Finding Calm and Connection This Holiday Season
For many of us, December can feel like a whirlwind. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, the holiday season is often a time of frenzied excitement. But, it’s also an opportunity for reflection, change, and reinvention. Whether you’re reimagining family traditions as an empty nester (planning a couples’ getaway to the European Christmas markets?) or creating rituals that include new family members or recently discovered hobbies, this time of year invites possibility.
Amid the hustle and bustle, December also offers a chance to slow down and reflect. You might lean into spirituality by going to yoga classes or carving out moments in your day to write in a gratitude journal. Studies show that spending just five minutes a day jotting down three things you’re grateful for can significantly boost your mental health.
And when the stress of the season has you by the pony tail and you can’t get to your yoga class, call a friend and go for a walk and talk. It’s really the best way to find calm in the chaos, connect with a friend and get your steps in – all in one!
In today’s Walk and Talk, we’re sharing…
- A thriller for the family (adults only!)
- A Netflix period piece you’ll like with two binge-able seasons
- Jeans that feel like sweat pants
- A flattering sweater dress…and only $56!
- Gratitude journals
- Something fun for your holiday snacks
- Feel good sports story
- A book pick from Amazon First Reads
- An obscure list of movies from 2024
- Don’t make this mistake addressing your holiday cards
What’s On the Blog
Do you fill stockings for Christmas? If so, we’ve got a HUGE round up of items that will bring joy to everyone on your list. Bonus, you can order everything online!
Shop Our Stocking Favorites
What We’re Watching
MEGAN : This is a little off-brand for me, but you know the kids were home and they get to pick the shows. We watched The Madness on Netflix, it’s a thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. A media pundit finds a dead body in the Pennsylvania woods. Wrong place, wrong time – Muncie gets framed for the murder and as he tries to “unframe” himself he uncovers a conspiracy theory. Each episode has you waiting for what might happen next. Good one for the whole (adult) fam.
CHRISTA : Loosely based on history, The Empress (Netflix) follows Elisabeth as she learns what her new role is when she’s chosen to wed the emperor of Austria. She was not the intended bride for Emperor Franz Joseph, so when he chooses her (and not her sister!), she’s thrown into a world she never expected or wanted.
What We’re Wearing
CHRISTA : Love this sweater dress from Banana Republic Factory. It has a more defined waist than most sweater dresses making it extra flattering. And, friends, only $56, plus an extra 20% off! This is something that will get a lot of wear all winter long.
Shop Christa’s Look
MEGAN : These might be my new favorite jeans. They seriously feel like sweat pants. Frame Le Crop Mini Bootcut. AND they are currently on sale more than HALF OFF! Fully stocked in all sizes. Pro tip: Size down one full size, they run big (but short – these are not for tall girls).
Shop Megan’s Look
What We’re Shopping For
MEGAN : As the season of busyness commences I find myself craving five minutes of peace each day. I’m shopping for a journal to inspire me to make the time to write down a list of three things I’m grateful for each day. These Liberty recycled paper journals are under $20 and stunningly beautiful. I’ll be happy with number one, two or three!
CHRISTA : Something new that I’m adding to our basement theater/game room! Holds three kinds of candy/snacks. And don’t forget some cute little snack cups to hold the dispensed treats –how cute are these for the holidays!
What candy should we fill it with? Leave a comment!
What We’re Reading in December
CHRISTA : Just downloaded my December selection from Amazon’s First Reads. It was recommended as a great choice for your book club in 2025. From the publisher: “What the Light Touches is a tender World War II story about a woman who strives to unearth her grandmother’s painful truth and, unexpectedly, also finds her own. If irresistible Parisian flair and deep emotional journeys are what you’re looking for, this breathtaking read absolutely delivers and delights.”
MEGAN : The Boys of Riverside: A Deaf Football Team and a Quest for Glory by Thomas Fuller. This book was the unanimous “Book of the Year” on one of the annual lists. The unanimous vote got my attention. Written by Thomas Fuller, a NYT correspondent, the story is inspiring. Riverside HS is in California and it is a state funded all deaf school. The football team is led by a deaf coach, they go from not winning any to games to undefeated and their secret weapon? Their deafness. If you are a fan of Rudy or Miracle this book is for you.
Random Stuff We Like
MEGAN : Since lists seem to be the theme this week, I’m sharing this Vanity Fair article about the best 22 movies in 2024 (so far). I’ll be honest, I’ve only heard of about a quarter of them and I consider myself a pretty prolific movie watcher. These are the real conversations we are having on our walk and talks.
CHRISTA : While you’re working on your holiday cards, remember this: YOU DON’T NEED AN APOSTROPHE FOR YOUR FAMILY’S NAME! When pluralizing your last name, it’s important to skip the apostrophe. For most names, simply add an “s.” Or add “es” to names that end in “s,” “x,” “z,” “ch,” or “sh” to make the plural. For example, “Smith” becomes “Smiths,” and “Jones” becomes “Joneses.” Apostrophes are for showing possession, not plurals, so there’s no need to add one when addressing a card or invitation. Keep it simple, and your holiday greetings will look just right! And, when in doubt, “Smith” becomes “The Smith Family.”
What’s On Our Gift Guides
Let us help you tackle your holiday shopping list. Click any image below to shop the gift guides.
What’s Trending This Week
Need a cute outfit for relaxing around the tree on Christmas day? Christa found one and it’s washer/dryer friendly, super soft and very comfortable. Christa’s cute red sweater is fully stocked in lots of colors that will take you through spring. You guys are shopping; nail polish, Lululemon key chain and a cozy blanket are on the top of the list.
Friends Share the Good Stuff
Have something you can’t live without? Did you find a great deal? Well, do tell! Comment below with your ideas/suggestions and we’ll pass it along…because friends share the good stuff! Thanks for being here today and following along with us!
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