Every year this season pulls me in two directions at once. I love it, the reflectiveness, the way people open their homes, the gatherings, the possibility for real connection and I struggle with it. The rush, the pressure, the decorations, the gifts, the consumerism…all of it can feel like a lot.
One thing I’ve appreciated about being in Mexico is that the season feels a little different here. There’s still celebration and generosity, but there’s also less of that hyper-consumer energy I feel in the States. and with so many ways to support small, local makers, it feels more grounded…less “two-day shipping,” more “made with intention.”
This weekend is our last cleanup of the year, and we decided to end it with a little celebration. Here in Mexico, pop-up markets are called Bazars and this Saturday we’ll be hosting our very first Giving Gifts Holiday Bazar right after the cleanup. I’m truly so excited. We’ll have music, a pizza maker, drinks, and eight local small businesses coming together and of course in classic Giving Gifts fashion, there’s a theme: giving impact. Each vendor is donating 10% of their sales to The Giving Gifts, which feels incredibly special.
And even with all the excitement, I can feel this need for closure settling in. The cleanups are so beautiful, meaningful, important…AND they’re a lot. Logistically, physically, emotionally, it’s all a lot (in the best and hardest ways). I’m looking forward to closing out the year and creating some space to reflect on what we’ve learned, what we’ve seen, and what might be shifting in the months ahead.
Karen Garcia…who many of you know and who speaks truth into my life often always reminds me to pause and ask:
“Am I serving here because it matters…or because it’s become habit?”
She says it better than that but that question has been echoing in my mind lately. Sometimes we settle into a rhythm that we forget to ask whether it’s still the right one.
As this year winds down, I’m going to be asking a lot of big questions about The Giving Gifts, what we’re doing, how we’re doing it, if it still fits the mission and vision, and where I fit in it all as well. I would genuinely love to process some of this with you. Your perspective and presence matter more than you know.
Also heres a couple questions for you:
If I were to share some of the items we have for sale would that be something you’re interested in? There are some amazinggggg gifts from candles, clothes, hats, ceramics, the cutest dog bandanas, custom collars, etc. and it’s a fun way to support this community AND the giving gifts. I would need to figure out the logistics but can you just email back and let me know if that is something you’d want?
A couple weeks ago when I wasn’t feeling well I had some capacity to create a little advent reflection. It has a reflection everyday with a little prayer, action, consideration and I threw in some recipes and quotes throughout. I will be working through it leading up to christmas and wanted to invite you to join me…if you want it shoot me an email/text and ill get it to you :)
How are you, what are your plans for this holiday season? If you want to come visit I will be here for Christmas and would LOVE to have you.