Almost every Christmas of my adult life has included some form of uncertainty. Sometimes it has been financial, sometimes emotional, sometimes logistical, and sometimes connected to health or family. There has almost always been something unexpected or unsettled in the background of the season.

And every single year, I come back to the same truth:

Joy doesn’t come from perfection.
Joy comes from intention.
Joy is a choice we make again and again.

Sometimes joy even takes courage.

Joy isn’t found in having every gift wrapped perfectly, or in squeezing in every tradition, or in managing a flawless schedule. It isn’t found in bigger piles of presents or busier calendars. Joy comes from peace, presence, gratitude, and slowing down long enough to notice what God is doing and how He is carrying us.

And often staying rooted in this mindset takes intention. And when uncertainty is high, finding joy can even take courage! This is why I have created a guide of all my favorite parts of the holiday season. Some things are new, and some are years-old traditions. All of them are things that genuinely spark joy for our family.

This is a living, breathing guide we’ll continue to update throughout the season. Think of this as your cozy corner of the internet where you can come for inspiration, practical ideas, new recipes, thoughtful gifting, intentional traditions, and real-life encouragement during a season that can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Bookmark this page. Come back as often as you want. And choose only the pieces that genuinely spark joy for you.

I hope that this guide helps you not chase the season, but savor it. We sift through a lot so that we can share only the most meaningful, timeless, heartfelt highlights — never pressure, never comparison, never perfection. Choose what lights you up, skip the things that drain you, and find joy even in the gentlest, simplest moments.

Mapping Out a Joyful Holiday Season

Over the years, I’ve learned that the holidays don’t feel joyful when we’re rushing; they feel joyful when we are realistic with our time and capacity. The season becomes overwhelming when we say yes to everything, try to squeeze it all in, or feel pressure to do what we think we’re supposed to do. But when we look ahead, plan realistically, and choose the things that actually matter to us, the holidays feel deeply grounding and full of joy.

Each year, I sit down with our calendar and map out the season. I block off school events, travel days, the traditions we want to protect, and the nights we intentionally keep open for rest. I think through gifting, wrapping, hosting, baking, and all the things that tend to sneak up on us.

Every year looks different. Some years we only get a few weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas; other years offer a bit more room. That’s why I look at what I can realistically do instead of holding myself to a rigid “I always do…” list. Some years, I send holiday cards. Other years, I look at our full calendar and intentionally choose slow mornings instead.

Nothing sparks joy in my season like looking ahead and intentionally choosing the life-giving things — baking days, quiet moments, and traditions like our annual Couch Day Challenge (more on that coming soon).

If you want to read how I time block my regular weeks and set goals, here is the link to that blog!

I’ve also learned that joy is so much easier to access when my body feels supported. Rest, nourishment, hydration, and simple rhythms of care aren’t just “nice to have” during the holidays — they are core elements of how I stay grounded and well. When I feel my best physically, I’m more present, more patient, more grateful, and far more able to savor the moments that actually matter. One of the ways I support myself is through the nourishing drinks and simple wellness rituals I shared earlier this year. They have truly become a part of my daily rhythm, especially when the season gets full.

You can read all of my favorite daily drinks and wellness rituals here:

daily drink and wellness rituals

The $4 Gift Tracker That’s Saving My Sanity This Year

One simple tool that has already changed my entire holiday experience this year is this $4 Gift Tracker I found on Etsy. Truly, the best four dollars I will spend all season. It keeps everything in one place—who I’m gifting, what I’ve bought, what I’ve wrapped, what has shipped, and what I still need. It helps me stay on budget and stops the spiral of “Wait… did I get enough? Should I grab one more thing? Did I forget someone?”

If you’re a mom, you know the rollercoaster: one minute you think you’re done shopping, the next you’re panic-buying because you suddenly feel behind. This tracker completely quiets that noise. It shows me exactly what’s done so I can rest, instead of continuing to buy out of stress or fear. I’m missing something. And as we get closer to Christmas (when wrapping goes wild and boxes start arriving faster than we can keep up), this keeps everything straight so nothing gets lost, doubled, or sent to the wrong place.

It’s the calm, confidence, and clarity I didn’t know I needed—and for $4, it might truly be the best gift you give yourself this season.

My Two Most-Requested Holiday Recipes

Plus a Few Nourishing Favorites

These two dishes are on permanent rotation in my home. They are colorful, nutrient-rich, effortless to elevate, and always crowd-pleasers. They can be taken to any event, used as a welcome meal for guests, or enjoyed at home on a slow, cozy evening. I always get asked to share these recipes — so now I am sharing them with everyone!

Butternut Squash & Apple Soup (Protein Boost)

Warm, seasonal, and nourishing — made extra creamy with coconut milk.
This is my personal recipe that has evolved over the years, adapted from a handful of favorites. It’s always the #1 recipe everyone asks me for (next to my chili recipes).

Servings: ~6
Prep + Cook Time: ~1 hour

Instructions

Roast the squash
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place squash halves, cut-side up, on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast 45–55 minutes, until tender.
Sauté the aromatics
- While the squash roasts, heat butter/oil in a large pot.
- Add onion, garlic, and carrots; sauté 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in chopped apples and cook another 2–3 minutes.
Simmer the soup
- Scoop roasted squash into the pot.
- Add broth and cinnamon.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer 10–15 minutes.
Blend until creamy
- Remove from heat and stir in coconut milk.
- Blend with an immersion blender (or transfer to a regular blender in batches).
- Adjust thickness with more broth if needed.
Serve
- Taste and season as desired.
- Top with Greek yogurt, pumpkin seeds, or thyme.

Ingredients

3 lb butternut squash, halved, seeds removed
1–2 apples, peeled, cored, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3 carrots, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2½–3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
½ cup coconut milk (or preferred milk/cream)
1 tbsp butter or oil
¼ tsp cinnamon
Salt & pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

Greek yogurt
Pumpkin seeds
Fresh thyme

Fall Kale, Fig & Avocado Salad

A hearty, elegant fall salad with tender massaged kale, sweet figs, creamy avocado, crunchy seeds, and a bright, slightly sweet tahini dressing.

Instructions

Prepare the kale
- Add sliced kale to a large bowl.
- Sprinkle with sea salt and massage 1–2 minutes until darkened and tender.
Assemble the salad
- Add cucumber, figs, pomegranate arils, chickpeas, avocado, sprouts, pumpkin seeds or walnuts, and Parmesan.
Make the dressing
- In a bowl or jar, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and maple syrup/honey.
- Slowly add water until smooth and pourable.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Combine & serve
- Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan or seeds.

Ingredients

For the Salad

1 large bunch dinosaur (lacinato) kale, stems removed, leaves thinly sliced
½ teaspoon sea salt (for massaging the kale)
1 Persian cucumber, thinly sliced
4–5 fresh figs, quartered
½ cup pomegranate arils (optional)
½–1 cup chickpeas (roasted or plain; optional protein)
1 ripe avocado, sliced
A handful of sprouts (broccoli, alfalfa, or sunflower)
¼ cup toasted pumpkin seeds or walnuts
¼ cup shaved or grated Parmesan

For the Maple Tahini Dressing

¼ cup tahini
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 tsp maple syrup or honey
2–3 tbsp water, to thin
Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste
Optional: pinch of cumin or smoked paprika

Other Recipes We’re Loving This Season

A few more seasonal favorites we’re loving right now — cozy, simple recipes and hosting ideas that make fall meals feel special without any fuss. From a savory pumpkin gorgonzola quiche to an autumn Caesar with squash “croutons,” plus gluten-free pumpkin donuts and intentional Sunday Supper rituals, these are the warm, nourishing dishes and ideas we’re coming back to week after week.

Pumpkin Gorgonzola Quiche

Autumn Caesar Salad with Squash Croutons

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts

Sunday Supper hosting ideas

Our Christmas Tree Update

Last year, our kitten pulled our tree to the ground, taking several beloved ornaments with it. So this year, we refreshed our look with new ornaments, bows, bells, ribbon, and a soft shimmer of glitter.

We’ve embraced a two-tree system:

Our main, more streamlined tree: coordinated, serene, sentimental, and the one I am pickier about.
Our smaller kids’ tree: full creative freedom, homemade ornaments, beads, crafts, and joy.

It gives me the beauty I love and gives the girls the excitement and ownership they love.

We are usually a real-tree family, but this year, in the condo with travel on both holidays, I was tempted to switch to an artificial tree. Blogger friends gave incredible recommendations. But my family outvoted me. We always get a real tree.

Whether your tree is real or artificial, big or small, joy is in the tradition, not the tree.

Artificial tree recommendations

Journal Entry 2: November 26th

Couch Day: Our Most Unhinged, Most Beloved Family Tradition

Five years ago we created a tradition that is equal parts ridiculous and wonderful: 24 hours on the couch.

We eat on the couch.
We sleep on the couch.
We play games, watch movies, read, snack, and hang out on the couch.
We each get three bathroom passes — that is it.

It is our annual dose of forced family fun and it brings some of my favorite memories. One year I discovered one of my daughters has the bladder of a camel. Last year we adopted our kitten, Mr. Cheddars, right before Couch Day, and he spent the full 24 hours with us.

This year, in our temporary condo with only part of our sectional, the rules will be reinvented. The girls are determined to engineer a pizza-delivery-by-string system so we can pull a pizza box onto the couch without getting up. It has yet to work, but if it ever does, it will be our personal Super Bowl.

Rules:

A part of your body must stay touching the couch.
Three bathroom passes per person.
Bathroom passes can be traded.
Snacks, games, movies, blankets required.
You sleep on the couch.
Pet breaks are timed.
The final hour feels like a New Year’s Eve countdown.

Every year I think about skipping it, but every year it forces me to slow down and choose joy. The kids absolutely love it and talk about doing it when they are home from college one day.

And yes, the moment we get off the couch, I get out my steam cleaner and vacuum. My happy place.

If you’re looking for a recipe for couch day - or just for the holidays - this sugar cookie recipe is one that my daughter Addalyn found and it’s SO good! The cookies come out perfectly every time!

Top 10 Gifts I Love to Give

Every year I find myself returning to the same thoughtful, tried-and-true gifts. They’re things I use, love, and genuinely enjoy sharing with the people in my life. If you’re looking for something meaningful, beautiful, or simply practical in the best way, here are my go-to gifts that never fail.

1. For Someone Who Just Moved: A Home Ornament

There’s something so touching about a keepsake that marks a new home. It’s sentimental without being overly personal, and becomes a “pull out every year” treasure during the holidays. Such a sweet way to celebrate a new beginning. We gift these to all of our Graceful Spaces clients, I’ve gifted this to new home owners, friends who have recently moved or friends and family just because!

2. For Any Woman in Your Life: Mark & Graham Waterproof Bag

Classic, functional, and surprisingly chic. I love this bag for travel, pool days, nights out, or everyday errands. I’ve gifted it to women of every age and every stage, and they all use it constantly. One of those “didn’t know I needed it” gifts that instantly becomes a favorite.

3. For the Timeless Home: Cavallini Antico Gold Frames

These frames add instant elegance to any space. Understated yet elevated, they’re perfect for someone who appreciates classic design. I often slip a favorite photo inside—somehow, any picture I add to these frames feels instantly timeless.

4. For the Luxe Friend: Hermès Twilly

A perfect little piece of luxury without an overwhelming price tag. Usually around $200, and it adds the most beautiful pop of color to a bag, wrist, or ponytail. It feels thoughtful, special, and joyful—one of my favorite luxe-but-reasonable gifts. You can almost always find these on The Real Real in excellent condition!

5. For the Cook: Immersion Blender

It may sound practical, but it is so well-loved and endlessly useful. I use mine at least twice a week! It’s that indulgent gift that you usually just don’t buy yourself but so thrilled to receive.Pair it with a few ingredients for a favorite recipe and tie it with a beautiful ribbon for a thoughtful, elevated kitchen gift.

6. For Your Ride-or-Die: “Through Thick and Thin” Keychain

A simple but meaningful token of love and loyalty. I gave this to Graeme for an anniversary almost 10 years ago, and he still has it on his keychain. It’s a perfect way to remind someone—especially if they’re going through something hard—that you’re with them no matter what. A gift that brings that soft sweet smile every time someone sees it.

7. For the Whole Family: A Beautiful Rummikub Set

Rebecka gifted us a stunning set last Christmas, and we keep it on the coffee table because it’s so pretty. The result? We now play almost every week! It’s such a fun brain game and great for almost all ages. Truly a gift that brings people together. Don’t get it monogrammed though - the material on the box doesn’t hold the vinyl well. I love to get this for almost anyone!

8. For the Pet Lover: A Great Dog Bed (With Monogram!)

Finding a dog bed that looks gorgeous and holds up over time is surprisingly hard—but this one checks every box. It’s beautiful sitting out in your home, made with great-quality materials, easy to wash, and the monogram makes it feel extra thoughtful. A win for both pets and their humans. This is such a perfect gift for someone who is getting a new addition to their family this season or someone who just loves blending function and design!

9. For the Homebody or Teen: UGG Slipper Socks

The coziest, softest mini luxury—universally loved. Rebecka and I both have them, and our girls do too. We gift them all the time! They’re perfect for travel (I keep an extra pair in my suitcase instead of slippers) and make the sweetest, most comforting present. Another one of those gifts that’s perfect for almost any age and any stage.

10. For Readers & Writers: A Personal Embosser

This is one of those gifts people never think to buy for themselves but end up completely obsessed with. Perfect for book lovers who cherish their personal library or stationery fans who adore a custom touch. Thoughtful, unique, and surprisingly sentimental.

Graceful Spaces Virtual Services

A meaningful, useful, non-clutter gift option.

Our virtual services make wonderful gifts, including:

new moms setting up nurseries
friends or family moving
someone excited to organize a pantry
someone overwhelmed by product choices
anyone craving order, clarity, and curated solutions

A Curated Product Plan or virtual organizing service is personal, supportive, and lasting.

virtual services

Final Thought: Choose Joy on Purpose

This season isn’t meant to be survived; it is meant to be savored.
Choose the things that energize you.
Release the things that drain you.
Joy grows where we intentionally make room for it.

Let me know anytime you want to add new ideas. I will keep updating this guide all season long. I love every comment and DM, so please keep them coming!

xo,
Christina

P.S. I love setting the mood — often a beautiful item, like fresh flowers or a cozy sweatshirt, can help create it. I’ll include a few affiliate links to the things I use and love, but I hope that the real inspiration comes from the activity itself, creating a space that feels life-giving, where you can show up fully and enjoy the moments that matter.