I’m not sure about where you’re at, but where I am at, I’m noting the various seasons within seasons through the pandemic. During Spring alone, there was the chalk season (so many chalk scrawlings), the tiger king season (remember when that was all the rage?), the teddy bear season (sweet little stuffies squished amidst the window panes), sourdough season (I never started my starter but how are your starters growing?)  the howling season (every night at 8pm in my neighborhood for a good two months, people were howling at the moon). And now we are officially in the holiday season. Not sure what will emerge beyond the typical adornment of lights and paper snowflakes, but I’m here for it…

Are your holidays looking and feeling a little different this year? Probably. Here are a few ways to make this 2020 holiday season betterish:

1.)    COOK. BAKE. EAT. ROCK THE RECIPES.

If we can’t physically be together this holiday. season, might as we get our kitchen smelling like we are, right? My cousin and I started making holiday recipe zines for our family as a way to feel togetherish (see the rosh hashanah one here + thanksgiving one here). If you’re still looking for a personalized gift for your and yours this holiday season, consider ordering a bundle of Personalized Recipe Zines from yours truly (NOTE: must order by 12/3 to ensure delivery in time for gift giving).

Looking for more of a project-based cooking experience? Dive into The Sacred Crumbs Cleanse, an interactive cooking experiment I developed as a way to connect more meaningfully to the recipes I concoct.

 

2.)    SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES, CREATIVES, & ENTREPRENEURS

Do your bestest/betterish to support small businesses if you can. It’s really true when they say every time you purchase from a small biz, the owner does a happy dance. I personally do more of a hand-clap-wiggle-throw-my-hands-up-in-the-air-type-of-move …but I suppose you can count that as a happy dance, right?

Below are just a few of my favorites. All are businesses whom I personally know the owners of and admire their work immensely. If you’re not able to purchase from the following businesses, please consider just giving a follow on the ‘grams if you exist in that social media space. I’ll never figure out the social media algorithms, but I do know the slightest bit of support carries further than we think.  (thank you thank you thank you)

CREATIVE EXPERIENCES, WELLNESS + WEARS

• LETTER TOGETHER WITH LINDSAY ELLEN HOWLAND – sign up for a one-on-one virtual lettering workshop. I can’t gush enough over Lindsay’s lettering. A long time friend/kindred spirit and fellow life-long-learner-teacher-artist-creative-human-beam, I can personally attest to every brushstroke being penned with purpose /// @lelleletters

• FUZZZ BRAIN – we’ve all experienced a roller-coast of emotions this year, and Hannah B.’s work so wonderfully depicts every range of it: the good, the not-so-good + all the in-betweens /// @fuzzbrain.art

• CRAFT BONER – give the gift of a big ‘ol belly laugh. Seriously though: these greeting cards, gifts, + apparel are bound for a gaggle of giggles /// @craftboner

• LINNEA WELLNESS - existing to empower women to own and create wellness in their physical, emotional, and spiritual lives. Scope the apothecary + hey: free winter honey when you spend $50?! Win win win. /// @linnea.wellness

• THE PLEDGETTES MEMBERSHIP - when we think of wellness, we can’t forget about financial wellness. I joined this network beginning of 2020 because I was seeking financial guidance and goal-setting with a group of women that would be supportive, uplifting and and empowering. The Pledgettes is that and so much more /// @thepledgettes

• HERITAGE & BLOOM - no joke I think I actually have eight pairs of earrings of H&B… Allison is the sweetest and I deeply appreciate the thoughtfulness that goes into every accessory that’s dedicated to celebrating the beauty of becoming /// @heritageandbloom

  
  

FOR: THE KIDDOS

• CRAFTSMAN + APPRENTICE – C&a was my home away from when I moved to Denver three years ago. I loved teaching in this space and love every project Delanie & her team dream up and allow children to bring to life. Highly recommend ordering a craft kit or two! /// @craftsmanandapprentice

  
  

 for: those in DENVER wanting to support local

• FM – my fave hip boutique selling a carefully selected range of clothing for men & women from small designers /// @youare_fm

• HOPE TANK – gifts that seriously give back…Hope Tank exists to disrupt the traditional retail model, proving that small business can have a big impact /// @hopetank

• INK LOUNGE – design + screen printing studio that remains my favorite because Stu is the best and I’ve learned first hand how incredibly community focused they are. Stay tuned via their website + IG for free pop up screen printing opportunities that raise awareness & support social justice issues /// @inkloungedenver

• MATTER  - an independent, Black & woman-owned retail space for designers, activists and other thinking persons.  Find books, stationery, home goods, and other curated gifts /// @shopatmatter

• REBEL BREAD – my favorite bread heads! Best thing to happen to us during lockdown = fresh bread arriving on our doorstep via Bread Club (subscribe here). Not in Denver? Sign up for an online, interactive class here. From bagels to sourdough, tarts to pierogis, I’m 99% sure there’s something for everyone /// @rebelbreaddenver

• RECREATIVE – Denver’s only public creative reuse center, they truly offer something truly essential to our creative community. I feel like if the craft bug hasn’t hit you yet, there’s a good chance it will during the holiday season /// @recreativedenver

• ROWDY POPPY – For all of your holiday wreaths, everlasting garlands, tree toppers, solstice ritual kits and custom bouquets. I adore every floral design that emerges out of this flower farm located in the heart of Denver /// @rowdypoppy

VIRTUAL MARKETS

• TARRA HOLIDAY POP UP – specifically celebrating women makers, artisans, and designers, this virtual market features the creations of 14 local shops and curated gift guides. Now through December 12th /// @_tarrco

• HORSESHOE MARKET – shop even more handmade goods and gifts from independent artists, crafters, designers and vintage sellers. A market that’s been dedicated to inspire creativity and encourage connection for over 10 years, Horseshoe continues to produce supportive ways to connect the shopper to the maker and to keep the local economy thriving and strong /// @horseshoemarket

  
  

3.)    REFLECT. SLOW DOWN. SAVOR THE subtleties.

At this point, the 2020 waves all feel weird and endless but here we are—doing everyday as betterishly as we can. If you’re needing a starting place to hit the slow down button, I highly recommend you check out my friend Camryn with The Harmony Collective. If you’re craving a ritual seeped in writing, self-reflection, and healing, sign up for Mindful Mornings…hope to see you there (virtually) one of these upcoming Thursday morns! /// @theharmonyco

 

4.)    CONNECT. REFLECT. HAVE FUN.

Shamelessly plugging my own work here---but when you’re your own biz, you gotta get it in wherever and whenever you can. The Meet Cart has expanded it’s creative offerings, carving its own corner of the world here on the interwebs: all things Meet Cart /// @themeetcart <— explore all the virtual celebrations, happy hours, workshops & offerings!

Sick of interactive zoom experiences? I’m full of ideas on increasing both employee and community engagement during these distanced days. Scope my consulting packages here.

 

5.)    MUSIC, SWEET MUSIC.

Music has been medicine for me pre-pandemic, amidst the pandemic, and I’m 1000% positive post pandemic, too. I find music can be a gateway to memories, connections, feelings, and moods. I’ve been makings tons of playlists this year. Take a listen, or I dare you to make your own pump up playlist (and then let’s trade).

• BLOOMY TUNES, VOL. II, spring 2020

• SHELTERINGS, march 2020

• REV+EVOLUTING, june 2020

• PENPAL PUMPUP PLAYLIST, august 2020

• WIGGLE WHILE YOU WORK, september 2020

• MOONY TUNES, october 2020

• LET’S KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING, november 2020

• HUNKERED ‘N HOLIDAZED, december 2020

6.)    KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON.

Phewww, the 2020 election season has left me tired but inspired. I believe the future is bright, but indeed: we’ve got so much work to get us there. The Biden/Harris win is only a starting point. I’m currently focused on Flipping the Senate via letter writing to potential voters in Georgia thanks to Vote Forward. Want to join me? Sign up for an upcoming Meetful Monday (but actually this upcoming one is this Sunday 12/6 because deadline to get letters out is Monday 12/7!). Learn more + sign up HERE.

7.) DITCH THE HOLIDAY HUSTLE.

Not one for the holidays? This is the one year you get a total free pass, so embrace it fully, completely and whole-heartedly.

8.)    DRINK THE ANOLOG.

Get it? Instead of eggnog? Welp—not sure if that worked, but what I’m getting at is: say “so-long-farewell” to tech time. Or a break, at least. If I were to make another playlist to represent 2020 (which I probably will…) Virtual Insanity will be top of that mix. Doom scrolling, Netflix numbing, screen time surging…

Go put your pen to paper. Get a disposable camera and snap some pics on your next walk. Read a book. Make something with your hands. Tell me about it.

 9.)   MOVE IT MOVE IT.

Work that inner stuff out by moving in whatever way feels right for your body. For me that means long walks, a solid yoga practice, and The Class. My favorite virtual yoga offerings from the west coast? Hannah Muse. My favorite virtual yoga offerings from the east coast? Lindsay Kiracofe.

10.) Reach in, Reach out.

Whether it’s to yourself or with others, carve out time for connection to you, your youness, and the people you cherish. Write for yourself, then send a letter/card to others. Call in what you need, then call out via phone to those you’re thinking about. Zoom in on the present moment, then zoom in a room with the humans who hold space in your heart.

did I miss anything? share below, please + thanks! happy everything, friends xo