Christmas Cheer, Memories, and a Little Reflection 🎄🎅

I hope this post finds you well and fully immersed in the festive spirit—or at least on your way there. 🎁✨ December always seems to be a whirlwind of activity, and I thought I'd take a moment to share a few things that have made an impression on me over the past couple of weeks.

Movember Madness 🥸
At last! Movember is officially over, and let me tell you, I am thrilled. Growing a moustache for a whole month? Not my favorite experience. Turns out, moustaches can sweat.! It was itchy, uncomfortable, and definitely not my best look. December 1st couldn't come fast enough, and I savored every second of shaving it off. 😅

Old Pictures, New Lessons 📸
Recently, I was sorting through some old photographs, and wow, the difference proper printing and framing can make is astounding. I came across three cherished images:

• Our wedding photo (going on 35 years old)
• A picture of my grandmother with her great-grandson (going on 20 years old)
• A family photo from Disney (around 20 years old)

While these photos hold precious memories, they've aged… just not very gracefully gracefully - definitely not like wine. The wedding photo has turned from vibrant color to mostly black and white. The Disney picture has lost almost all its color. And the one of my grandmother has a yellowish tint from years of sunlight exposure.

Why? Because back then, we went for the budget-friendly option: non-acid-free paper, standard mats, and no UV-protected glass. Lesson learned! If you're lucky enough to receive printed photographs as gifts this Christmas, consider going the extra mile:
🎄 Acid-free paper and mats
🎄 UV-protected glass

It’s a small investment that will keep your memories vibrant for decades to come.

The End of 2024: The Festive Balancing Act 🎉
This time of year is magical… but let’s be honest, it can also be exhausting. By now, many of us feel like we've hit a wall, juggling a million tasks while trying to keep the holiday spirit alive. 🎄🕯️

But here’s the thing: not all deadlines are real. A lot of the pressure we feel to "get everything done" by December 31st? It’s self-imposed. We tell ourselves we need to tie up loose ends, finish projects, and start the new year with a clean slate. But do we really?

Instead, what if we flipped the script?
🎅 Focus on what truly needs to be done—like checking off that gift list, prepping the Christmas feast, and baking holiday treats!
🎅 Save some tasks for January. The new year will still be wonderful even if every single item isn’t crossed off your 2024 to-do list.
🎅 Most importantly, rest, recharge, and enjoy the season.

The best way to start 2025 strong is by giving yourself permission to slow down and savor December. So, take a deep breath, sip some eggnog (if you can get it) or something stronger if you prefer, and let yourself relax. 🎄💆

As we wrap up the year, I want to thank you all for your support, kindness, and encouragement. Wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas filled with joy, warmth, and laughter—and a new year that brings health, happiness, and plenty of reasons to smile.

🎁 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 🎆