A glimpse at my Thanksgiving plate, 2022. I swear, there were vegetables here… somewhere.
In recent years, the week following Thanksgiving has felt like a competition that many have trained for. Gift guides are pushed live, wishlists are shared, and my Instagram feed is filled with ‘Tap to Shop’ buttons. Of course, I applaud the influencer space. It’s how many make a living and it’s part of my income, too. The influx of sales can be overwhelming, though.
I chose not to partake in sharing Cyber Weekend sales this year. The amount of time spent online instead of enjoying the present moment just didn’t sit right with me. It’s all become ‘normal,’ too. Instead of shopping with intention, people spend their time viewing gifts that someone else is purchasing for their family. At the core, gift guides are meant to be helpful. They used to provide guidance when it was unclear what was appropriate to give to your neighbors or in-laws. For many, gift guides are now used as a ‘one stop shop.’ Instead of conversing with family and friends about what it is they’re hoping to unwrap this season, we’re assuming what someone else bought their sibling will work for your sibling, too. I’m not sure what my point here is, but I guess it’s as simple as: I find gift guides helpful… Until they prevent meaningful, intentional gifting from happening.
The Christmas season is here, and I’m going to enjoy every bit of it…
Now, a few ways I’m savoring the season, below:
A small change, but one I’m proud of. Over the summer, I deleted TikTok. I made this decision after watching so. many. people. scroll in awe of the way others live their life, all while missing out on their own. It felt like a waste of time that no longer provided me value.
A few weekends ago, Ant and I spent a very, very early morning in the Boston Public Garden capturing our Christmas Card photo. Two years ago, we hired a photographer to help us and last year, we took a quick photo on Thanksgiving to use. This year, I wanted to create the memory of photographing our own Christmas Card. It was such a fun morning with just the two of us, and my tripod. It’s a holiday memory I’d love to make an annual tradition.
Instead of blogging throughout this Cyber Weekend, I spent my time visiting family. We spent the evening before Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving Day with my family, and the following Friday-Sunday with Ant’s family. A good sign that I was present instead of online? My screen time is down and my laptop was never unpacked.
Tree lightings, tree lightings, and more tree lightings. Next week we’ll be heading back to Kennebunkport, Maine for the annual Christmas Prelude and we’ll see the Dock Square Tree Lighting. Instead of waiting for our trip to see the sparkling pine trees, Ant and I have gone to a few lighting ceremonies throughout Boston. There’s just something so special about seeing people from all over come together and cheer at a Christmas tree.
If you can savor the season, it really is the most wonderful time of the year.
