Hi hi Reader,

December is doing the most again, isn’t it?

If your life looks anything like mine, you went from Thanksgiving vibes straight into YEAR-END FRENZY. (How does this happen every year?)

And while we can’t make the chaos go away (because, honestly, that’s the way the universe trends), we can show up with a little less overwhelm and a little more ease.

BUT HOW THO??!?!?!?!

My biggest secret to not losing your sh!t this December: do less and simplify EVERYTHING. Consider this your official permission slip!

(My own actual real-life moment: I had a "10 Things to Remember" list ready for you today and then I was like: Tiff, BE THE LIGHT YOU WANT TO SEE IN THIS WORLD.)

The grand irony of the holiday season we're all running ourselves ragged for? The key to being festive and celebrating is YOU BEING PRESENT.

Here’s what that might look like:

• Instead of spending hours finding the perfect gift for your dog walker, grab a gift card to her favorite bookstore (and while you're there, take care of the kids' teachers.) Done and done.
  ​
• Remember that you always pack at the last minute, so go ahead and make a PARED DOWN packing list right now. Start gathering what you’ll actually bring in your suitcase.
  • No, you don’t need five outfit options.
  • Yes, it’s okay to bring a single pair of jeans and use the shampoo at your mom’s.
  • Absolutely leave room for snacks.
• And while you’re at it, stock your Kindle with books you’ll actually enjoy, not the ones you think you should read. The holidays are not the time to make extra work for yourself, you overachiever you.
  ​
• No one’s going to care if your plates don’t match or if you skipped the fancy centerpiece entirely. They’ll remember the way the conversation flowed, the laughs that got louder with every refill, and that dessert you picked up on the way home (yes, that counts).

The magic of this season isn’t in how hard you've worked or how many things you juggle. It’s in how present you can get: laughter, eye contact, connection, creativity. Being with your people.

And here’s the thing: when you give yourself permission to simplify, you’re also giving everyone else permission to do the same. You’re leading the way by showing that joy doesn’t come from the to-do list. It comes from the space you create for it.

OKAY BUT WHAT IF…​
You really, really want to make 500 macarons to gift to friends, family, and neighbors? (It’s me. Hi. I’m the problem, it’s me.)

Sure, you can do that. As long as you also decide what you’re willing to give up to make it happen. Maybe it means you’re bringing a store-bought pie to the neighborhood potluck. That’s fine. Really.

Because here’s the truth: You can’t be the best at all of it. You can’t be the hostess with the mostess and the classroom volunteer and the work superstar.

So, simplify like your peace depends on it—because it does. Give yourself permission to choose what matters most, and let the rest slide. Joy demands space to breathe.

Have a but how do I simplify this!? dilemma? Hit reply to let me know and I'll help brainstorm!

PS. Another way to make your life better and easier this holiday season? These fleece-lined leggings. I'm living in mine!

PPS. We just finished Season One of Bad Sisters. IT IS SO GOOD.