Presence over Presents 🎁

This episode is a real, honest look at how I’m choosing to be more present with my kids during this Christmas season — even while juggling a full schedule, starting lash school, and finishing out my last weeks working at the hotel.

Instead of aiming for a “perfect” holiday, I share the intentional, practical ways I’m slowing down and creating more meaningful moments with my kids during a busy season.

In this episode, I walk through:

• How I’m setting boundaries with my phone and practicing digital decluttering

• Why I’m being intentional with my planner and scheduling quality time on purpose

• How crockpot meals and simple soups are helping reduce dinner stress

• The grounding tools I’m using when I feel overwhelmed, including the 3-4-5 breathing method and the 5-4-3-2-1 technique from Have Yourself a Minimalist Christmas by Meg Nordmann

• Why writing down my to-do list and returning to it later helps me stay present

• How dance parties with my kids and Christmas music help regulate my nervous system and bring me back into the moment

I also share how literally anything can become a tradition when it’s repeated with intention — and how shifting the focus from “more presents” to “more presence” creates deeper connection, even during the busiest seasons.

If you’re feeling stretched thin this Christmas and craving ways to be more present without adding more to your plate, this episode is for you.

To continue these conversations and practice intentional living together, you’re invited to join The Self Love Book Club, where we explore slowing down, simplifying, and creating meaningful rhythms for real life.