This post is sponsored by Wente Vineyards but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
In-between all of the hustle and bustle of the season and running around town getting errands done while you prepare for the holidays, don't forget to take time for yourself and your loved ones.
Sometimes, admittedly, I can find myself drowning in the seemingly inescapable holiday to-do lists, errands, and preparations. So I would like to think that I put in a respectable effort to try to keep my head above water when it comes to the holiday season, but in the past, I have unfortunately gotten so caught up with preparing and planning that when the holidays finally arrive I find myself feeling as though I did not really stop and get a chance to savor the joy of the season.
It is because of this realization, in addition to Adam feeling in a similar position, that I have decided to take time off in December.
Sometimes, admittedly, I can find myself drowning in the seemingly inescapable holiday to-do lists, errands, and preparations. So I would like to think that I put in a respectable effort to try to keep my head above water when it comes to the holiday season, but in the past, I have unfortunately gotten so caught up with preparing and planning that when the holidays finally arrive I find myself feeling as though I did not really stop and get a chance to savor the joy of the season.
It is because of this realization, in addition to Adam feeling in a similar position, that I have decided to take time off in December.
"A blogger taking time off in December---what, is she crazy?"
No, not crazy. Well, I could be crazy but it just would not be for that specific reason!
I can hear the confusion from a mile away! I know what you must be thinking, and yes, it is absolutely difficult for me to start turning down projects and assignments knowing that there are plenty of great opportunities that are being brought to me (which I am so truly grateful for, by the way).
But with the stars aligning ever so perfectly this year it seemed that it was only fitting that we take a real vacation and celebrate the week of Christmas 'offline.' Between celebrating my 30th birthday this month, having the first opportunity for Adam to actually get a real vacation during the holidays, as well as finding out that my mom has time off and we get to see her on Christmas, it only made sense that we take some time off this December.
Leading up to our temporary hiatus, Adam and I have been taking mini mental breaks here and there to break apart the tedious, oftentimes stressful situations we have been dealing with lately. One way we have been trying to seize the moment to stop and catch our breaths has been through making time for one another and our friends. The simplest way to do that has been to enjoy a post-work happy hour siesta at-home and away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Hosting a happy hour every now and then is exactly what we need to make time to relax, unwind, and remember what this season is all about.
For our holiday happy hour, we have been enjoying sitting out on the patio and enjoying the cool Phoenix weather. Lately, we have been saving a bottle of wine chilled, like the 2017 Riva Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay, to enjoy after work when we want to put our phones on silent, sit, relax, and just talk. Wente Vineyards is one of our preferred wines, as it is always available at our local grocery and we really enjoy the taste of their varieties that we have tried.
Sitting and chatting, playing video games, and relaxing with each other has brought us the joy we need to make it through a stressful season that can sometimes bring up unpleasant memories. Mind you, we try our best to create our own memories throughout the holidays, but it is no doubt that the holiday season can be melancholy if we do not take the time to appreciate the 'now' moments while the holiday season is underway.
We are eager to celebrate Christmas and ring in the new year while taking a break, but in the meantime, we will be finishing up our workloads and I even have a couple more posts to share on the blog in the coming two weeks so stay tuned!
No, not crazy. Well, I could be crazy but it just would not be for that specific reason!
I can hear the confusion from a mile away! I know what you must be thinking, and yes, it is absolutely difficult for me to start turning down projects and assignments knowing that there are plenty of great opportunities that are being brought to me (which I am so truly grateful for, by the way).
But with the stars aligning ever so perfectly this year it seemed that it was only fitting that we take a real vacation and celebrate the week of Christmas 'offline.' Between celebrating my 30th birthday this month, having the first opportunity for Adam to actually get a real vacation during the holidays, as well as finding out that my mom has time off and we get to see her on Christmas, it only made sense that we take some time off this December.
Leading up to our temporary hiatus, Adam and I have been taking mini mental breaks here and there to break apart the tedious, oftentimes stressful situations we have been dealing with lately. One way we have been trying to seize the moment to stop and catch our breaths has been through making time for one another and our friends. The simplest way to do that has been to enjoy a post-work happy hour siesta at-home and away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Hosting a happy hour every now and then is exactly what we need to make time to relax, unwind, and remember what this season is all about.
For our holiday happy hour, we have been enjoying sitting out on the patio and enjoying the cool Phoenix weather. Lately, we have been saving a bottle of wine chilled, like the 2017 Riva Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay, to enjoy after work when we want to put our phones on silent, sit, relax, and just talk. Wente Vineyards is one of our preferred wines, as it is always available at our local grocery and we really enjoy the taste of their varieties that we have tried.
Sitting and chatting, playing video games, and relaxing with each other has brought us the joy we need to make it through a stressful season that can sometimes bring up unpleasant memories. Mind you, we try our best to create our own memories throughout the holidays, but it is no doubt that the holiday season can be melancholy if we do not take the time to appreciate the 'now' moments while the holiday season is underway.
We are eager to celebrate Christmas and ring in the new year while taking a break, but in the meantime, we will be finishing up our workloads and I even have a couple more posts to share on the blog in the coming two weeks so stay tuned!
I also want to take a moment to say 'thank you,' and tell you how grateful we are that you support the blog and for allowing us the opportunity to take a break from blogging later this month to enjoy time with our family during the holiday season.
We hope you have a joyous holiday season, and a Happy New Year! Cheers!
You know, sometimes you just have to take care of yourself no matter what. What good is life if you're not living it and living it happily?
ReplyDeleteI do my shopping & wrapping well before Thanksgiving, so I can just sit back and enjoy the season.
ReplyDeleteWe also take a break during the holidays. Only a couple days though, unless we get way ahead on our writing.
ReplyDeleteI could definitely use a sanity break. I haven't even started my Christmas shopping and we only have about three weeks left. I like this idea of taking a sanity break with all this yummy food.
ReplyDeleteI love having some relaxed time just to hang out with friends and family. It's good to hear you've been able to do that with the nice weather you've been having!
ReplyDeleteHonestly, by this time of the year I am ready for a break too. This sounds like a delicious way to kick back!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. I could use a break already haha. Sounds like a great way to kick back and relax too.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like such a yummy cheese board spread! I am all about a good glass of wine and cheesy snack!
ReplyDeleteI definitely do take a couple of breaks this season, or I'd go crazy, lol. This spread looks amazing! I love doing something like this for me and my husband.
ReplyDeleteEveryone needs a break in a while. It doesn't matter f it's December or not. I know that December is a crazy month, but some things can wait!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree! I really need this break!
ReplyDeleteThat definitely looks like a holiday break to me. Anytime you include cheese and wine, that makes me a happy girl!
ReplyDeleteThe last few years I have actually taken the whole month of December off. Last year and this year I decided to work through the holidays because it is the largest payout time of year. I might take off one of the Summer months instead. Everyone NEEDS a break!!
ReplyDeleteI took time off in November and it just made me wish I could do it way more often. It was lovely.
ReplyDelete