Hi all!
Surprise! It’s me!
The week of Christmas and I’ve got some new words for you!
Yay!
Let’s get right down to it, shall we?!
The week of Christmas carries a unique kind of energy. It’s filled with lights, music, gatherings, traditions, and expectations—but also with exhaustion, reflection, and sometimes quiet heaviness. While the world feels loud with celebration, this week can be a reminder that joy doesn’t have to be rushed, forced, or perfect.
This season invites us to pause.
Protecting your peace during the week of Christmas isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Between last-minute errands, family dynamics, social obligations, and the pressure to make everything “magical,” it’s easy to forget to check in with ourselves. But peace isn’t found in doing more; it’s often found in doing less.
Mental health matters just as much during the holidays as it does the rest of the year—maybe even more. It’s okay if this season brings mixed emotions. It’s okay if you feel joyful one moment and overwhelmed the next. Giving yourself permission to feel exactly where you are is a powerful form of self-care.
This week is also a reminder of the impact kindness has—especially the quiet kind. Kindness toward others looks like patience in conversations, grace in misunderstandings, and understanding that everyone is carrying something unseen. But kindness toward yourself is just as important. Rest when you need to. Step away when things feel heavy. Say no without guilt. Say yes to moments that fill your cup, even if they look simple or still.
As Christmas approaches, remember that presence matters more than perfection. The most meaningful moments often happen in the in-between: a shared laugh, a moment of silence, a deep breath taken before reacting. These are the moments that protect peace and nurture connection.
May this week be less about expectations and more about intention. Less about doing and more about being. And as the year winds down, may we all move through this season with softer hearts, steadier minds, and a little extra kindness—for others and for ourselves.
Sprinkle sunshine always,
JP!
Mr. Sunshine Smiles 