The rush of Thanksgiving is over and we carved out some time for reflection in this brief lull. As we roll right into the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, here are three lessons that we learned last week:
1. Family and friends are better in person.
We saw cousins, uncles, parents, friends, and more cousins. We’ve been home, out at other homes, and out at bars. We took lots of pictures. A lot. Yet at the same time, my phone screen time is down 25%. That’s HOURS of difference!
Our family visits and time with friends was grounding. We’ve been in a place where connecting with the people around us has allowed us to disconnect, breathe and relax. We didn’t rely on virtual connectivity to find connections.

2. Let disruption inspire change.
Before hosting our guests, the holiday became a catalyst to change the way we occupy spaces. We consolidated our work space (moving all of our computer and desk equipment into Tricia’s office), made the living room a screen free zone, and rearranged the family room to make it more conversation and family friendly. Once they arrived, having family in the house gave us a welcome interruption from our daily routine.
3. Vacation is the best time to develop new habits.
We’ve always been firm believers in this principle, if not practitioners. We developed new routines that allowed us to better slow down and connect with each other. Every morning, coffee is put to brew, Eric stretches, coffee is brought to bed and there we are able to spend five or 10 (one day even close to 30) minutes wrapped up in each other, talking, and connecting. We talk about our day to come and take a few minutes to see each other, connect and share.
We recognize that this season can be stressful for people, and family isn’t always easy. We approached this Thanksgiving holiday weekend open and willing to go with the flow and talk through our circumstances. What happened was more connection. We were brought a little closer through shared experiences and shared relationships.
As we all ramp back up for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, remember that family and friends can be better face to face, be open to developing new habits, and let a disruption to your space and time inspire change.
Happy holidays and take it easy.
~T+E