Bethany Rees’ Post

🎄✨ The holidays are here, and while the glitter and garland are fabulous, it’s the memories that make Christmas truly magical. But let’s be honest—those memories don’t just happen by accident (unless you count Uncle Bob setting the turkey on fire 🍗🔥). This year, let’s take a cue from past holidays—both the picture-perfect and the not-so-much—and be intentional about creating moments that matter. Whether it’s starting a quirky new tradition, having heartfelt conversations, or just slowing down to enjoy the chaos, now’s the time to lead the charge on meaningful Christmas moments. ✨ Need some inspiration? Check out our latest blog: Christmas Memories Blog https://lnkd.in/gRPURf2W. It’s full of heart, humor, and a gentle nudge to make this year’s memories ones you’ll treasure forever. Let’s make the most of this season—intentional, joyful, and just a little bit messy (because, let’s be real, that’s part of the charm)! 🎁🎅 #ChristmasMemories #LeadWithLove #LeadershipOnTheRocks Want to read some more 🎁 Start unwrapping the fun here: Christmas Blogs (https://lnkd.in/gKVYfW7Q) or dive into one of our favorites below.

I read an article that changed my perspective on life. It explained that if we live to 90, we can measure our lives in terms of events or activities, like experiencing 90 Christmases in the best-case scenario. So what does that look like? Every year I draw this out. Each Christmas tree drawn equates to 1 year of my life. A lot of trees, right? I mark each tree with a yellow star to represent Christmases spent with my parents( who were 28 at my first Christmas, assuming they live to 90). I also add a purple ornament for my daughters to the trees, representing another variable - my kids. This is where it gets interesting. I mark Christmases that have been celebrated with a red ‘X’, and after 43 years, only 19 trees with stars and ornaments remain. Skip drawing your trees; the outcome is the same: time is precious. I choose to live in abundance over scarcity, focusing on each Christmas as a unique opportunity to celebrate, rather than counting down the limited ones left with my family. It’s not about the game clock counting down, but running the best offense with the moments we have. Holidays, despite their stress and effort, should focus on meaningful interactions and memory-making, ensuring each Christmas marked off is a reflection of time well spent. Merry Christmas!🎄

We all love Christmas… right? Well, maybe not. Taking away the obvious (not everyone wants to or celebrates Christian holidays), they’re often a really tense time. Perhaps it’s because the job of making Christmas magical sits on your shoulders, or perhaps it’s just the thought of spending so much condensed time with family, there are plenty of reasons to be less than thrilled at this time of year. Lucky for you, there are ways to inoculate your relationship from some of this Christmas stress: 1. Schedule time alone together. Don’t forget about your partner in amongst the madness. And yes I mean alone and *alone*. 2. Check in with each other at family events. Make eye contact across the room, ask if they’re okay (and pay attention to the answer), maybe even have a safe word for when things are getting too much and it’s time to leave. 3. Adopt a goldfish mentality. If your partner is stressed and you’re calm, forget about the sassy thing they said. And they’ll do the same for you. 4. Build your own traditions. Family traditions are great, use them as inspiration, but make Christmas unique to your couple with something just for you. 5. Take each other’s sides. Reassure each other. Build each other up. Support each other’s boundaries. It’s the two of you vs everyone else (including the kids). What would you add? ♥️

Spending time with family at a tree lighting ceremony… decorating your Christmas tree with heirloom ornaments… baking grandma’s beloved holiday cookies… watching holiday movies in Christmas pyjamas and sipping on hot chocolate... These are priceless activities and moments we never forget as they speak to our need to connect with the wholesome goodness this time of the year represents. Holiday preparations and activities become so profound, they morph into yearly traditions we look forward to experiencing with great anticipation. Yes… Christmas is a grand celebration, but it is our deep yearning for the familiarity of traditions and their meaningful significance that speak to our heart. The human spirit instinctively seeks inner peace and nurturing connections with loved ones and knows that Christmas is a time to pause… and light a divine spark in the hopeful heart of humanity. The Little Book Of Christmas Traditions: A holiday keepsake inspiring you to create Christmas traditions for you and your loved ones is a keeper for anyone seeking to elevate the spirit of Christmas through traditions. You will find many suggestions in this book for you, your loved ones, children only, including a chapter on self-care to help you navigate holiday stress. Choose only the ideas that are simple and meaningful for you. You are not obligated to do everything. Create your Christmas traditions with a humble heart and deep appreciation for this enchanting season! Gather around with your loved ones during the holidays and keep hoping, nurturing and believing… May the miracle of Christmas light a glow within your heart that continues flourishing throughout the new year. www.marylisarusso.ca #christmas #christmas2024 #christmasgiftideas #holidaybook #holidayseason #christmastraditions #newbook #newbookrelease #wellbeing #wellness #wellnessjourney #family #selfcare #selfcarematters #selfcarejourney #selfdevelopment #selflove #winterseason #bookbuzz #bookstoread #bookspotlight #selflovematters #lifestyle #lifegoals #slowliving #cozy #cozyliving #cozyaesthetic #christmasaesthetic #selfimprovement #selfhelpbook

I just want you to know that you have permission to feel sad this holiday season. Maybe it’s because everywhere you turn there are proclamations of “the most wonderful time of the year” or “everything is merry and bright,” that leads itself to feeling like an affront when life looks like such a polar opposite. Here’s the truth—hard stuff doesn’t take a break for the holidays. Sickness, strained relationships, stresses and disappointments don’t simply stop because it’s the Christmas season. But thankfully neither does our God. He’s here in our hurts and heartaches. He’s present in our pain and disappointments. He’s close in the circumstances we would have never chosen or even imagined would be ours. And really, isn’t THIS what Christmas is all about? Not tinsel or twinkling lights or even trying to get in all the memories with our family, but simply this—God with us. If you’re going through some hard stuff this holiday season, remember this friend—God is here with you. He isn’t absent in your pain or your problems. He knows and understands everything you’re going through. And that’s exactly why He came—so He could go through it with you. Yes, maybe it won’t feel merry or wonderful, but this is the real hope of Christmas. Have a blessed Christmas week. #mostwonderfultimeoftheyear #christmas #hope #christmasisnear #godishere #godiswithus #christmasweekend

🎄✨ "The Best Gift This Christmas Isn’t Under the Tree" ✨🎄 Picture this: It’s Christmas Day. The smell of a roast wafts through the air 🍗, the kids are tearing into presents 🎁, and the laughter of loved ones echoes across the paddock. But for some families, a cloud of uncertainty looms. Will everyone still be sitting around the table next year? 😟 Too often, Christmas is the time when unresolved issues come to the surface. Disagreements about the future of the farm 🌾 or who gets what can turn a joyful day into a stressful one. But it doesn’t have to be this way. 🎅 A Christmas Wish: Let’s make this the year your family takes the step to ensure harmony for all Christmases to come. By starting the conversation now, you can give your family the most priceless gift—a future where everyone feels valued, heard, and secure. Take it from families I’ve worked with: when the tough conversations happen before they’re forced to, the magic of Christmas lasts all year. 🌟 🌟 This Christmas, why not give the gift of peace and certainty? 🌟 Book a free 30-minute chat today and take the first step toward a plan that ensures your family stays mates for life. 🎄 Let’s make sure every future Christmas is filled with love, laughter, and unity. 🎄 👉 Click here to start your journey: https://lnkd.in/g77rXpqW #RuralSuccessionSolution #FamilyHarmony #ChristmasMagic #AustralianAgriculture #SuccessionPlanning #MakeChristmasGreatAgain 🎁✨

A Gratitude Invitation for this Holiday Season: In spite of the madness that is decorating for the Holidays the minute sun sets on October 31st, I'm a believer that today marks the beginning of the Holiday season -- and often the accompanying busyness and stress. So instead of worrying about who-will-say-what at the Thanksgiving table, here's a list of challenges for these next few weeks -- choose one or two as you feel called. 1). I will make a gift instead of buying one. 2). I will write a meaningful note to someone who made my holidays special as a child. 3). I will take time to notice something small and hidden. I will treasure it in my heart. 4). I will listen instead of speak in conversation -- pick a day and try -- maybe for five minutes, maybe for ten. This will not just be an exercise in self-control, but in allowing someone else to feel heard. 5). I will volunteer. 6). I will attend one activity that is communal and free. Was talking to a friend about Alleluia chorus sing-alongs, which are in many local churches this time of year. 7). I will let something go. 8). I will send an anonymous gift to someone who would appreciate it. 9). I will reach out to someone who has lost someone this year. 10). I will create a space of hospitality and joy for others. Adults like to craft (raises hand) as well! 11). I will honor the need for silence in my life. 12). I will buy one inexpensive item that calls to mind something I loved as a child. 13). I will list my gratitudes in the morning or evening. 14). I will not seek perfection. I will accept people and life and the holidays as they are, imperfect, real, and the only ones we are getting this year. 15). I will take a picture of something that speaks to me of beauty in the world and share it with others. Here is mine. A perfect mushroom! Happy Thanksgiving and may your life and light be a gift to others.

Christmas Cheer Since childhood, Santa Claus has always been a symbol of happiness for me, representing joy, kindness, and endless cheer. The very image of Santa—a bubbly, kind old man with a sack full of gifts—reminds us of the magic of giving and the warmth of the holiday season. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned from Santa Claus that resonate deeply: Maturity with Cheerfulness His white hair symbolizes wisdom and maturity, yet he carries a playful, cheerful attitude. It's a beautiful reminder that joy and wisdom can go hand in hand. The Power of a Smile Santa’s warm smile has an almost magical ability to transform us. It’s a lesson in how simple gestures can leave lasting impressions. Generosity in Abundance His sack of goodies symbolizes boundless generosity—he gives selflessly, expecting nothing in return. This inspires us to be more giving in our own lives. Creating Memorable Impact Though he visits only once a year, Santa is remembered fondly throughout the year. It’s a reminder of the importance of leaving behind a legacy of positivity and kindness. These lessons are not just for the festive season. Imagine how much better our daily lives and workplaces would be if we adopted Santa's principles—spreading joy, being generous, and creating meaningful connections. Let’s take a moment to give back to society, spread cheer, and embrace the spirit of Santa in our own unique ways. What are your thoughts on this? Does Santa Claus inspire you too? DM me your thoughts—I’d love to hear from you because I LOVE SANTA CLAUS!

Spreading Christmas Joy, One Duckie At A Time. The holidays are a time for kindness, connection, and a little extra magic. This year, I’ve decided to embrace a playful tradition inspired by Jeep owners everywhere: ducking! If you’re not familiar, “ducking” is the act of leaving a rubber duckie on another Jeep as a fun, lighthearted gesture of kindness and connection. It’s a simple way to make someone’s day—and I’m taking this idea even further to spread Christmas cheer throughout our community. I was gifted an advent calendar filled with adorable rubber ducks, each with its own unique design. Every day from now until Christmas, I’ll be placing one of these duckies somewhere in our community—on a Jeep, in hopes it might bring a smile to someone’s face. Each duck represents a moment of joy, a reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. I’ll also be sharing a photo of the day’s duck on my website and social media. Think of it as a little advent adventure—one that we can all enjoy together! Here’s how you can join the fun: 1. Look for the ducks! If you find one, take it home, pass it along, or let it bring some whimsy to your day. 2. Spread kindness in your own way. It doesn’t have to be a duck—maybe it’s a kind note, a helping hand, or just a smile. 3. Share the joy. Tag my practice if you spot a duck and want to share your story! This small tradition reminds us that kindness is contagious, and even tiny gestures can ripple outward, creating a community of care and connection. Stay tuned each day as I reveal the newest duck and its special hiding spot. Together, let’s make this holiday season a little brighter. Wishing you all warmth, joy, and a little extra quack-tastic cheer! What’s the kindest thing you’ve done or seen recently? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments! https://lnkd.in/eHTkCrnX

As the year draws to a close, Christmas reminds us of something far greater than accomplishments or milestones. It is a moment that transcends our professional titles, goals, YTD hours and to-do lists—a time to pause and reflect on what truly matters. Christmas is about connection. It asks us to look beyond ourselves, to the people we cherish and the communities we build. It reminds us that the greatest wealth lies not in material success but in the relationships that sustain us, the acts of kindness that ripple outward, and the quiet moments of gratitude we share. It is also about hope. In a world often filled with noise and uncertainty, Christmas shines as a beacon of renewal, inviting us to believe in the possibility of a better tomorrow. It reminds us that light can always pierce the darkest night, whether through a helping hand, a forgiving heart, or an open mind. And finally, it is about humility. Regardless of one’s faith or background, the essence of Christmas teaches us to value simplicity, to recognize the beauty in giving without expectation, and to see the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of our lives. So, as the season unfolds, let us embrace its deeper meaning. Beyond the meetings and metrics, let’s take time to listen, to share, and to give—knowing that in doing so, we make space for the true spirit of Christmas to fill our hearts.