Holiday Vacation

I am of the camp that strongly believes adults need Spring Break (and other subsequent days off), too.

Perhaps it’s the 12 formative years of my life that formed a rhythm that ingrained summer vacation and days ending at 2:30pm into my bones, but I long for that schedule. Particularly, when work days start and end in nighttime dotted with lunch-time visits to Target encompass my encounters with daylight.

This holiday season flew in and landed on my lap with a notable bang. Making the most of our time in the cities doesn't leave much time for staying at home to nothing for the sake of doing nothing. Each time I’d lounge, I’d remember that the moments I was taking to enjoy my own company were moments I was missing with my friends. Memories I wouldn't have the opportunity to make when we move to Bismarck and so with the ghost of relocation future hovering at my shoulder, I made plans on plans on plans.

And then we had a party. And then I did my holiday shopping. And then it was Christmas. And oh yeah, I got sick.

Bedridden for a day and shaky at best post-nausea, I remembered the one thing I had always been so good about: I need to take time for myself. In the season of giving, we forget to care about ourselves. I certainly did. I stopped working out, stopped writing, stopped cooking all in favor of hunting for more garland and making sure I found the ‘perfect something’ for the special people in my life.

After being bodily forced to stay in and rest, I rediscovered the value of taking a break amidst everything we try to juggle during this season. I doubt I’ll ever win in the battle of Winter Vacation for Grown-ups vs. being a regular adult and letting it go, but it doesn't mean I can’t make the effort to rest and care for myself. A little bit of yoga, a lot of good meals, and an extra nap or three should do the trick.

Happy holidays and sincere wishes of good health to you all!

The Holiday Party

A cheers among neighbors to a merry night.

My neighbor, and gal pal (I think I’m at the appropriate age to use that phrase?) Karly threw a holiday party this past weekend.

How do people do this? I feel like Moms have these things down-pat. Did they all go through this process when they were pre-familia? As it is, I gave myself a pass for visiting Trader Joe’s and Target multiple times a day. Considering I had no garland or wrapping paper or anything of any holiday value to speak of, I’d say I built my stores like an efficient little squirrel planning for a long winter.

Anyway, the party went off better than I’d hoped. Karl, as she is known among friends, made a beautiful array of appetizers that were an absolute hit judging by all the empty plates at the end of the night.

Aside from wanting an excuse to sip cider and make pretty plates, the party was a way to bring worlds together if not for one last time. We go to weddings, birthdays and sometimes we have demi-reunions at Homecoming games, but how often do we intentionally unite multiple groups of friends for no reason other than “just because”? We move, we have kids, and we get consumed in our lives, but we decided to take some time just for us, as friends and enjoy the company before the opportunity slipped away with time.

For me, this was a way to celebrate not only the season, but also some of the people who make our memories so charmed. Melting together the generations (high school, college, post-grad, pre-baby, etc.) of our lives made my heart swell with joy; there are so many versions of yourself that certain groups get to know, that it almost seems like your life is a puzzle of pieces that don’t make sense until you put them all together. Some of us are lucky enough to have someone who has seen you through all those experimental stages, and as I approach the next year of my life, I am grateful (sometimes) that I have witnesses to the madness. But as I continue to grow and discover new parts of my personality and true self, I have the exceeding urge to bring these pieces and people together.

We did a circle of introductions and a white elephant gift exchange, and as my worlds collided before my eyes, I became so grateful for the family we've found and cultivated in this place I call home. I know when I look back on my life, this is what it’ll be all about. These friends, the laughter, the good food, the hilarious gifts (VHS tapes anyone?) and the ability to appreciate it all.

Under the tree or not, I got the gift I need this holiday season, 

and it didn't come from a store. 

Happy holidays to you and yours from a truly full heart.

Magic

No, not the Harry Potter kind of magic (although I LOVE that kind, too).

The kind of magic that happens when the lights, the music, the laughter and chatter fill a room to the absolute brim with full hearts and good intentions.

Last night at The Copper Hen, Johnna Holmgren, one part of the ever talented Fox Meets Bear, hosted an event to be remembered: Champagne and Chandeliers. An activity night built around creating festive Eucalyptus laden wreaths, culminated into much more than just arts and crafts.

My favorite part about the Minneapolis-St. Paul community is the genuine charm of everyone in it. Amongst Instagrams and the pop of Veuve bottles, you heard the sound of people getting to know one-another with an authentic curiosity.

Johnna, the kind of person who calms the spirit with her presence, gave an overview of the wreaths but also took the time for introductions. I found this so incredibly valuable to unifying the space that I was too distracted to think of anything particularly clever to say come my turn.

We began our wreaths and instantly I was transfixed on working with the beautiful varietals of Eucalyptus, and the night's greenery VIP, Myrtle. It was a creative reverie with candles, brick exposed walls, and glowing touches of copper.

There was no pressure to compare wreaths and no compulsion to rush. The perfect antagonist to the previous days' Black Friday through Cyber Monday chaos. A wreath. So simple, and symbolic of whatever your heart's desire and yet each wreath that was built seemed to invigorate each creator with a similar current of energy.

Of course, I was also smitten with the food. In the excess of Thanksgiving, (and in the excess of pizza I regularly consume), the boards of cheeses were just the right kind of indulgent. A cheddar bleu (yes, it's a real thing) and a triple cream brie (yes, it's as glorious as it sounds) were among my favorites. Savories were abound but despite not being a huge cupcake person, I could not resist the beautiful house-made gingerbread cupcakes with a sinful layer of cardamom cream cheese frosting. It took all of my willpower not to abduct an entire platter and perform experiments to discover the secrets behind such a ridiculous combination.

If you're hungry, you should be. I am, and I was there. And I will most definitely be back.

In your holiday season, I hope you can discover this kind of magic. The pure and honest kind that reminds you what the festivities are truly all about.