Do you feel it? With the chill in the Connecticut air, I would say the holidays are here. Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away, and those of you whom I have spoken to have said you are feeling a mix of excitement and stress. CALMish anyone? If so, you know by now that I have a few ideas for you!

What do you love about this season? 

For the last few years I have sat down with my family and asked this question. I also have asked each of them, “What are the things that make the holidays special for you? What do you want to make sure we do this year?”

I encourage you to do this so that you can prioritize what is most important. We often do the things we always have done to make the holidays magical, but sometimes we don’t need to. We can do less, and the season is just as special. 

When we ask these questions, we get a snapshot of what actually matters to both you and your family. I have been surprised at the answers: movie nights in holiday pjs, making two specific types of cookies (not 10 kinds), volunteering as a family, drinking coquito—Puerto Rican eggnog (keep reading for the recipe below).

In All is Calm..ish, my simple holiday compass is this: connection over perfection. If we are so busy doing, we may miss out on being—being present, being filled with awe and wonder, and being connected to those we love most. The holidays are fleeting, and I want you to experience them a little differently this year. For that reason….

Let’s Do This Together: A CALMish Book Club

Every Wednesday at 8:30 am, starting next week on November 19th, I will be on Instagram Live to talk about the book as we read it together through the holidays. (To access Live, go to my profile and click on my stories, which you can find in the circle with my picture at the top.)

I would love for you to join me and share your comments and reflections as we read together through the holidays! 

We will do a live book club zoom chat on Monday night, December 22, from 8-9pm. Grab a cocktail or a coffee, and we will celebrate the season together. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the book, and I will be answering all the questions you have then! 

Nothing tastes more like the holidays in my house than coquito. Think of it as a eggnog with a coconut kick! Here is our favorite recipe:

Please join me in person next week in NYC for wine, appetizers, and a book chat (11.18); Bedford, NY for a more intimate book club discussion (11.20); and in CT next month for our holiday kick off party (12.3)! 

NYC • November 18

This event is free and open to the public! Please bring friends as we talk about how to make the most of the season and find joy for ourselves!

This is a more intimate event, and I will get to talk to you!

Bedford Books • November 20

This is an intimate book club type discussion, and if you have never been to Bedford Books, there is something about this adorable shop that is just magical. Please join me and Local Moms podcast host Demetra Ganias as we talk about all things holiday. Bring your girlfriends to this one for a fun night out.

CT Ridgefield Playhouse • December 3

My last book event of the season will be one big holiday kick off party with musical guests, comedian Tim Washer, and my friend and Today Show host Dylan Dreyer. We will have fun Calm..ish merch, and all proceeds will benefit the Ridgefield Food Pantry. We sold over 200 tickets in the first week, but there is room for more. Can't wait to see you there!

Thank you for coming along on this book journey with me!

Gratitude Snapshots

One more thing!

I’ll be back on the TODAY Show next week talking about Gratitude. Tune in during the 3rd hour on November 21.

Wishing you every good thing today!

In Case You Missed It

Why 3 Good Things?

Wellness isn’t one big thing—it’s three good things, or two good things, or five. It’s noticing the gifts of the life we have.

If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ve probably heard me talk about “3 Good Things.” It’s the question I often ask my kids and one of my favorite gratitude practices.

Research shows that identifying three good things each day can actually rewire your brain from negativity to optimism in just 30 days. Follow along for my 3GT each week! And send me yours! I want to hear from you.