Reconnect, Revel and Rejoice on Christmas Day

Christmas Day is finally here.

Starting the day with my own tradition of a morning run feels like pure magic. While I run multiple times a week, there is something about extra magical about running into Christmas Day that creates an entirely new level of wonder—especially laced up in my new Vivo Barefoot Obsidian shoes, which felt nothing short of sensational.

It is going to be a BIG yet beautiful day—a day full of love, laughter, connection, and cherished moments with loved ones, family, friends, and soulies. The car is already loaded with gifts, nourishing food and a whole lotta love, ready to make the rounds.

The sun shines a little brighter, the Christmas lights and decorations twinkle a little more and the atmosphere feels softer, infused with the energy of connection, gratitude and joy.

Christmas, and the days surrounding it, are truly whatever you make of them—a blend in the beauty of traditions, giving (gifting) & receiving, pausing and reflecting, and of course celebrating all the love that is with us and that surrounds us.

For me, Christmas is all about the energy it brings—an invitation to pause, reflect and grow. It is a time to honour the journey of the past year and welcome the new one with an open heart and renewed intentions.

Christmas is an opportunity to reconnect with those we hold dear, revel in the beauty of the moment, and rejoice in all that we have been given. Through traditions passed down through generations or new rituals that bring joy to the season and resonate with your soul, Christmas is a time to create memories that nourish and inspire you.

Here are some ideas to carry with you this Christmas:

Create New Traditions: Perhaps it’s reading a favourite holiday story, starting a gratitude journal or cooking something entirely new and nourishing for the table. Traditions are about meaning, not routine.

Take Time for Yourself: Amidst the busyness, carve out time to check in with your heart. This quiet connection can anchor you.

Remember and Reflect: Let Christmas be a time to honour all that has been—celebrate the wins, savour the joys and find the lessons in the challenges.

 “Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we’re here for something else besides ourselves.” Eric Sevareid

Self-care is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself throughout the year, but especially during the holidays.

Here are some simple ideas to weave mindfulness and love into your day:

Morning Reflection: Start the day with gratitude. Write down three things that light you up this season.

Mindful Movement: Whether it’s yoga, a morning run, or a quiet walk, move your body in ways that feel joyful.

Nourish Yourself: Enjoy your favourite holiday treats, but also savour foods that truly nourish your body and soul.

Quiet Moments: Step outside, breathe deeply and take in the beauty of the day.

Celebrate You: Take time to acknowledge your growth and celebrate who you have become and all you have achieved this year.

While nourishing food and scrumptious treats are always a staple at gatherings with family, friends and soulies, there are other gifts you can bring to make the day even more special:

A Grateful Heart: Share words of gratitude with the host and those around you.

Stories and Laughter: Nothing strengthens bonds like sharing joyful memories and heartfelt stories.

A Listening Ear: Truly listen to others, offering your attention and presence as a gift.

Supportive Hands: Help with tasks, whether it’s serving food, setting the table or tidying up afterward.

Positive Energy: Bring an uplifting, joyful spirit to brighten each gathering.

 “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Buddy the Elf

Journaling is a powerful way to close out the year with intention and gratitude.

These prompts can help you reflect on your growth, lessons and wins:

What were my biggest wins this year?

What challenges taught me the most?

What fears did I overcome?

What new skills or strengths did I uncover?

How did I care for myself emotionally, physically and mentally?

How did I connect with others this year?

What brought me the most joy this year?

What was the biggest risk I took, and how did it shape me?

What values guided my decisions this year?

What lessons will I carry forward into the new year?

How did I express my creativity this year?

Who inspired me the most, and why?

What books or music had the biggest impact on me?

What moments made me feel most alive?

What habits or patterns no longer serve me?

What am I most proud of this year?

How did I grow spiritually or emotionally?

What relationships deepened, and how

What standards or boundaries did I set, and how did they support me?

What does success mean to me now, compared to the start of the year?

What areas of my life need more attention in 2025?

How did I navigate difficult emotions or situations?

What was my most courageous act this year?

How can I step into 2025 with intention and authenticity?

These questions can turn challenges into celebrations and memories into wisdom, helping you embrace all that 2024 brought and prepare for a beautiful new year.

As the year comes to a close, I am reminded of the courage it takes to move through the unknown. This year, life has guided me down paths that required heart-led bravery. Each step—whether a stumble or a leap—taught me to trust the process and surrender to the flow of life.

 “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” Dr. Seuss

Life often has greater plans for us than we can imagine, and as I reflect on 2024, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons, challenges, and love that shaped me. As we step into 2025, you have a beautiful opportunity to redirect your energy toward what aligns with your truth and open your heart to all that awaits.

Remember that the true gift of this season lies in the connections we nurture, the love we give and the gratitude we carry in our hearts. Choose to make this Christmas one of intentionality, presence and celebration of all that makes life meaningful.

Merry Christmas, and may this day be a beautiful reminder of the magic that lives within and around us.

Be sure to embrace the magic of this season and the promise of all that is yet to come.

This was written with so much love from my heart to yours. Have a magical day no matter where you are or who you are with.