As the festive season approaches, I hope you all spend quality time with your loved ones. During this time of the year, prioritizing being together and cherishing the moments we have with our family and friends is more important than ever. The hustle and bustle of daily life often keeps us occupied and distracted from what truly matters.
Being surrounded by people you care about a place of peace.
During the holiday season, there is a collective sense of slowing down, reflecting, and connecting with those who matter most to us. We have the opportunity to create lasting memories and strengthen our relationships. Just this past Thanksgiving, I had the chance to spend time with my family, which reminded me of the importance of togetherness. We caught up on each other’s lives, shared laughter and stories, and enjoyed being in each other’s presence. There was nothing but laughter, friendly bantering, and good food. This experience reminded me of the value of spending time together during Thanksgiving and making time to do so throughout the year.
In today’s fast-paced world, we often find ourselves constantly busy and rushing from one task to another. Time goes by in the blink of an eye, and before we know it, another year is about to pass. But amidst the chaos, I hope you pause and prioritize spending quality time with your loved ones. Even if it’s for an hour here and there, it makes a world of difference.
I felt almost like I was recharged.
I realized I had not laughed that much during that Thanksgiving break in a long time. Nor have I just done nothing and had fun for a long time. It was a reminder that amidst the responsibilities and obligations, we must prioritize our relationships and make time for the people who bring us joy and love. My family works long hours; we are in the restaurant industry, and this time of year is hectic. We hardly get to spend quality time together outside of the restaurant, and although we see each other daily, it’s not the same as spending time together outside of work. While we work together, we are under stress from the job and the pressures of running a business, so paying it together outside of work allows us to unwind.
During COVID-19, We do two things to ensure we make time for each other during this busy time of year. We check each other’s schedules and find a day or an evening when we can all be free to spend time together. As time passes and we become busier with our commitments, scheduling dedicated time for family bonding has become even more critical. We always go somewhere and spend the night back at home together. As the day goes on, our guards melt away, and we can indeed be ourselves without the stress and pressures of work. We talk about what’s been happening in our lives, share funny or interesting stories, and enjoy each other’s company. We also take this moment to talk about what has been bothering us or any challenges we may face. Ideas and solutions are bounced around, and we offer support and encouragement to one another. Ever since COVID hit, we realized how precious these moments of togetherness are. Friends and families have empty seats at their tables, and we are reminded of the importance of cherishing our time with our loved ones. We were mot spared from personal loss during this pandemic, we feel deeply grateful for the moments spent together. We have come to appreciate the value of these simple, ordinary moments that were once taken for granted. Covid has slowed, and we felt truly free to spend time together. That dark cloud of uncertainty and fear that hovered over us for so long finally lifted, and we could embrace the joy of being together.
I hope not just for the holiday season; you can spend quality time with your loved ones. Whether for dinner, coffee, or a weekend getaway, making time to be with family and friends is more important now than ever. I hope it gives you the recharge you need to face the coming year’s challenges.
Happy Together!
<3 Ann.