Finding Gratitude in Every Season

Thanksgiving used to be my favorite holiday. These days, I’m not sure I have a favorite, but what I can say for certain is this: I love Fall. Everything about it speaks to my soul—the rich colors, the crisp air (when it finally arrives), the cozy smells, and, of course, those little glimpses of Christmas peeking through.

I don’t decorate for Halloween. Instead, I go all in for Fall. The best part? It lasts longer—straight through to Thanksgiving—and gives me an excuse to indulge in my love of pumpkins. If you’ve ever heard the phrase, “We don’t discuss the pumpkin budget,” know that it’s more than a funny quip in my house. It’s a way of life. Pumpkins are non-negotiable.

Living in the South adds an extra layer of pumpkin-related logistics. The lingering summer heat means some of my pumpkins don’t make it through the season unscathed. But even if I have to replace a few along the way, it’s a small price to pay for my personal pumpkin paradise.

This Thanksgiving was a little different. Instead of celebrating at home, I found myself at the beach, watching waves crash on the shore while sharing a meal. Not a bad trade-off, right? It gave me a moment to pause and reflect on what I want future Thanksgivings to look like.

No matter where I am, there’s always so much to be thankful for. This year, I’m simply grateful for today—the gift of now. And that’s enough.

What are you thankful for this season? 

Glitter, Grit, and Kicking Off The Holidays!

The holiday season truly is magical, isn’t it? Twinkling lights, joyful carols, and the warm, comforting scents of cinnamon and pine floating through the air. Yet, if I’m being honest, it’s also utterly exhausting - especially when your job revolves around providing holiday magic for others. The kind of exhaustion that leaves you bone-tired, wondering if you remembered to eat lunch or where exactly you misplaced your sanity. And when your busiest season is the holidays, that magical chaos can hit even harder.

For me, this time of year demands a pace unlike any other. Between hosting endless gatherings, decking every hall (except your own!) and working tirelessly to create memorable experiences for others, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. But somehow, through all the glitter and late nights, the holiday spirit persists. It’s in those fleeting moments—when you catch a glimmer of joy or hear the sound of laughter—that you’re reminded why it all matters.

If you’ve ever collapsed into bed with glitter on your hands and a mental checklist of unfinished tasks, you know exactly what I mean. Maybe your work schedule has you prepping for Christmas as early as October (or earlier—hello, that’s me!). Or maybe you’re the family’s go-to host, managing meals, décor, and everything in between. Whatever your role, it can feel like a marathon of wrapping, cooking, and finding ways to stay cheerful despite the exhaustion.

But here’s the thing: that weight we carry during the holidays? It’s part of what makes this season so extraordinary. Every tired moment is tied to something meaningful—a cherished family tradition, the joy in a child’s eyes, or the quiet satisfaction of making someone’s day a little brighter. The holiday spirit thrives on connection, generosity, and love. And even when our bodies are weary, our hearts stay full because we know it’s all worth it.

The holidays aren’t about perfection. They’re about showing up, even when you’re running on fumes, and sharing your light with those around you. So if you find yourself worn out but still brimming with holiday spirit, take comfort in knowing you’re not alone. Together, we’re creating something beautiful—a tapestry of joy, connection, and wonder, one twinkling light at a time.

So pause for a moment. Breathe in the magic of this messy, chaotic season. Let the spirit of the holidays refill your cup. You’re part of what makes this time of year so special.

Happy ChristmasGiving!

Yes, it’s only November 1st, but for me, Christmas has officially begun—at least at work! In my line of work, the holiday season arrives well before Thanksgiving, and today, we're diving full-speed into preparing for the influx of holiday visitors. 

My desk has transformed into a mini holiday workshop, with stacks of to-do lists, decorations, and planning guides scattered across it. The hustle and bustle of holiday prep may seem early to some, but here, it’s all part of the job! There’s something exciting about the early buzz of the season. It’s more than just prepping; it’s creating experiences, planning beautiful spaces, and making sure everything is set for our visitors to have a memorable time.

Here’s to early holiday cheer, festive desk setups, and the joy of planning for the most wonderful time of the year! Cheers to the holidays!