A new week is just around the corner, and as I pause to catch my breath, I can’t help but reflect on what a whirlwind the last one was. It feels like December has a way of sweeping us off our feet—between the twinkle of lights, the busyness of our calendars, and the small moments of magic that somehow manage to tuck themselves into the chaos. Last week held so much: from the incredible night at The Lion King, to packages arriving on my doorstep and being wrapped before I even had the chance to fully process what I bought. It was busy, messy, joyful, and exhausting in the most seasonal way.
There’s something indescribable about Seattle at Christmastime. I’ve always thought it was beautiful, but after being away for a few years, the feeling of returning to a Pacific Northwest holiday season is like slipping back into a favorite sweater—warm, familiar, and comforting in all the right ways. The lights, the air, the small pockets of magic on every street—it’s all been filling my heart in ways I didn’t realize I needed. It feels like home is wrapping its arms around me again.
Today brought another layer of warmth: one of my family holiday gatherings. Seeing family members I don’t always get the chance to see, sharing food, catching up, and being folded back into the rhythm of generations—it was grounding. One of the most meaningful parts was seeing our family matriarch, sweet Auntie Maxine. She was my grandpa Elmer’s cousin, and oh, how he adored her. I haven’t seen her in a few years, and though her vision has faded, her spirit hasn’t dimmed one bit. Watching her move through the room with her gentle presence reminded me that even when life takes things from us, it still leaves us with so much to give. Her joy, her strength, and her love left me with a sense of hope for my own journey.
My boys made me proud today too. They engaged, they talked, they reconnected with cousins and family, and they set their screens aside for most of the time—which in today’s world is basically a holiday miracle. Watching them make memories, be present, and just be kids was a gift in itself. Moments like that remind me that even when life feels overwhelming, even when my body is fighting me, I’m raising humans who know how to show up.
And speaking of the body—my diabetes chose this weekend to flare up in a way that hit harder than I wanted to admit. Chronic illness doesn’t care that it’s the holidays or that moms already carry more than they should. It doesn’t ask permission; it just shows up, uninvited, and demands attention. I push myself because I want everything to feel magical—not perfect, but meaningful. But this weekend, my body reminded me that even during the busiest time of year, rest isn’t just allowed… it’s necessary. It forced me to slow down, breathe, and accept that I can’t do everything all at once.
This upcoming week holds its own set of plans—sending out holiday cards, attending a Christmas concert for one of my boys, baking a little, wrapping a little more, and finding moments of peace between all the motion. I’m trying to honor both the joy and the fatigue, to give myself grace, and to savor the sweetness of the season instead of sprinting through it. Life is busy, messy, and beautiful—and I’m learning to hold all of it gently.
What are some of the things you’re planning to do in this upcoming week? I’d love to hear what’s bringing warmth and light into your December.
