As a designer, business owner, and mommy of three, I live amongst the fabulous chaos that most of us call “everyday life.” From business meetings and work deadlines to school activities, playdates, volunteering, and sports activities, there is always too much to do and too little time to get it all done. This seems to be a common theme. With all of the amazing technological advances – cell phones, email, text messages, and social media, there is very little time to unplug and interact with family and friends in a more traditional way. I often find that instead of meeting a friend for coffee to catch up, we tend to text back and forth, losing a lot of the personal connection. Often our weekends are filled with sports activities and birthday parties, and our weekly visit to Grandma and Grandpa is sometimes replaced with a FaceTime “visit” instead.
This is why the holidays are my favorite time of the year! Work is closed, stores are closed, school is closed, and family and friends are able to truly enjoy time together. I love being able to spend the holidays with our extended family (parents, in-laws, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles). The food always tastes so much more delicious, because we don’t have anywhere else to run, and the company is always much sweeter, because we are enjoying quality time face to face. (We have a “no phone” rule at our holiday table, and everyone loves it!)
My parents beautifully decorate their home for the holiday, including a fabulous display around the fireplace of greeting cards from loved ones near and far. (My mom’s love of holiday cards spurred my passion to become a greeting card designer!) Now it’s wonderful to see my card designs displayed among all of the festive cards for everyone to enjoy.
We always try to incorporate a giving component to our holidays as well, and every year we choose a meaningful charity that we give a “gift” and make a collective donation (any amount is acceptable). The children love this part of the holiday, and they are involved in learning about and choosing the charity as well! I think it’s important to teach children at a young age to be grateful for everything they have, as well as the importance of helping others. Giving is just as fun as receiving in our family!
I hope you are able to pass down beautiful traditions to your loved ones, and that you will make wonderful new memories with family and friends this holiday season. Despite all of our technological advances, I am thankful that the holidays are still a time for families to get together, traditions still abound, and memories are made. It is during the holidays that we are blessed to find true peace amongst the chaos of the everyday.
From my home to yours, wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a happy, healthy, fun-filled 2016!
Love, Bonnie
p.s In the spirit of giving, we are thrilled to be able to give one reader a holiday gift basket worth over $200! The package includes assorted holiday cards, stationery, cook books, fashion books and gifts! Enjoy!
Enter to win this fabulous Bonnie Marcus Collection prize package by filling out the widget below!
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