How would you like to close out 2024 and what are your plans to celebrate the holiday season? Big parties with lots of gifts and food orgies, travel to exotic destinations or Netflix and chill? This can be a joyful or difficult time of the year, depending on your personal situation. It’s staycation season for me this year (new dog-sitting duties have a lot to do with this) since winter has been giving me major hibernation “go within” vibes.

Of course there’s no one right way to be. I knew a woman who spent thousands on holiday gifts for her loved ones. My family typically focused more on food and gathering, less on presents. Do you stay home or go away? Celebrate alone, with friends or family? You have to do what feels right for you. I like to use this period as the year is winding down to reflect on what matters and create new rituals that feel meaningful now to sync with the seasons.

While I appreciate the change of weather, winter cold doesn’t bring me the joy it used to. Put me in front of the fireplace with cozy slippers, so I don’t need to brave the freezing cold and wind on the slopes. Apres ski and fondue anyone? I’m going to be hanging with Jack staying toasty (see us in the photo below).

Since I love to share, here are some ideas for making the most of your gift-giving should that be something you wish to do.

MY PERSONAL FAVES

I thought you might appreciate some of the things I love since I always like to hear people’s recommendations. These 4 things have positively changed my life for the better, making me happier, more creative, productive, and healthier. Some were bigger investments than others, but all have brought me great pleasure and utility.

• Remarkable 2 Tablet: I’m a writer and copious note-taker. After having juggled multiple notebooks with loose paper everywhere, I have been able to consolidate everything with this tablet which replicates writing on a notepad. It captures and stores anything you write down and organizes it in folders, converting handwriting to text and let’s you move things around on and between pages. I use my tablet constantly and travel with it over a laptop (using my phone for most other things). If you want a better way to organize notes, this device can simplify your life. My only complaint – you have to manually enter tags, so text isn’t completely searchable, but that’s about it. Not sure how this compares with writing on an iPad, but for me it was a game-changer. Check out the header link for a Black Friday discounted price.
• Air-Fryer: While I enjoy cooking sometimes, I prefer ease and free time more. My Ninja Speedi air-fryer is my personal multi-purpose pocket knife which literally does everything, including cooking proteins at the same time as veggies and carbs (think chicken and broccoli or fish and rice prepared in one pot). Now I know you fancy chefs may be thinking it’s sacrilege not to bake, broil or roast in the oven, and to that I say 50% faster cooking time and less fat. Yet another game changer. Healthy sweet potato fries and roast veggies and delicious 8-minute nachos. Cook frozen food without defrosting. Needless to say, I love this machine and have converted many other fans. It sits with pride on my kitchen counter and I use it almost daily.
• Perfect Pancake cooker: On my thrift store scavenger hunt for a waffle iron, I happened upon this Japanese obanyaki pan for $2. What a surprise! Who needs waffles when you can make perfect pancakes of all types (regular, eggs, rice, veggies). It cooks everything evenly (just keep flipping the pan over the flame) and the pancakes come out fluffy and beautiful every time. So much fun for so little prep. Mix up your batter, throw it in and poof, it’s magic every time.
• Ceremonial Cacao: This is the pure unadulterated form of chocolate that comes directly from cacao beans grown in indigenous communities. My cacao ritual has become my meditation practice for over 5 years. If you love dark chocolate and self-care, then this a beautiful heart-opening way to take time daily to honor the elements and connect with myself. More magnesium and tryptophan and less caffeine than coffee. You can see some of my practice here and use discount code LenoreK10 at Cacao Laboratory (that’s where I received training and am a brand ambassador). Reach out if you want to learn more as I’m always happy to share. Their rose cardamom and matcha chocolate bars (to eat, not drink) are also incredible. This Kingston, NY-based business is run by a brother and sister who support diverse indigenous communities and I’m a huge fan!

Create Memories

I am not a fan of indiscriminate consumption, though I was quite the scratch shopper back in the day. I try to focus on things that bring me joy that will last the test of time. When I’m not using it, I donate and recycle. So how do you know what is worth your money?

How and where do you want to invest your energy? It’s hard not to get seduced by Black Friday sales and our cultural bias towards buying, having and winning with the most toys. Yet stuff takes up space and energy, even when we’re not using it. So what’s a conscious and intentional person to do? Focus on value, time and meaning. Consider how you can put your money where your mouth is and choose selectively.

What do you want to achieve in the coming year? What would you like to create for yourself going forward. Having a clear vision is a powerful way to guide your priorities and choices. Here are some ideas to align your spending with your values.

• Growth: take some courses, get an online certificate or check out YouTube videos on areas of interest to develop professionally.
• Connection: get out and circulate to meet new people and check out events that look worthwhile.
• Fun: plan an adventure, whether you decide to travel abroad or stay local, or take up a new hobby.
• Health: check out a new exercise class (most gyms offer free or reduced rate intro classes), work out with a trainer, find a nutritionist, get a food club subscription with healthier options or start cooking more with fresh ingredients.
• Learn: buy a book, take a workshop or join a group that seems interesting.

I’ve been spending more time (more consistently) at the gym and taking some pottery classes to reconnect with a previous passion. Let me know how you’re thinking about living your values in meaningful ways this year.

Do you need an object or would you actually gain more from an activity or experience? When you focus on value, it becomes easy to see how doing new things opens up more pathways as you can develop new habits, increase your knowledge and awareness and meet new people. Your investment is likely to pay off in more unexpected ways than you realize. Committing to your growth is always worthwhile.

How will you benefit? Can you maximize your return by using things more than once? What memories could bring you immeasurable joy? Can you create more of those? What will make you happy, healthy, wealthy and wise?

While family and friends may get you gifts to surprise and delight you, what will you do for yourself? I really value experiences as opportunities to challenge myself, learn and grow. Spending time with those we care about is another way to deepen connection.

Follow Your Heart!

Acting, buying and investing in alignment with your values will bring more fulfillment into your life. Can you contribute to nonprofit organizations, causes or charities that need your support now? With the changing political environment, arts and environmental organizations may struggle to reach their funding goals and your help can make a significant difference.

What do you care about? One of my teachers has been bringing together leaders in Israel and Palestine to create peace through communication. Your support can empower them to continue the powerful work they’ve started. Another friend from Asheville is working to bring more love and support to that community. We need all the stories of hope and inspiration we can find. What causes are near and dear to you?

If you’ve been considering coaching or personal growth is a value, I’m offering Soul Session packages through the end of this year. I will be working in new ways to support the launch of my book in the new year, so take advantage of this opportunity. I will support you to access your inner wisdom through an intuitively guided combination of strategic insight, embodiment practices, energy medicine, shamanic and crystal healing and tarot readings along with practical strategies to address your challenges.

No two sessions are ever alike because I always customize to unique needs which can unlock profound inspiration. Client have gotten big “ahas” about their professional path, released and healed personal challenges and unblocked leadership issues that were keeping them stuck. This time will be incredibly creative, motivating, generative and dare I say, fun. For new and existing clients – purchase by December 20, use by January 31. Reach out for a free Discovery Call to learn more.

To being thankful for our blessings,

Lenore