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Our reading of A Christmas Carol
This past week, I helped produce a staged reading of A Christmas Carol in Old Town (yet another irresistible idea I said yes to). It was a lot of hours, but deeply fulfilling ones. Hearing Dickens’ own words about social injustice and generosity, set against the backdrop of one of Portland’s most disenfranchised neighborhoods, was poignant in a way I didn’t fully anticipate.
It reminded me of how much I actually have to be grateful for.
I have two parents and a brother I love dearly and get to see often. I have a restaurant that is never easy and constantly stresses me out (but aren’t children supposed to do that?), and a team inside it that I adore more than I can put into words. I have incredible friends, a roof over my head, and two cats that I may actually be clinically obsessed with.
And this year, I realized that I don’t want to spend the holidays so busy worrying about what I’m supposed to do—gifts, decorations, cookies, trees—that I forget to actually be present for the blessings already here.
So if you thought we were going to end this note with wine recommendations… sorry not sorry.
Today is just about honesty, in the hopes that, if you’re also feeling behind, overwhelmed, or quietly exhausted this holiday season, you feel a little less alone reading this. Consider this your permission slip to let go of the “required” holiday checklist and -- from now until January 1st-- do whatever makes you feel cozy and restored.
I’m personally looking forward to leisurely walks, kitty cuddles, long baths, and maybe a holiday movie or two (I can’t be a total Grinch)
And before I sign off…thank you. Truly. I’m grateful for you, dear readers, this week and every week. Thank you for showing up, reading along, and giving me a space to do what I love while I continue figuring out what that looks like.
Wishing you the coziest, most restorative Christmas yet.
Cheers, Kelsey
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