'tis the Season...already?

It's hard to believe that we're already starting into the holiday season. Lights are being strung up around the neighborhood and there's that familiar cold snap in the air. It's dark out...really dark! Well-loved knitted sweaters have been taken out of their storage boxes and placed front and center in our closets. Winter boots, scarves, gloves and hats are covering our entryway.

For anyone who makes handcrafted gifts, the season has already been on their minds (and sewing tables) for months. It's so easy to get stressed, overwhelmed and the dreaded burnout this time of year. For me, there are so many ideas and never enough time, that's why I try to keep organized in any way so that I can to stay focused.

Sketchbooks are overfilled with drawings, patterns and supply lists that I hope to make come to life. I even keep a notebook next to my bed because *apparently* these days, I get my best ideas at three a.m.

Writing to-do lists and making realistic project timelines helps me to stay focused. Of course, not everything will get done on time, that's just the way it goes when you only have two hands to work with. Enjoying the process even during the busy times is always one of my main goals.

I find that if I make the creating time special by maybe lighting a candle, making a nice cup of tea, coffee or a snack and placing a comfy blanket over my lap or helps me settle in for the long haul. Music also keeps me focused on the task at hand, classical piano is what my brain responds to the best without being too distracting. I set my creative hours and try hard to stick within that set time. I also try to spend fifteen minutes at the end of each session to tidy my space, it may not be perfect in the end, but it makes for a much better creating experience the next time.

Whatever may come your way this season, please remember to be good to yourself. Nothing has to be perfect and there's so much value in spending your time together with friends and loved ones. 

I’d love to know what are some of your tips and tricks for keeping your holiday tasks as stress-less as possible, enjoying the season and being present in the moment?

Best wishes,

Shannon