Staying calm + bright during the holidays with Legacy Place

This post is part of a paid partnership with Legacy Place.  Please be sure to scroll down for details on your chance to win one of three $200 Legacy Place gift cards on Instagram.

STAYING CALM + BRIGHT DURING THE HOLIDAYS with LEGACY PLACE

Last week I had a few hours to myself (the ultimate mom luxury) and a lengthy holiday to do list (my favorite sort of to do lists) to tackle.  After dropping Grace and Nick at preschool, I jumped on 93 for the 20 minute drive from the city to Legacy Place in Dedham.  Since becoming a mother, I’ve really come to appreciate the convenience of one-stop destinations like Legacy Place.  I am very down for the ample free parking, not to mention the fact I only need to make the car seat to stroller transfer once.  And the kids love it because the Whole Foods there has the cool tractor shopping carts.  

As I scanned my list (groceries, a card for our neighbors, baby items for the Mama Beasts donation drive, stocking stuffers for my Secret Santa, and *fingers crossed* a polish change),  I noticed the Christmas music playing over the outdoor speakers and the planters brimming with evergreens, berries and ornaments.  I think you know this already, but I’m the sort of person who would play Christmas music and deck the halls year-round if I thought I could get away with it (I’ve tried… and failed).

I am so easily swept away in the busy-ness of this season, so easily wrapped up in the need to check every box.  But with so many gentle reminders (the music, the decorations, the general spirit of it all) around us, I find myself feeling more grounded, more present, more calm and more bright.

I hope these tips will help you to stay present among all the presents, too.  And I wish you and your families a very happy and healthy holiday season.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY… AND YOUR MIND + SPIRIT, TOO

I told you they have the cool carts at Legacy Place.

If you have kids, work with kids, encounter kids on the T, saw a kid once at a restaurant… you know that the holiday season is also cold and flu season.  This is the time of year to be loading up on the healthy foods that help your body’s immune system (the Pink Juice from Whole Foods Market at Legacy Place is loaded with Vitamin C and, basically, I am obsessed with it… it’s so good).  Save room for treats, obviously, but be sure you are taking care of your body.  

And please be sure you’re taking care of your mind + spirit (or whatever you want to call it), too.  Make time for rest, for restoration, for long chats with friends, for snuggling with your kids and pets, for good meals with your partner, for stretching, for yoga (if that’s your thing), for ridiculous holiday movies, and for all the things that make you feel your best.

While at Legacy Place, I made sure to stock up on the ingredients for my favorite lentil soup, our usual fruits and vegetables, some turmeric for tea and golden milk, and treated myself to a new water bottle (gotta stay hydrated, my friends) before perusing the new Restore line at Athleta.  I want to live inside that rack — all those cozy greys!  I bought some warmer tights for outdoor runs and a new tank a Soul Cycle ride or two.

MULTITASK… AND UNI-TASK

There’s a time and place for multi-tasking (for most people, that’s all the time/everywhere)… it’s how we get most of our things done in life.  While picking up stocking stuffers for my Secret Santa (my siblings and I draw two names for Christmas — one for a larger gift, and one for a stocking), I asked Elissa at bluemercury for her skincare and beauty recommendations.  My skin tends to go rogue as the seasons change, and I found her suggestions really helpful.  While waiting in line, I did the usual (check emails, check messages, confirm a doctor’s appointment).  

But when I stopped to grab a coffee at Caffé Nero, I did just that.  No multitasking, no checking my phone, just 10 minutes of sipping my latte.  I’m amazed by how much more I notice and absorb when I am not trying to fill the minutes with productivity and other things.  Semi-related: Caffé Nero is basically Instagram heaven.  The design is as good as the coffee.

If you can, balance your holiday multitasking with some uni-tasking (is that a word?).  Holiday traditions like decorating your tree, preparing special meals, reading favorite stories, and wrapping gifts provide great opportunities to focus and really enjoy those specific activities.  

GET SOME FRESH AIR + TAKE NOTE OF THE LITTLE THINGS

Though it’s finally starting to feel like December in New England, I’m a firm believer (though not a scientist nor doctor) in the power of fresh air.  One of my favorite things about shopping at Legacy Place is all the outdoor space.  The sidewalks are wide and safe (very stroller friendly) and you can easily get your 10k steps (or whatever) while running errands. 

From their own Little Free Library to public art like their new mural, Legacy Place has lots of delightful elements and artwork throughout the property.  Can you make time this week for a short (or long) walk?  What sorts of things will you notice along your way?  

UNPLUG + CONNECT

While I hope you know I’m glad you’re here (and I’d love to see you on Instagram, too — and I’d especially love for you to win one of the Legacy Place gift cards we’re giving away this week…), I encourage you to spend as much time offline as you can this holiday season.  Consider how you can replace time spent scrolling through photos of strangers’ Christmas light displays (#guilty) with time spent connecting with family and friends.  

I first met Simone and Laura, sisters and owners of Elburne, an eco-friendly home and decor shop, on the Insties (or the ‘gram… I prefer Insties… also, I’m 35 and should call things by their real name).  They have a beautiful shop on the Cape in Dennis, not far from my favorite place to collect mussel shells (Cold Storage Beach).  One afternoon, I pretended to not be an introvert and stopped into introduce myself (and shop their amazingly curated collection of local art and goods). 

I was thrilled to find out they would be opening a pop-up shop at Legacy Place this holiday season (through January 15) and loved having a chance to chat with Laura (in real life) in their new space last week.  Their pop-up is full of beauty gift items, home goods and furnishings, and plenty of good vibes.  Technology does so much for us, but nothing beats making face to face connections.  

FOCUS ON GRATITUDE

My last tip for enjoying a calm, bright, happy and healthy holiday season will likely come as no surprise to you (especially if you’ve joined in my Season of Gratitude project).  Make a commitment to focus on gratitude this holiday season. Take note of what your thankful or grateful for and note how that shift in thinking affects how you feel and how you approach your to do list, your family, your health and wellbeing, and the world around you.  

I’m thankful I ended up with enough time for that polish change (T-Style Nail, located next to Hanna Andersson, was lovely!).  But even more so, I’m thankful for each of you.

***For your chance to win one of three $200 Legacy Place gift cards to enjoy the fun and convenience of #LifeAtLegacy, please click over to my Instagram feed for details this week.  Winners will be announced and contacted by Instagram DM on 12/22 You can find direct links to my giveaway posts below:

To learn more about Legacy Place, visit them at 680 Legacy Place in Dedham or online:

• Instagram:  @LegacyPlace
• Facebook: @LegacyPlace
• Twitter: @LegacyPlace
• Brand Website: LegacyPlace.com

What are your favorite ways to stay calm, bright, happy and healthy during the holiday season?