A Toast to the Holiday Season: Staying Present and Enjoying Simple Pleasures

Thank you Cameron Hughes for sponsoring this post. Capture the celebratory spirit of the holidays, and toast to the season with Cameron Hughes wine!

I may live for summertime, but I truly believe that it's the holiday season that is the most wonderful time of the year. That said, I tend to overwhelm myself (in a big way) during November and December, and then end up feeling disappointed when I don't live up to my own expectations. The minute Halloween is over, I begin to compile a list in my head filled with unrealistic decor projects, endless recipe ideas, shopping outings I need to make that result in only the perfect gifts, holiday movie marathons, idealistic hot chocolate filled holiday light drives in the car and holiday musicals and caroling and on and on and on. Did I mention that there are three birthdays in our house within two weeks of Christmas and all sorts of accompanying over-the-top birthday party planning? Or that it's by far my busiest time for work? In reality, by the time mid-December rolls around, I've usually only gotten about half (if that) of our decorations up, I've barely begun shopping, and I certainly haven't allowed myself the time to relax and enjoy the season. I kind of have a feeling many of you can relate.

This year, however, the holiday season is going to be different for me - starting now. I made a decision back in the early fall to stay in the present as much as possible during the holidays. It may be the most hectic couple of months for work and family activities, but I'm going to make time to savor the season - without excessive planning or unrealistic expectations. I enjoy decorating, and so do my kids - but we're going to choose a few pieces to put out and take our time, together as a family, putting them up. I also have fun holiday shopping planned, but I'll be doing it when I can, slowly and as the season progresses, rather than putting pressure on myself to do too much at the last minute. I'm going to focus on managing my time for work projects in the most productive way, and embrace the fact that while I may take on too many jobs this time of year, it's in the best interest of helping support my family, and that's a good thing. If I can get out and do holiday actives together with my family, and/or alone with my husband, and/or with my girlfriends, that's great! But I don't need to do every single outing and party that presents itself. And most of all, I'm going to appreciate quiet moments and simple pleasures - like a few minutes in the evening, after the kids go to bed, to get comfy in my pajamas, relax, and toast to the holiday season with my husband and a glass of my favorite wines by Cameron Hughes.

Cameron Hughes Pinot Noir, Cabernet (my fave!), and Chardonnay wines are perfect for my goal of staying present for the holiday season this year and enjoying simple pleasures - because I'm able to get truly delicious bottles of wine that my husband, my friends and family, and I all love for a great price. Instead of pressuring myself to buy the most expensive wine to serve and enjoy this time of year, I've made the conscious decision to choose what I consider to be an exceptional wine at an extraordinary value. I've learned that just like the holiday season doesn't need to be excessive and over-the-top in order to be a success, great wine doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, I told my husband that I've declared Cameron Hughes my official holiday beverage for my new-and-improved holiday season attitude (ha!).

So here's my toast to the holiday season, friends. May yours be filled with realistic expectations, small but meaningful moments to enjoy, memories made with loved ones, a mindset to stay in the present, and a delicious glass of wine (that won't break the bank) with family and/or friends. Happy Holidays!

Thank you for supporting the brands that help make Bubby and Bean possible. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

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