Your Magenta Monday Magic.
It started when my kids were little, back when it seemed like the holidays required a kind of superhuman strength. Buying the tree, decorating the tree, decorating the house, gift shopping, visits to Santa, taking Christmas card photos, mailing them out, buying teacher gifts, attending holiday parties and performances, and hosting eighteen family members on Christmas Day – all while working full time.
It wasn’t only the endless list of tasks that needed doing; it was that they had to be done perfectly, while at the same time appearing to take no effort whatsoever.
That version of holiday living felt more like survival than joy.
Fast forward many years, and for some reason, I was still clinging to that story.
When my annoyingly enthusiastic friends started playing Christmas music the day after Thanksgiving, and were unable to contain their excitement about decorating the house, I could only manage an ‘ugh’ in reply. All I could think about was the season’s approaching demands – lugging out all the boxes, dragging them into the house, only to reverse the process a couple of weeks later.
But this year, something changed.
It was my turn to host our book club’s holiday dinner and gift exchange. It was one of our most elaborate meetings of the year, and I had big shoes to fill. In past years, other hosts had dazzled the group with a mouthwatering array of appetizers and dinner, artfully displayed on an impeccably set table, with the house flawlessly decorated – with no detail overlooked.
Suffice it to say that I experienced a moment of sheer panic at the thought of tackling this monumental task.
But then, something happened. I paused, and instead of rolling my eyes before reluctantly rolling up my sleeves, I asked myself what else was possible for me in holiday living. I got curious about why I felt this way and where it came from.
And then I made a choice.
Instead of buying into those old stories, I realized I had another option.
Instead of chaos, I chose joy. Instead of stress, I chose peace. And instead of judgment and negativity, I chose gratitude for the abundance in my life. After all, it was what allowed me to host my friends in my beautiful home.
And with that, a new story began…
As with any strides in personal growth, it wasn’t anything on the outside that changed. What changed was who I was being and how I showed up.
While the chaos and busyness still existed, I refused to subscribe to it. Instead, I chose a different path and updated my vision of what holiday living could be. I chose a vision that aligned with my current values – not ones leftover from that harried young mom who’d had far too much on her plate.
I planned and I shopped and I set the table four days in advance. I carefully considered the decorations and what I wanted the centerpiece to be. I chose white flowers – hydrangeas, roses, and mums – and placed them everywhere. They adorned our bathroom, the mantle, the kitchen table, and of course, the dining room centerpiece.
And…I baked, which in and of itself, is monumental. Not only that, but I also harvested lemons from my backyard tree to make a Meyer lemon curd pie. I felt very Martha Stewart! (the crust may have been store-bought, but…baby steps)
By the time the big night rolled around, I felt exhausted but satisfied. One by one, I lit all the carefully placed candles, stoked the two fireplaces, and made sure the bar was fully stocked. The house looked cozy, warm, and welcoming.
As we gathered around the beautifully set table it struck me, ‘I created this. I surveyed the scene – my friends laughing and toasting, enjoying the food, and admiring the decorations – and I didn’t feel that old, familiar approval-seeking angst. I was full of pride – not only because I’d rejected the stories I’d been carrying around for so long, but also because I’d embraced their complete opposite; that was the feeling that joined us around the table.
Monday Mindshift
It’s the 1° shift that makes the biggest difference over time.
The perfection I sought so long ago was wrapped up in doing the things, while the beauty of this night was focused on being. It was in the joy of curating, gathering, and connecting with people I cared about. It was in the fact that I had created this experience for my friends.
I poured myself into a meal made with love, flowers I’d arranged, and a table I’d set. I soaked up their accolades, enjoyed the food, and savored the pie I’d baked with lemons from my very own tree.
It felt completely aligned with who I am today and what I want my life – and holiday living – to feel like. And in that place, there was no need to reach for the familiar comfort of my stories from the past. Why bother with them when I could wrap myself in the comfort of love and acceptance instead?
As we find ourselves in this time between Thanksgiving and Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa, I encourage you to pause for a moment and ask yourself “What do I want the next month to feel like?”
Personally, I am setting the intention of peace, joy, connection, and ease. 2024 was a long year, and what I feel called to do is to nourish my soul and connect with the people I love. 💞
How about you?
Living BRIGHTer is...
B - Be Brave
R - Cultivate Relationships
I - Live with Intention
G - Practice Gratitude
H - Prioritize Health
T - Live your Truth
What is Magenta?
The color magenta is one of universal harmony and emotional balance. It is spiritual yet practical, encouraging common sense and a balanced outlook on life. Magenta helps to create harmony and balance in every aspect of life; physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
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