Making Space for the New Year

The calendar may flip to January with fireworks and fanfare, but for me, the new year doesn’t truly begin until things get quiet.

I work for a company that supplies product to grocery stores, which means Thanksgiving and Christmas aren’t just holidays—they’re the busiest, most demanding time of the year. When most people are planning meals, hosting family, and enjoying time off, we’re working tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure shelves are stocked and stores are ready. It’s rewarding work, but there’s no denying that it takes a toll. By the time Christmas passes, I’m usually running on fumes.

So when the holiday rush finally comes to an end, the focus shifts from deadlines and delivery schedules to something just as important: recovery.

My husband and I have built a tradition of taking the first week of January off. It’s our way of pressing pause after months of go-go-go. In past years, that often meant getting out of town for a few days—a change of scenery, a hotel room, and the mental reset that comes with leaving everyday life behind.

This year looks a little different.

Instead of packing bags and heading elsewhere, we’ve decided to stay home and embrace a quiet week together. No alarms. No schedules. No expectations beyond rest and connection. And honestly, that feels exactly right.

There’s something deeply comforting about choosing stillness after chaos. About letting your nervous system catch up. About waking up slowly, sharing coffee, taking walks, watching movies, and simply being present with the person who’s been right there beside you through every stressful moment of the year.

This week at home isn’t about productivity or resolutions. It’s about decompressing. About giving ourselves permission to be tired. About acknowledging that we made it through the busiest season of the year and deserve time to recoup—mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Getting ready for the new year doesn’t always mean jumping straight into goal-setting or self-improvement. Sometimes it means rest. Sometimes it means quiet mornings and early nights. Sometimes it means choosing togetherness over travel and simplicity over plans.

I know that once work ramps up again, the pace will return. It always does. But starting the year with intention—by honoring the need to slow down—feels like a gift we’re giving ourselves.

As January unfolds, I’m hopeful, refreshed, and grateful. Not because everything is perfectly organized or planned, but because we took the time to breathe. And for me, that’s the best possible way to step into a new year.

Chasing Christmas: So Many Outings, So Little Time

 Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. There’s something about the lights, the music, the traditions, and the collective permission to slow down just enough to enjoy something magical. In recent years, though, the holiday season has transformed into something even bigger—an ever-growing list of experiences, exhibits, performances, and events that make December feel less like a month and more like a full-blown festival season.

And honestly? I love it.

This year especially, it felt like everywhere I turned, there was another holiday outing calling my name.

One of the most meaningful moments of the season came when a friend and I finally checked something off my bucket list that had been sitting there for years: A Christmas Carol. Seeing it performed live was everything I hoped it would be—timeless, heartfelt, and deeply nostalgic. There’s a reason this story has endured for generations. Sitting in the audience, wrapped in the familiar themes of redemption, generosity, and second chances, felt like stepping into the very heart of Christmas itself.

That same day, we leaned into the holiday spirit a bit more casually with a visit to the “A Classic Christmas” exhibit at Katy Mills Mall. It was festive, charming, and a reminder that sometimes holiday magic shows up in unexpected places. Between the decorations and the cheerful atmosphere, it felt like another small but meaningful way to celebrate the season.

Not to be outdone, my husband and I made time for the Light Park exhibit at Katy Mills Mall, and it quickly became one of my favorite outings of the year. There’s something uniquely joyful about experiencing Christmas lights together—windows down, music playing, surrounded by thousands of twinkling lights synchronized to the season. It felt cozy, romantic, and wonderfully simple, the kind of memory that lingers long after the decorations come down.

On a quieter note, I also made a trip to Bayou Bend to see the Christmas Village, which offered a completely different kind of holiday experience. Stepping into that space felt like stepping back in time. The craftsmanship, history, and attention to detail created a peaceful, reflective atmosphere—one that reminded me that Christmas isn’t only about spectacle, but also about tradition and storytelling.

Even with all of that, I still ran out of time.

I had every intention of attending Dickens on the Strand, experiencing Drunk Christmas Carol, and visiting Artechouse Houston’s Holiday Special exhibit, but December had other plans. The calendar filled up faster than I expected, and suddenly the season was winding down before I could do it all. And yet, that seems to be the new reality of Christmas—there’s simply more to choose from than ever before.

Beyond my own outings, Houston itself seemed to glow with holiday energy. The Houston Zoo’s Christmas setup continues to be a seasonal favorite, while Santa’s Wonderland offers an immersive, larger-than-life experience that feels straight out of a Christmas movie. Add in pop-up markets, themed bars, concerts, and neighborhood events, and it’s clear that the city fully embraces the season.

While part of me wishes I could squeeze in every single event, another part of me appreciates that I don’t have to. The abundance of holiday experiences means there’s always something new to look forward to next year—and that the magic doesn’t disappear just because I missed a few things.

Christmas isn’t about doing everything. It’s about choosing moments that bring joy, connection, and meaning—and this season delivered all of that in spades. Even if I didn’t see it all, I felt it all. And that’s what makes Christmas my favorite time of year, no matter how busy it gets.

Balancing Holiday Chaos

Every year, as the air gets colder and the stores start playing Christmas music way too early, I’m reminded that the holidays are equal parts magic and madness. And if you work in an industry that deals with Thanksgiving week deliveries, you know exactly what I mean.

The Thanksgiving Delivery Shuffle

The week of Thanksgiving is like the Super Bowl of logistics. Customers expect fully stocked shelves, grocery stores need every product on time, and the universe seems determined to make schedules as complicated as possible. Holiday hours shift, trucks run at unusual times, and everyone is trying to adjust for a week where everything has to be squeezed into fewer working days.

It’s a puzzle every single year — one missing piece and suddenly a store is short on essentials, or a delivery gets bumped, or someone ends up working a 12-hour day to get turkeys, rolls, and pie crusts where they need to go.

But still, we make it happen. Somehow. Even if it means spending way too much time staring at a calendar and trying to convince yourself that Wednesday absolutely does not count as a full workday.

And Then There’s My Personal Calendar…

As if the professional chaos isn’t enough, the social side of the holidays kicks in around the same time. From early November through New Year’s, my weekends are essentially gone — booked solid with outings, dinners, gatherings, celebrations, traditions, and the occasional event I forgot about until my phone buzzed with a reminder.

Don’t get me wrong: I love seeing people, celebrating, and making memories. But when every single weekend is spoken for, it becomes a little harder to find those quiet pockets of time — the ones where you can breathe, reset, or just sit on the couch and do nothing without feeling guilty.

Trying to Carve Out Time for Myself

Somewhere between rearranging delivery schedules and RSVPing to yet another holiday get-together, I’ve realized how easy it is to lose track of my own needs this time of year. It’s like the season demands constant motion — and I’m just trying to keep up.

So this year, I’m making a point to intentionally block out time for myself. Even if it’s small. Even if it’s just an evening. Even if it means saying “not this time” to an event I would normally go to.

Because the holidays should be enjoyed, not just survived.

If You’re Feeling the Same Way…

You’re not alone. Everyone who works in a time-sensitive industry, or who juggles work and family and social expectations during the holidays, knows the struggle of trying to make everything fit.

Here’s to getting the deliveries done, showing up for the people we care about, and still remembering to show up for ourselves.

The Craziness Has Started....

As soon as October rolls around, life shifts into high gear. The holidays come with plenty of joy, but they also bring a season of planning, performing, and participating — all before there’s even time to take a deep breath.

Mastering the Holiday Delivery Maze

For me, the season starts with weeks of preparation to ensure our holiday delivery schedules for grocery stores stay within acceptable limits. It’s a puzzle with a hundred shifting pieces: adjusting for shortened workweeks, confirming product availability, coordinating driver routes, and making sure every store gets exactly what it needs—exactly when it needs it.

It’s satisfying work, but it’s also the type that keeps you up at night mentally checking off lists you haven’t even written yet. Every detail matters, because holiday shoppers don’t slow down, and shelves definitely can’t afford to be empty.

Music Amid the Chaos

Then there’s the part of my life that brings me joy in a totally different way: performing in a community band concert. Rehearsals, set lists, last-minute changes, and the nerves that sneak in right before stepping on stage — it’s all part of the experience.

Music has a way of grounding me, even when everything else feels chaotic. That moment when the lights go up and the first note rings out? It makes every hectic day leading up to it worth it.

Fundraising Season in Full Swing

On top of that, this time of year seems to be a magnet for fundraising events. Whether I’m volunteering, organizing, or supporting the cause, I seem to find myself woven into multiple functions before I even realize how crowded my calendar has become.

They’re meaningful, and I take pride in doing my part — but let’s just say my weekends have officially been spoken for until further notice.

Making Space for Myself

Somewhere between drafting delivery timelines, rehearsing music, and helping support big causes, I’ve had to remind myself that finding time for me isn’t optional — it’s necessary.

So I’m learning to carve out small pockets of breathing room. A quiet hour with a book. A walk without a schedule. A night where I say “no” without guilt. These little resets help me show up fully for everything else I care about.

The Balancing Act Continues

The holiday season will probably always be a whirlwind for me — full of behind-the-scenes work, meaningful commitments, and unforgettable moments. And while it can feel overwhelming at times, it’s also a season that reminds me of community, purpose, and the importance of taking care of myself along the way.

Here’s to balancing it all — one schedule, one concert, one event, and one quiet moment at a time. 

Go Lives and Wine

If I had to sum up the past month in one word, it would be: chaos.

Between work, vacation planning, and life in general, it feels like I’ve been juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle. At work, we’ve got a huge project go-live happening very soon. On its own, that would be enough to keep me busy—but of course, the universe decided to pile on a few more things.

One of our warehouses is closing, which means deliveries have to be rerouted out of another location. Sounds simple enough… until you realize that means creating dummy routes, moving stores from one billing to another, and rewriting the rulebook (a.k.a. the SOP) so everything runs smoothly. Basically, I’ve had my hands in every detail, and let me tell you—my brain has been living in spreadsheets and routing maps for weeks.

To add to the adventure, several coworkers have been out on vacation. So while I’m over here wrangling routes and timelines, I’m also covering for the people who are sipping margaritas on a beach somewhere. (No hard feelings, but I’ll remember this when it’s my turn!)

And here’s the kicker: the go-live date is the exact same day my husband and I leave for our own vacation. Talk about timing. We’re hitting the road right - driving across five states for a Food and Wine Festival to celebrate our anniversary. Honestly, I think that’s what’s been keeping me sane. Every time work gets overwhelming, I remind myself: “Okay, just get through go-live, and then it’s food, wine, and relaxation.”

So yes, this month has been busy, stressful, and a little wild. But I’m also excited. Excited to see the project finally launch, and even more excited to grab my husband, load up the car, and head out for a week of adventure (and maybe a glass or two of something really good).

Here’s to go-live weekends and anniversary road trips!

Refilling the Creative Well

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had some much-needed opportunities to reconnect with my creative side—and it’s been so refreshing.

It started with a visit to an art installation in Houston with a friend. The exhibit was incredible—an immersive blend of science, technology, and art that really sparked something in me. I shared photos and videos with my mom, and she loved them so much that I ended up going back, this time bringing her and one of her friends along for the experience. It was just as magical the second time.

That same friend and I also caught a live performance of Weird Al and Puddles Pity Party in The Woodlands, which was as entertaining and quirky as you'd expect. A perfect mix of humor, music, and theatrical flair.

And most recently, I spent a full day at a retreat for the community band I play with—and also serve on the board for. It was a full day of music, collaboration, and connecting with other musicians. Exhausting in the best way.

All in all, it’s been a creatively rich few weeks, and I’m so grateful. Sometimes you don’t realize how much you need that kind of outlet until you dive back into it.

Summer Busy times!

Summer always has a strange rhythm, doesn’t it? It speeds up and slows down at the same time. For me, things have definitely shifted into a faster gear—especially at work. For those who don’t know, I work in the grocery industry, coordinating delivery plans to make sure stores are stocked and running smoothly. And when summer hits, so does the hustle.

Vacations, cookouts, holiday weekends...they all mean more planning behind the scenes to keep things moving. Lately, I’ve been juggling delivery schedules like puzzle pieces—making sure everything fits, even when it feels like the pieces keep changing shape.

With the extra busyness at work, it’s actually been a good time for our community band to take a little break—we’re officially on hiatus until August. I already miss the weekly rehearsals, the laughter during warmups, and the joy of making music with friends. But I know we’ll come back refreshed and ready to play when the new season kicks off. In the meantime, it’s nice to have a little space to breathe.

I’ve still been carving out time to see friends—grabbing dinner, catching up, laughing a lot. It’s funny how even a simple patio meal or a spontaneous evening out can work like a reset button. No agenda, no expectations, just good food and better company.

I’m also trying—emphasis on trying—to keep stress from settling in too comfortably. That means getting outside when I can, saying yes to things that feed my energy, and giving myself permission to say no when I need space.

So that’s where I am this summer: working hard, slowing down when I can, and trying to be present for all the little moments in between.

Hope your summer is bringing you a mix of light, laughter, and maybe a little less screen time.