Issue #33: delegate. simplify. JOY.
JOY and the story of IVF, COLD + FLU tips, the (mother)LOAD of the holiday season, + reclaiming PEACE.
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OVERLOAD…welcome to the holidays
The time of year has arrived….How are you feeling? The holiday season is painted as a time of joy and togetherness, and while we love it, there is also the weight of the invisible load that making the magic requires. Behind the twinkling lights and festive meals lies the endless to-do list: gift buying, coordinating family gatherings, planning holiday meals, and creating traditions. Add all this delight to the usual daily responsibilities (and the pneumonia, strep, and flu that is abound) and the celebratory nature of the holidays can feel overshadowed by everything that “needs” to get done.
But what if we could shift that narrative? What if we approached the holidays with strategies to lighten the load, share the work, and focus on what matters most to us? A friend recently sent a podcast episode over from The Resetter Podcast that featured Terri Cole discussing the idea of high-functioning codependency and how it can rob our ability to feel joy when we tie our happiness to the happiness of those around us. It is an interesting listen as we head into the chaos of the holidays and possible challenging family dynamics.
And now some tips to navigate the coming weeks!
Delegate and Share the Load
Don’t shoulder the holiday responsibilities alone. Involve family members by dividing tasks like meal prep, decorating, or shopping. Assign age-appropriate roles to kids—letting them wrap gifts or help set the table—and partner with your spouse to tackle larger tasks together. Sharing the load not only reduces stress but also builds a sense of teamwork and shared celebration.Simplify Gift-Giving
Consider strategies that streamline holiday shopping, such as Secret Santa gift exchanges, setting spending limits, or opting for experience-based gifts. Alternatively, shop early or online to avoid last-minute stress. Remember, thoughtful gestures often mean more than extravagant purchases- take a look at these 99 Ways To Show Love Besides Gifts from The Good Trade.Prioritize What Matters Most
Reflect on which traditions truly bring joy to you and your family. It’s okay to let go of activities that feel more like obligations than celebrations. Focus on meaningful moments—whether it’s baking cookies with your kids, watching a favorite holiday movie, or carving out a quiet evening for yourself. One tradition that we fell in love with is going to the art museum ahead of the holiday celebrations to start off on a beautiful, grounded note.Meal Planning Made Easy
Simplify holiday meals by choosing recipes that can be prepared ahead of time, opting for potluck-style gatherings, or incorporating store-bought options. Invite others to bring a dish—it’s a great way to share the responsibility and enjoy a variety of flavors.Set Boundaries Around Time and Energy
The holidays can quickly fill up with social obligations. Be intentional about saying “yes” to the gatherings and commitments that align with your values, and give yourself permission to say “no” without guilt. Protecting your time and energy ensures you can fully enjoy the moments you choose to engage in.
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TASTE: Joy of Cooking Podcast. Inspired by the legacy of the iconic cookbook, this new podcast invites listeners to rediscover the joy of creating meals that nourish both body and spirit. Each episode dives into diverse topics, from reimagined classic recipes and sustainable cooking practices to the cultural stories behind beloved dishes. With guest chefs, food historians, and home cooks sharing their expertise and passion, the podcast fosters a warm, inclusive space for culinary inspiration. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, New Joy of Cooking is a feast for the ears and a celebration of the simple, meaningful act of making and sharing food.
one more TASTE: Looking for some recipes or menu inspiration for Thanksgiving? Check out these menus (one omnivore and one vegetarian) and recipes from Substack- makes us wish we were hosting (almost;)
SEE: JOY: The Birth of IVF. Released just this past week, this drama brings to life the true story of three groundbreaking British scientists in the 1960s and ’70s. Their tireless efforts, against incredible odds, ultimately led to the development of in-vitro fertilization (IVF), a medical breakthrough that has changed millions of lives. This story holds a special resonance for me (Rebecca) as someone who navigated my own fertility journey and works to support couples on theirs. IVF has opened doors for so many, offering a path where once there was none. The sacrifices and persistence of the pioneers behind this innovation are a testament to the power of science and human spirit. Excited to watch this weekend!
SMELL: Sage + Brown Butter. This week’s smell is compliments of our friend Holly who gave us a beautiful bouquet of sage she harvested from her yard this week before the snow. She mentioned that she likes to make brown butter cookies with sage (or rosemary or thyme) and it sent us down the rabbit hole of recipes as it sounds like the perfect fall holiday scent. So here are a few! Spelt + Sage + Brown Butter Cookies. Fan of a shortbread? Try these! Looking for something savory? These Brown Butter & Sage Biscuits look dreamy!
HEAR: Not Quite Christmas Playlist. Who else decorated early this year??!! We usually start after Thanksgiving, but this year called for a little extra. And while the tree is up, we are not sure we are ready for Christmas music just yet! In a search for some music to fill the gap, we found a few playlists! Check them out!
TOUCH: 50 Games to Play With Your Family Before the Food Comas Kick In. Playing games during the holidays is a fantastic way to bring together a group of all ages, fostering connection and fun in a lighthearted atmosphere. Games break down barriers, encouraging laughter and interaction among family and friends and provide an inclusive activity that keeps everyone engaged, creating shared memories and moments of joy that transcend age gaps. And if neeeded, games can ease tension and keep the mood festive, offering a delightful break from holiday hustle or heavy conversations (see below), while reinforcing the spirit of togetherness and celebration.
What is appealing to your senses right now? What are you reading? watching? cooking? wearing? loving? obsessed with? We would love to share some of your picks in future newsletters!
COLD. flu. PNEUMONIA. strep.
As the cold and flu season approaches, it’s time to focus on proactive ways to keep yourself and your family healthy. From an acupuncturist’s perspective, the key to staying well lies in supporting your body’s natural defenses and adapting to seasonal changes. Simple lifestyle adjustments, such as dressing warmly to shield yourself from cold winds and eating nourishing, seasonal foods, can make a significant difference. Soups, stews, and root vegetables not only provide comfort but also supply the nutrients your body needs to thrive during colder months.
Staying ahead of illness means focusing on prevention. One effective strategy is ensuring your vitamin D levels are optimized. With shorter days and less sunlight, many people experience a drop in this crucial nutrient, which plays a significant role in supporting your immune system. A quality supplement can help bridge the gap during the fall and winter. A good baseline in 2000IU daily, but if your levels are really low, you likely need more. Talk to your doctor about having your levels checked if it has been awhile. Additionally, staying well-hydrated, prioritizing sleep, and maintaining a consistent routine can reduce stress on your body and give it the resources it needs to fend off seasonal bugs.
Supporting Sinuses:
Use a saline nasal spray or neti pot to keep nasal passages clear.
Drink plenty of warm fluids, such as herbal teas with ginger or peppermint, to reduce congestion.
Apply warm compresses to the sinuses to ease pressure and promote circulation.
Try a sinus steam- either in the bathroom with a hot shower or old school with a towel over a bowl of hot water.
Supporting Lungs:
Add humidifiers to your home to prevent dry air from irritating your respiratory system.
Eat foods like pears, radishes, and honey, which are traditionally soothing for the lungs.
Practice gentle breathing exercises or steam inhalation with eucalyptus oil to promote lung health.
Supporting Ears:
If ear discomfort arises, try a natural remedy like onion ear muffs: warm a slice of onion, wrap it in a thin cloth, and place it over your ear for 10-15 minutes to soothe inflammation. Learn more + find other tips here.
Avoid inserting objects into the ear and protect ears from cold, windy weather with hats or ear warmers.
Chew gum or swallow frequently during changes in altitude (e.g., flights) to help regulate ear pressure.
Supporting Throat:
Gargle with warm salt water to soothe a sore throat and reduce inflammation.
Sip herbal teas with licorice root, slippery elm, or marshmallow root for their throat-coating and soothing properties.
Keep a thermos of warm water with honey and lemon handy for hydration and relief throughout the day.
the challenge of holiday CONVERSATIONS +
How to Answer Uncomfortable Questions
As we head into family gatherings, we want to arm you with some tips on handling those awkward or difficult conversations. From politics to questions about when you are having kids to unsolicited parenting advice, finding ways to set boundaries, shift the conversation, or protect one’s emotional well-being can help make these gatherings more enjoyable and less fraught. We loved the short responses to some of these questions. And these tips when it comes to talking (or not talking) politics. And if things escalate. And some tips for those navigating the holidays and infertility.
And we leave you with…
Have a great weekend!
