The Beaute of Christmas – Week 1: The Festive Spirit, Without the Overwhelm

December has a way of arriving like a whirlwind.
One moment life is already chaotic with appointments to keep, school winding down, work deadlines, kids running in all directions, and then suddenly the Christmas season drops right on top of it all and says, “Okay! Let’s decorate! Let’s be festive! Let’s smile!”

And honestly? Sometimes the answer is… not today.

This week reminded me that we don’t need to turn our homes into perfect Catalog Christmas scenes to enjoy the season. We don’t need new decorations or matching tableware. We don’t need coordinated baubles. We don’t need to have every corner sprinkled with glitter and cinnamon-scented pinecones.

We just need moments of calm in between the madness.

A few fairy lights out the front.
A favourite ornament from years ago.
A dusty Christmas playlist that brings back memories - that Hi-5 CD.
A bowl of candy canes on the table.
A wreath that’s seen better days but still makes the front door look happy.

That’s the real festive spirit.
Just little anchors of joy.

Right now our home is still recovering from the storm of the last few weeks. We’re catching up on energy, not decorations. There are medications on the table, uniforms slung over chairs, three different calendars full of appointments, and a washing basket that’s been giving me side-eye all week. It’s not picture-perfect, but it’s real. And it’s ours.

And truthfully… that’s enough.

The Beaute Connection

The best “festive look” you can have right now?
One that feels good on your skin and doesn’t add stress.

A sweep of colour, a touch of shimmer, or simply clean, hydrated skin. Whatever feels like self-care rather than one more thing on your plate. That’s the benefit of investing in your skin. It gives you the confidence to go bare-faced or glamourous depending on the day.

This season is about comfort.

Craft Desk Corner

Between appointments, and school commitments, the craft desk stayed quiet. In fact, it’s turned into my work desk as we navigate the current normal. A few small festive fabrics are slowly appearing. A freshen up to the Christmas range but time is slipping away. At least my favourite Christmas candle is on my desk with that festive scent that says Christmas season is here. Little steps still count.

Wrap Up

This week, if you take nothing else from the beginning of, The Beaute of Christmas, let it be this:

You don’t need a perfect Christmas.
You need a gentle one.
You need a Christmas that fits your life as it is, not the life you feel pressured to perform.

Start small.
Find a moment.
Add one decoration, not twenty.
Breathe.
And let the season land softly.

There’s plenty of time for everything else.