December 2023
Let’s be present in December!
The holidays are anticipated with all sorts of preparations. We decorate, plan and bake. Calendars are filled with activities and we attend parties, concerts and recitals. We send cards, shop for and purchase gifts and often feel exhausted and overwhelmed. At the same time, these are magical and meaningful days filled with friends and family and rituals and traditions we cherish.
How can we set realistic expectations to better manage the magic and all the memories this year? What if all is not “merry and bright?” How can we focus on simple moments to quiet the noise, lift spirits and create peace and goodwill—even in our own hearts? What will it take to truly be with those we love and concentrate on what feels most essential and true?
Can we be more present at HOME?
This is the question I’m inviting each of us to contemplate. Is it perhaps possible to simplify an annual effort—or to simply let it go? Will there be something you choose to do, but do differently? I love the play on words that suggests that being present may in fact be the best present.
IF you have questions OR need help with anything, comment below in the Disqus section OR send me an email. 🎄 I’m here and I want to hear from you!
Print the Calendar
December Dates
New Month Meet-Up: Friday, December 1st 1PM PT, Watch on YouTube
Do It Together: Saturday, December 9th at 12:30PM PT, Watch on YouTube or read RECAP
Let’s gather to discuss, draft and begin documenting a 2023 “Nice List!”
Story Coaching: Tuesday, December 12th at 3PM PT, Watch on YouTube or read RECAP
What Extras! are you adapting and using as part of a Library of Memories system?
Click here to review Photo Freedom Week 10
Project Play Date: Thursday, December 14th 9:30AM PT, Watch on YouTube or read RECAP
IF you have created a gift album during this fall season, come share—we want to celebrate with YOU!
WWW: Wednesday, December 20th at 11AM PT, Watch on YouTube or read RECAP
It’s time for a 2023 workflow review. Join Stacy as we look back so we can count up* with confidence and enthusiasm! *See my note at the bottom of the page!
Podcast 🎙️
I’m looking for two members to join me this month for a year-in-review conversation 💚 Email me
📚 Book Club: Saturday, December 30th at 9AM PT, you can watch the replay on YouTube
If you’ve read a book about Danish Hygge OR you just want to learn more, join us for our quarterly book club discussion!
Download the ✅ Monthly Tracker. Click to PRINT
Hue & Me
Growing up outside Seattle, Washington, we sang the following words to a holiday song, “Christmas in the Northwest is a gift God wraps in green.”
The beauty of nature is often wrapped in green and it certainly is a gift—I recently read a study where even looking at outdoor imagery can lift your mood, enable a relaxed state, help soothe pain and enhance creativity and problem solving.
Our hue this month is a beautiful evergreen which the world over represents renewal, growth, health and abundance—so enjoy looking for, wearing, photographing and using Winter Pine this month!
🌈 Download a folder with the full set of 2023 color swatches? Click HERE!
Design Inspired
If you do not play the popular word game, Wordle, there’s a good chance you know someone who does. This month I’m challenging you to be inspired by Wordle.
Will you use green, gold and gray, lots of squares or perhaps a 5-letter word as your title? You might even document your favorite “wordle-r” and publish for posterity his or her stats!
Love Your Library Video
Our Photo Freedom topic this month comes from Week 10, called Extra! Extra! Let’s review a few non-essential, but helpful solutions as you continue to refine your system for both physical prints and digital images.
Story Process Videos
Podcast
I’m joined in this episode by Kate Holliday and Cindy Stepan in a look-back conversation. We’ll share some of our favorites from 2023 and talk about pages and projects we’re particularly fond of!
Have questions or ideas for me?
Leave a comment below, or reach out stacy@stacyjulian.com
Write out the date for the last day of 2023 and you’ll discover that New Year’s Eve—a traditional day of counting down—actually features a cool repeating counting up sequence of 1-2-3-1-2-3
In numerology, 1 is the number of beginnings, 2 is connected to our emotions and fun and 3 is the work of learning and growth. The message here, then, is to recognize the potential for a playful fresh start—and then to consider the work we need to do to make it happen!
Please take a few minute to respond to this SURVEY 💚 Also, if you’re looking for seasonal details—quote, book, project and access to Photo Freedom? Click HERE
