hope you enjoy an expanded version of this series.

Merry Christmas and thank you so much for being a part of this community.

It means so much!

A Few of Our Favorite Posts from Around the Web this Week…

Seasonal Inspiration and Home Tours:

• This Christmas in the Country home tour by Jamie Merida Interiors is gorgeous.
• Have you seen this moody mantel Lucy of Craftberry Bush created? It’s stunning. Here’s her tree too in case you missed it!
• There are so many beautiful ideas to explore in this post, Collected Christmas Décor You Can Copy, from Cindy Hattersley.
• This holiday dream home via Atlanta Homes Magazine is the perfect mix of old and new.
• Have you seen this post A Magical Christmas Affair: Celebrating The Enchanted Home yet? Tina’s home is just as stunning as you’d imagine.
• Home for the Holidays with Monika Hibbs has so many beautiful details to explore. I love the way she set up the breakfast bar. It feels simple and elegant at all at the same time.

Seasonal Project Ideas:

• Speaking of elegant, have you seen the ornaments Cindy from Cloches and Lavender made? They’re really pretty.
• I love the ornaments that Rachel of The Antiqued Journey made as well. I bet they smell amazing!
• Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse had me at sparkly things. How cute are these napkin rings?
• Donna from An Organized Season is blowing me away with this fabulous tree collar. It’s so cool!
• This post from KariAnne of Thistlewood Farm, 21 DIY Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas, is filled with fun and festive inspo that feels totally doable.

Health and Wellness Inspiration:

• 15 Ways to Spread Joy Through the Holidays (via Elizabeth from Pinecones and Acorns – book marking this so I can use the ideas in the New Year too)
• 10 Scriptures to Inspired Gratitude and Thanksgiving (via Susan from Home with Grace and Joy – I read these all the time)
• How a Routine Can Help You Find Peace During the Holidays (via The Good Trade)
• 47 Conversation Starters for Any Situation (via Camille Styles)
• 10 Simple and Fun Family Rituals to Bring You Closer Together (via Intelligent Change)
• 3 Things to Do After a Draining Family Visit (via Self)

Style and Travel Inspiration:

• How to Look Pulled Together in the Winter (via Belle of the Ball)
• 6 Stylish People Share Their Best Style Advice (via Marie Claire)
• Flattering Clothing Styles for Women Over 50 (via My Chic Obsession)
• The Best Things to Do For Spending Christmas In France (via CN Traveler)

Prepping for the New Year:

• 60 Journal Prompts to Inspire Your New Year (via the Science of People)
• How to Build a Vision Board That Works (via Deya’s YouTube – excited to try this unique take on vision boards)
• 7 Life Changing Habits (via Jillz Guerin’s YouTube)

If You’ve Missed Anything from the Archives or the Blog, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…

Unexpected Gifts Holiday Home Tour

29 Simple Christmas Gift Ideas

Vintage Inspired Air Dry Clay Ornaments

DIY Gingerbread Snowflake Ornaments

How to Make a Coquito

New Year’s Eve Tablescape

17 Simple Ways to Ease Into the New Year

Shopping Notes…

**(Amazon affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon and Impact Media Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Any sales made through such links will support us with a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)

• Bodysuit (this bodysuit has so many reviews and looks good with pants and skirts)
• Edible Stars (a festive way to dress up any drink on NYE)
• Champagne Bucket (my Mom has the pedestal version, we use it to hold flowers too)
• Journal (this journal looks like a great way to kick off the New Year)
• Party Kit (this kit makes decorating easy and budget friendly)
• Black Tulle Skirt (I love that this skirt can be dressed up or down for a variety of occasions)
• Plate (an elegant pattern you’ll want to use all year)
• Candlestick Holders (have and love these so much, we use them all the time)
• Affirmation Cards (choose from classic, financial growth, health and wellness, self-love and relationships. There’s even a kids edition)
• Headbands (another easy way to make NYE a festive one)
• Pumps (these come in multiple colors, including a pretty burgundy color without the bow)
• Champagne Coupes (the etching gives such an elegant and vintage feel)
• PJs (this collaboration has been getting a lot of buzz lately, I can’t wait to try these)
• Earrings (a budget friendly upgrade from everyday studs)
• Confetti Cannon (a fun way to celebrate NYE, a birthday or milestone moment)
• Clutch (love the color of this clutch, everything about it feels festive without being fussy)

That’s all for now!

As always, we appreciate you so much and we hope your holiday season is peace filled and relaxing.  We’ll can’t wait to share more with you soon!

Many blessings,

CoCo