Feeling Behind

There’s something about the whirlwind of Black Friday through Cyber Monday that leaves me feeling like I’m somehow left behind. The flurry of e-mails and ads telling me BUY NOWWWWW, 00:01:19 seconds left, Dealz Dealz Dealz. It is my least favorite way to ring in the holiday season. I get sucked into the frenzy of feeling like OMG CHRISTMAS IS COMINGGG!!!

I spent too much time online just looking at things, considering things, feeling like THIS IS MY CHANCE! The tornado of consumerism is really hard to avoid. I am a person who really likes pretty things, but doesn’t want too many things, and is already overwhelmed by the things she has.

I like chasing the high of giving the perfect gift. It is such a paramount feeling. Of having someone feel seen by your considered gift. I also hate feeling like you didn’t hit that perfect high note with a present, that maybe your money and effort was wasted. It is tenuous.

And now in my position in life I feel the gift and burden of being the Christmas magic maker, the person who makes the list and checks it twice. The one who wants to give their kid everything and wants them to feel gratitude for all the good gifts we’ve already been given. It is a season of all the things and all the feelings pumped up on hot chocolate steroids.

So I’m going to take a deep breath, remember that it’s NOT EVEN DECEMBER yet, cool my jets, watch some Elf and try and slow down and enjoy a little bit of this season.

Thankful for you friends. You’re a gift.

*This duck has nothing to do with this newsletter, I just like him.

Things worth sharing:

There are a few things I want to do to tangibly give back with Elliott this December. I want to fill up the little free library by Elliott’s school, I want to bring a box of food to fill up the neighborhood fridge, and I want to make some bags with snacks and socks to give to the homeless folks we see while driving around. If you have other doable service ideas let me know.

If you like artwork inspired by our consumerist cultural landscape. Check out NoelleDaily on Instagram.

I’ve been using AI to help me break down big tasks into smaller tasks with Goblin Tools. Recommendation from the A Thing or Two Newsletter.

Perusing Sarah Bessey’s book recommendations. Adding this to my reading queue.

Wanting to take this limited color palette Skillshare class after Sam Wedelich shared it.

Adding Willy Wonka to our holiday to-do list.

I haven’t found an advent guide that I love. Would love recommendations if you have one.

My Shop: phillycornerstore.bigcartel.com

I wrote a book!

E-mail: halestormenator@gmail.com

Instagram: haleyharmondraws

Portfolio: haleyharmon.com