Sounds to me like you're doing it just right: noticing all the things, following some traditions, supporting people you love, hanging out with warm tea, and making some pretty spectacular art for us to feast on. I'm such an art newbie that I find I can learn things from staring at your paintings, so that's a gift to me. I also don't love being out in the cold, but I really like the freedom it gives me to hibernate indoors with furry kids and a less-furry husband. Sparkly lights are a bonus at this time of year. Thanks for sharing it all and I will see you in the perspective class!
Thank you, Trevy. I love this. Someone asked me to think about what I needed today and the first thing that came to mind was a furry friend to pet. We dont have any because of various reasons, mainly allergies, but I think I need to have some pet visiting time.
hey sam, i’ve been going through and reading all of your posts to catch up (i’m a new subscriber…also thanks so much for sending me the video links; i’ve watched them all). I know it’s july but reading this really struck a chord with me regarding the holidays. you articulated so very well similar feelings i have during the season, which then add a layer of guilt for feeling ‘negative’ during such a ‘happy time.’ i lost my little sister in 2020 and her birthday was 5 days before mine (nov 29), which just adds an additional layer to all the paradoxical feelings during the season. thanks for sharing this more vulnerable side; it helps to relate to others. i sincerely hope we all can take a breath this coming season when needed, thoroughly enjoy the happy times, but also not be too hard on ourselves for having the more complex emotions. sending love.
Hi Elly, thank you for going back and reading older posts. I love that they stay on Substack for me to revisit myself. The holidays are always a ball of stressful and joyful and I am so sorry you have an added layer of feelings to deal with during such a busy time. I am glad you enjoyed what I shared and could relate.
It's the months of relentless "happy holidays" propaganda everywhere that depressing, and that it all has to be on 25 December or you've failed Xmas. Growing up we often had extended family Xmas well before Xmas day!
I look forward to Xmas nowadays because I get to have the box of books we've bought through the year and saved. Gives me an excuse to spend datk northern hemisphere winter days reading too.
You’ve expressed the myriad of emotions unique to this time of the year that many people experience. I myself yo-yo between excitement and season-related anxieties. To help manage the ebbs and flows I find a few things help me slow down and breathe. The first is a walk either very early in the morning or very late at night to see the holiday light displays. The second is a rather generous glass of amaretto with Coke! Thank you for being such an inspiring and kind creative dynamo! I have thoroughly enjoyed your Substack postings, prompts and meet-ups this year. Wishing you and your family a joyful and restful holiday season along with a happy, healthy New Year.
Thanks so much, Daniel. It has been so nice knowing you are a part of this community and I just love seeing your work pop up on Instagram. Amaretto with Coke sounds like a good plan!
Your Mexican Christmas traditions seem so amazing and rich with culture, I loved reading about it all. So nice that it lasts a month and there are so many different celebrations. Thank you for sharing with me. Also something I would love someday, to have a home somewhere totally different than NY.
I can so so relate to the guilt/pressure/excess-of-stuff emotions-- while also enjoying giving and receiving. This post has made me reflect on where all that comes from for me. Such a conundrum of a season:)
Sounds to me like you're doing it just right: noticing all the things, following some traditions, supporting people you love, hanging out with warm tea, and making some pretty spectacular art for us to feast on. I'm such an art newbie that I find I can learn things from staring at your paintings, so that's a gift to me. I also don't love being out in the cold, but I really like the freedom it gives me to hibernate indoors with furry kids and a less-furry husband. Sparkly lights are a bonus at this time of year. Thanks for sharing it all and I will see you in the perspective class!
Thank you, Trevy. I love this. Someone asked me to think about what I needed today and the first thing that came to mind was a furry friend to pet. We dont have any because of various reasons, mainly allergies, but I think I need to have some pet visiting time.
Plenty of shelters would be glad to help!
Yes, I need to visit the “Cat Cafe” near me.
hey sam, i’ve been going through and reading all of your posts to catch up (i’m a new subscriber…also thanks so much for sending me the video links; i’ve watched them all). I know it’s july but reading this really struck a chord with me regarding the holidays. you articulated so very well similar feelings i have during the season, which then add a layer of guilt for feeling ‘negative’ during such a ‘happy time.’ i lost my little sister in 2020 and her birthday was 5 days before mine (nov 29), which just adds an additional layer to all the paradoxical feelings during the season. thanks for sharing this more vulnerable side; it helps to relate to others. i sincerely hope we all can take a breath this coming season when needed, thoroughly enjoy the happy times, but also not be too hard on ourselves for having the more complex emotions. sending love.
Hi Elly, thank you for going back and reading older posts. I love that they stay on Substack for me to revisit myself. The holidays are always a ball of stressful and joyful and I am so sorry you have an added layer of feelings to deal with during such a busy time. I am glad you enjoyed what I shared and could relate.
It's the months of relentless "happy holidays" propaganda everywhere that depressing, and that it all has to be on 25 December or you've failed Xmas. Growing up we often had extended family Xmas well before Xmas day!
I look forward to Xmas nowadays because I get to have the box of books we've bought through the year and saved. Gives me an excuse to spend datk northern hemisphere winter days reading too.
Yes, the time reading, warm indoors. That is a positive. For me it’s usually drawing and journaling and not enough reading tho.
You’ve expressed the myriad of emotions unique to this time of the year that many people experience. I myself yo-yo between excitement and season-related anxieties. To help manage the ebbs and flows I find a few things help me slow down and breathe. The first is a walk either very early in the morning or very late at night to see the holiday light displays. The second is a rather generous glass of amaretto with Coke! Thank you for being such an inspiring and kind creative dynamo! I have thoroughly enjoyed your Substack postings, prompts and meet-ups this year. Wishing you and your family a joyful and restful holiday season along with a happy, healthy New Year.
Thanks so much, Daniel. It has been so nice knowing you are a part of this community and I just love seeing your work pop up on Instagram. Amaretto with Coke sounds like a good plan!
Samantha, it IS a hard time. So much pain. Here’s my story about my husband and I spending every Christmas in a completely different culture, Mexico. https://www.travelawaits.com/2716063/why-i-love-spending-christmas-season-in-mexico/ I hope it helps! Abrazos (hugs), Louisa
Your Mexican Christmas traditions seem so amazing and rich with culture, I loved reading about it all. So nice that it lasts a month and there are so many different celebrations. Thank you for sharing with me. Also something I would love someday, to have a home somewhere totally different than NY.
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Blessings!
Loving the dog sketches, can't wait to see the whole collection 🐶
I can so so relate to the guilt/pressure/excess-of-stuff emotions-- while also enjoying giving and receiving. This post has made me reflect on where all that comes from for me. Such a conundrum of a season:)