Nearly two feet of snow fell here in Colorado over two days last week. Suddenly, our lovely fall turned to winter. Schools closed, traffic halted, and in a strange twist on tradition, I made and consumed Ibarra hot cocoa before heading out to shovel. Something’s amiss.

What I love about a show stopping snowfall is how the world folds in on itself. The very atmosphere seems to breathe a sigh of relief. There’s nowhere to rush. We retreat indoors. We bake gooey cookies. We nap. We play games with family and friends.

Then, without our permission, the cold and snow subside, schools reopen and we’re back to our demanding lives. Even as we consume the mountain of bite-size Halloween Snickers we bought just in case the Trick-or-Treaters came out in record numbers, suddenly the holidays are upon us. Of course then, because we’re wired to emulate Martha Stewart and create the best holiday ever, the rush is on with menus to plan, birds to roast, pies to bake, gifts to buy, parties to attend, and people to please.

In these moments, it’s easy for us to get disconnected from the higher purpose behind the holidays. We tend to focus on what (to buy, bake, give, wear) instead of why (to give back, nourish our souls, deepen relationships, celebrate the seasonal passage from dark into light). This year, as you ride the wave of the holiday rush, consider how to take time out for yourself and to stop and truly enjoy what the spirit of the season means to you. Turn off your TV. Walk outside. Take a deep breath and stare into the starry night. Here are a few other ideas you might try:

1. Make gifts. Vanilla infused vodka, cranberry orange bread, salt scrubs and more. No need to get crazy. Just keep it simple, inspired, and fun.

2. Plant garlic. Harvest is mostly over and the ground is cooling fast. But I love garlic and the idea of planting a taste sensation that will give back to me come summer is just too tempting to refuse. Thank you soil!

3. Take hot baths. Lock the door. Sprinkle essential oils into your bath water. Light a candle. Pour some tea. Sit back. Relax. Do this again and again.

4. Listen to jazz. Fall and winter just seem right for the mellow sounds of John Coltrane.

5. Give back. There are countless ways to put your time, energy and ideas to do good works.

6. Play outside. Tag football with the fam. Participate in a Christmas Bird Count. Ski/hike/bike/walk on Christmas.

7. Start your own tradition (remember Festivus?), or reconnect with ones from long ago. In college, I was bent on celebrating Winter Solstice and the return of light. Let nature inspire you!

What antidotes do you lean on to soothe the holiday crazies? Please share your ideas and remember to enjoy this magical time of year.

As always, thanks for the photos: Sean Dreilinger, gobucks2. The snowy patio furniture is mine!

Until the next,

Carol