This year, as I sit in my condo in the sky overlooking a city twinkling with festive lights, I feel called to share a gentle reminder. Gratitude is something we practice. It is a muscle. And like all muscles, it strengthens with intention. The same is true of self care. Every time you choose rest, reflection, or a small ritual just for you, you nurture your capacity for gratitude and step more fully into the woman you are meant to be.

Start and End Your Day with Gratitude

Before the world rushes in, greet the morning by writing down a few blessings. It doesn’t have to be profound. A warm cup of tea. A good night’s rest. A memory that made you smile. At the end of the day, revisit your journal and let your mind drift toward what went right. This quiet ritual will wrap you gently in holiday warmth. Here are a few ways to practice gratitude this season that not only fill someone else’s cup, but gently refill your own self care cup too:

Pause for a Heartfelt Thank-You

Look someone in the eye. Offer your thanks. Offer one to yourself while you’re at it. A small act. A big impact. Gratitude deepens connection, and connection is the true gift of this season.

Savor the Moment

When we savor, we slow down. We notice. Whether you’re enjoying a delicious meal or watching your grandchild’s face light up at the sound of their name, inhale that moment. Let gratitude be your companion.

Write Thank-You Notes

My mother taught me this timeless gesture. Today, I still gather my beautiful stationery and let my heart speak. A handwritten note says, “I see you. I appreciate you.” And it never fails to lift both the giver and the receiver.

Create a Gratitude Jar

Place a jar in your kitchen or living room. During holiday gatherings, invite loved ones and friends to drop in tiny notes of gratitude. It’s a simple tradition that becomes a treasured keepsake year after year.

Acknowledge Gratitude from Others

When someone thanks you (your grandchild, a girlfriend, even a stranger) pause and honor it. Gratitude grows when we water it.

The Heart of the Season

Gratitude does more than brighten our spirits. Studies show that grateful people argue less, connect more, and find greater fulfillment in their relationships. Imagine going through the holiday season with fewer conflicts and more moments of understanding. That is the gift gratitude gives us: the gift of closeness.

So, my darling, as you deck your halls and tie your ribbons, remember that gratitude is the soft glow behind every twinkling light. It is the melody behind every carol. It is the heartbeat of the holidays.

My 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

This year’s guide celebrates gifts that spark joy, invite connection, and make life a little more beautiful. I’ve gathered my favorite finds for everyone on your list… and yes, that includes you. After all, self care is not selfish, it’s part of your wellbeing. Be sure to tuck your favorite holiday gifts into your cart now and make your purchases on Black Friday for the very best savings. Treat yourself wisely and beautifully.

Gifts for Her (and You!)

A mix of elegance, comfort, and serenity. These gifts honor the woman who keeps life stitched together with love and resilience. Explore Gifts for Her:

Gifts for Him

Timeless, useful, and handsome choices for husbands, sons, brothers, partners, or dear friends who appreciate practicality with style. Explore Gifts for Him:

Gifts for Teens

Trendy, cool, and teen-approved. These gifts bring sparkle to their world and make even the hardest-to-shop-for teen grin. Explore Gifts for Teens:

Gifts for Friends

Thoughtful treasures for the women who hold your stories, laughter, secrets, and joys. Explore Gifts for Friends:

A Final Word of Gratitude, from My Heart to Yours

The holidays are not about perfection. They are about presence, gratitude, connection, and love. They remind us to slow down, breathe deeply, and return to what truly matters. When we choose gratitude, we soften the busy edges of the season and allow space for joy to seep back in. When we choose even the smallest act of self care, we reclaim our sense of balance and remind ourselves that our wellbeing deserves tending too.

You deserve joy, darling. You deserve warmth. You deserve to take up space in your own story, not just as someone who gives, but as someone who receives. Let the season meet you gently. So unwrap this season slowly. Savor it. Care for yourself as lovingly as you care for others. And keep gratitude close. Amen

*Darling, I only ever share what I truly love. Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.