My Party People-

Merry Christmas! I hope you all are enjoying this season and taking the time to slow down, rest, and soak up time with family! For me, rest has been a learning process, but 2020 has taught me how beautiful it can be. It is no secret that this year has been different, and I know first hand how hard this year has been for so many of us. Most years, it is typically easy to be joyful in this season, the nostalgic energy and excitement overcome us as we walk through all of the Christmas festivities. Most years, the holidays are my absolute favorite, and I think we can all agree on the magic of the twinkling lights, cookie baking, cozying up with family for a classic, binge-worthy Christmas movie, holiday-themed pop-up restaurants, celebrating with friends and family, all the best things. You all know how much I love a good celebration, and what's better than celebrating our Savior's birth? Christmas is the best time of the year, and joy is a commonly used word to describe it! Although I love celebrating the Advent season, I want to be as authentic and honest as possible and admit that this season has been extremely difficult. This year has been different. We are all walking through a collective trauma as we face a global pandemic, and for some of us, there is one less person at our table. Our hearts are panging with loss, and joy may seem hard to come by, but the most important lesson that 2020 has taught me is that there is so much freedom in knowing that grief and joy can coexist.

Finding joy in the midst of your grief is a journey, but so possible. I have found that acknowledging that this year is hard and different, but still choosing joy has been the most liberating thing. Sure the euphoric, magical feeling may not be there this year, but we can still choose joy each and every day. This year, joy may seem to be something that is fleeting, and we may feel as if we can't look forward to anything, but the season of Advent reminds us of a true, lasting joy, and a truth that we can continue to look forward to in the midst of hardship. Jesus, Himself, tells us how to find complete everlasting joy. He shows us that it is not found in traveling, a great meal, or even being with our family for Christmas. Although those blessings point us to Him, true joy is found within Him and abiding in His love. True joy is not escaping 2020 or escaping our hardship, but true joy is found in running to the Father's welcoming arms. This Christmas let's remember that grief and joy can coexist because we serve a good God who laid down his life for the sake of ours. We all know joy, His name is Jesus, and He is better than the best Christmas memory.

5 Ways To Find Joy This Season-

1. Abide in God's Love
For me, finding joy in the midst of grief looks a lot like leaning on God, and abiding in His love. Let the word of God be your strength as you navigate this season.

2. Listen to Worship Music
Listening to worship music is a great way to hear God's voice when you are walking through a tough season. See A Victory by Elevation Worship has been my anthem as I've walked through the loss of my sweet Nana this year, and it continues to remind me of God's goodness. Worshipping isn't just for the church, you can worship anywhere. On the days where you feel like breaking down, blare some worship music and worship Him, right where you are.

3. Take a Break From Social Media
Even though I have to be on social media a lot of the time for my business, taking a break from social media can be so refreshing. It is so easy to get caught up in the comparison game, but we have to remember that Instagram is often a highlight reel, and those perfectly curated, joyful Christmas day photos don't always tell the whole story. Take some time off, go for a walk, do a workout, read a good book!

4. Be Present
Take time out to rest and enjoy the little things. Pay attention to the little joys around you each day. You would be surprised by the different ways you hear God's voice and the simple wonders that we encounter each and every day!

5. Give Yourself Grace
Remember that it is completely okay to have hard days. Don't feel guilty for having a hard day, or needing to take a day to focus on your healing. When we are walking through grief or hardship, we will have hard days and that is okay. We will have days where getting out of bed feels like the most difficult task in the world and that is okay. Feel your feelings, and have the hard days, but do not stay there. Don't sit in it, wash your face, breathe, and remember what God says about you and your situation.

Thankful for you all! As always, I am so beyond thankful for each and every one of you in my corner and I am so grateful that you continue to support me. It takes a village, and I am so glad you all are in mine! Merry Christmas! I am so excited for what the New Year holds, we have so much to look forward to because we serve a good, good God!