Three Christmas Eves ago, I stepped into a local bookshop scrambling to find last-minute gifts for Travis and the kids.
I loved the coziness of the charming shop that it soon became a treasured Christmas tradition I look forward to every year.
📚 A Mother-Daughter Christmas Tradition
Last Christmas Eve, Mj (23) joined me on my visit to the bookshop. I asked her if she’d like to go again with me this Christmas Eve, and she happily said yes.
So, I hope this means it is now our mother-daughter Christmas tradition that we do together.
🙏🏽 A Quiet Refuge That Lifted My Spirit
I think the reason why this has become a Christmas tradition for me is because the cozy bookshop gave me so much comfort and peace during a challenging season of my life.
During that challenging season, I felt overwhelmed and sad. Yet, inside the bookstore I felt a quiet refuge that lifted my spirit.
Then, the next day was Christmas Day. I had a two-week break from homeschooling and my part-time work-from-home job.
During my short holiday break, I was able to focus on resting and slowing down. My time off helped me find some healing and peace that I desperately needed.
😌 Slow Season is Here
I like to think of my annual Christmas Eve bookshop visit as the kickoff to my slow season— a season where I take an extended break from busy schedules, rushing around, life stressors, and my anxiety.
It’s a time where I get to reset for the new year.
😌 Taking Time to Heal
This year’s visit was a good one for me. I realized I was in a better place in my life mentally and spiritually. The time I took to heal this year, truly helped me.
It’s funny how a small thing — like stopping into a bookstore — can leave such a meaningful impact on your life. 😊
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Matthew 11:28-30
All images in this blog post are my own photography. If you’d like to use a photo, please contact me first for permission. Thank you!
Jenn Doing My Best 
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