The Holidays: A Season for Connection, Meaningful Giving, and Gratitude
As the holidays sneak up on us (seriously, how is it already the end of November?!), I can’t help but reflect on what makes this season truly special. It’s not the endless sales or picture-perfect decorations we see everywhere—it’s the people we share it with, the thoughtfulness behind our giving, and the gratitude we carry in our hearts. Let’s talk about family, meaningful giving, gratitude, and how traditions shape the way we celebrate this magical time of year.
The Beauty of Traditions: Ever-Evolving Memories
Traditions hold a special kind of magic, don’t they? For me, Thanksgiving growing up meant heading to Frog Bottom Creek, my dad's hunting camp in Lumpkin, Georgia. My birthday, which falls on Thanksgiving Eve, has been spent there every year since I was born up until I became an adult and started doing different things. Especially since I'm not a hunter... Even though I Love sitting in the woods. I hunt with a camera.
The camp is full of cherished memories! My mom would cook an incredible Thanksgiving meal in our outdoor cook shack, and we’d all gather around a massive wooden table my dad built from power line beams during his days as a lineman. Surrounded by cousins, we spent our days carving paths for our four-wheelers, playing hide-and-seek in the red Georgia clay, and just soaking up the outdoors.
Now, life looks a bit different. My partner Jacob and I blended our family's, so Thanksgiving often shifts depending on whether the kids are with us. This year, we’re hosting Thanksgiving at our home, complete with Jacob’s family and a menu I’m pretty excited about. Our traditions may have changed, but the heart of the holiday—connection and love—remains the same.
Christmas brings its own set of memories. As a child, I split my time between Orlando, Florida, and Waynesville, North Carolina, where the Smathers family home still stands. In Florida, my mom transformed our home into a winter wonderland, complete with decadent sweet treats and plenty of butter-filled cooking. When we made the trip to Waynesville, it was a full-family affair with cousins, aunt's and uncle's galore. I’ll never forget the excitement of trying to fall asleep early so Santa could make his stop, or the joy of waking up to a living room filled with gifts and laughter.
These days, Jacob and I have started our own little traditions, like crafting a hiking stick each year. We sand it down, stain it, add gems, and finish it with epoxy. We normally get the kids mid day so they can enjoy both their parents during these special days. I love making a breakfast quiche, a fire and a big hot cup of coffee on Christmas morning—something simple yet special.
What about you?
What are your family traditions, or your favorite holiday memories from childhood?
I’d love to hear about them. Comment below or Send me an email if you feel like sharing—it always warms my heart to see how others celebrate.
The Art of Meaningful Giving
Let’s shift gears to gift-giving. Over the years, I’ve realized that the best gifts aren’t the most expensive or flashy—they’re the ones with thought and meaning behind them. I’m a firm believer that handmade gifts or shared experiences make the best presents.
Think about it: Wouldn’t you treasure a memory of spending time at a paint and sip with someone you love over a random gadget that might end up forgotten? Experiences create moments that last far longer than anything you can wrap in a bow. Handmade gifts have the same magic—they’re a labor of love that shows the recipient you truly care.
When we give with intention, we remind ourselves (and the ones we love) that it’s not about things. It’s about connection, thoughtfulness, and love—the true spirit of the holidays.
Gratitude: The Key to a Joyful Season
Gratitude is another cornerstone of the holidays. For me, it’s more than just a passing thought—it’s a mindset. It’s about pausing to appreciate the good in our lives, even when things aren’t perfect. And let’s be honest, life is rarely perfect!
Gratitude doesn’t just make us feel good; it’s deeply tied to our overall well-being. It helps us focus on what we do have instead of what we’re missing. And when you embrace gratitude, you align with the law of attraction—drawing more good into your life by focusing on the positive.
This holiday season, I’m starting my mornings with a simple gratitude practice. Whether it’s listing three things I’m thankful for over my first cup of coffee or reflecting on the little joys of the day, I’ve found it keeps my heart grounded during the holiday chaos.
Bringing It All Together
The holidays are about connection, meaning, and gratitude. Whether it’s the traditions that tie us to our past, the thoughtful gifts that show our love, or the practice of gratitude that keeps us present, these simple things can make this season unforgettable.
Let’s use the coming weeks to slow down, spend time with the people we love, and focus on what really matters. And don’t stop there—carry these lessons into the new year and beyond.
From my family to yours, I wish you a holiday season filled with love, hope, and joy.
