Let the tiny things bring the joy this season

Plus a 2025 Botanical Calendar Giveaway!

It is December 5th. I allow that date to settle into my bones. I feel both delighted and anxious. I am delighted by the lights on the tree, the holiday art challenges online, and all those cookie ingredients I bought yesterday. I am anxious that it will all go by too quickly. That I will get caught up in the doing of the things that holidays demand and not enjoy all the little things that bring me joy.

If I’m being honest, it is not always so easy to slow down. I get caught up in all my lists of things I need to do. I forget I need to be in that good place to create the things I love. I keep hearing this voice in my head that says, it is not how hard I work, it is that I work on the right things. The magical things that come to me when I’m present and not tied up by thoughts of yesterday or tomorrow. When I’m right here, this moment. That sweet spot I sometimes struggle to find.

Christmas is not how much I buy for those I love, it is the time I give them. It is not how many cookies I make, it is that I make my favorites and enjoy every moment of it. It’s not that I complete a Christmas art challenge, but I join them and have fun.

Every morning I will wake up, light my candle, and sit next to the glow of the tree. Each ornament on our tree has a story attached to it. The crystal-beaded ones are from my childhood. The sweet pea was a gift to my daughter the year she was born from her Grandma. The vintage tin ones my mom gifted to my husband and I on our first Christmas together. The nostalgia of it all slays me each year. And I can see how it can also bring a tinge of sadness for people lost or things we experienced during holidays past. But the thing about life is we always get another chance to make new memories and lean into the good parts.

My Christmas to-do list is half-filled with things I love to do during the holiday. I’ve picked out my favorite recipes, cherry-picked the holiday projects I’d love to work on, and promised myself I don’t have “to-do” anything. I find that sets me free a bit. People don’t remember gifts, they remember how they felt. And the way we feel is contagious.

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Enter to win a FREE calendar below…

I like to write messages in my artwork. They are reminders to myself when I get lost. A message from when I was in the light. They are signposts back to that sweet spot.

I am indeed a wonder seeker. And I find all my inspiration outside my front door or on trips I take. I created a calendar of all my favorites. All those messages from the universe that remind me that I have everything I need. I only need to get outside, slow down, and listen.

Thank you so much for following me this year. I realize we get so many newsletters in our inbox. I feel grateful that you have space for me. I am gifting a calendar to one of my subscribers.

It is simple to enter. If you follow me here, hit the button below to send me a quick message. A simple “enter” will do! And if you don’t follow me, it’s the perfect time to start. : )

I am also giving all my readers 30% off* in my store! You can use it on the calendar, prints, or greeting cards. A big thank you for reading and supporting my art. 💛 Use code: MAGICALREADERS or just click the link below! *Offer valid until 12/23/24

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Have you discovered Uppercase Magazine yet? Because it is by far my favorite magazine. It is full of creativity and art. There are no ads, the creator of it does it all on her dime. It is published quarterly. I am honored to have landed in this latest issue. I'm in the section about sketchbooks, intuition, and art. 🤗 As well, my art adorns the inside postcard. If you have never read it, check it out. It is full of different creative practices and artists from all over the world.

P.S. If you are interested, here is a discount code for $15 off your first subscription: published63 - You can also check out her website to see all the beautiful books she publishes on subjects like Ephemera and Feed Sacks. It is a delightful, creative space.

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It is that time of year when I indulge in Christmas art! I invite you to do the same. There are so many art challenges in December. My Instagram feed is filled with holiday delight. I invite you to join. Be creative. Make your favorite warm beverage, play music, and just draw. You won’t be sorry. And if you so feel inclined, share it. Spread the joy.

Until next time. ✨ Kim