This Christmas for me was all about the gratitude feels. I found myself looking back on where I was at this time last year and just feeling so blessed for how much has changed and settled in the last year. This time last year my current house was in boxes and I was in the process of closing on the home I live in now—my dream home. So while Christmas last year was great and there was lots of love, it was also very much a transitional sort of chaos as everything in our home was packed up, there was no Christmas tree, no décor, etc.

Having that experience last year led me to be so grateful for every little part of the holiday this year. Christmas felt amazing because I had the opportunity to host it in my brand new house, with everything set up, and see just how far I’ve come in the last year. Every time I walk in the door to my home I feel so grateful.

My kids are going to grow up in this home, their schools are right around the corner, and I’ve really just put a lot of energy into making it go from a house to a home over the last 12 months. It’s such a different feeling from where I was at last year and it has amplified how fortunate I feel to have such a home.

Being able to see my kids run down the steps Christmas morning and light up when they see all their presents, and see them experience that in a home I purchased on my own truly made me want to pause to thank the universe for giving me the opportunity to make that happen.

The gratitude also showed up in how blessed I am to have been able to spend time with my family this holiday season. It’s so fulfilling to have your family around and feel that connection with them. Being able to share this holiday with my family in my home is such a huge blessing, and I am so thankful for every moment.

I hope you and your families had an amazing holiday season and look forward to sharing more with you in the New Year!