Made some slightly healthier sugar cookies with my kids. It’s the first year that it entertained them for an extended period of time!
I’ve fully entered the “no real thoughts happening up here” part of the holidays — but I am trying. Trying to slow down, stay present, and remember that the simple things really are the big things.
One rhythm that’s helped: we celebrate Advent, and more recently, Christmastide. I didn’t grow up with Christmastide, but I love it—Advent is the waiting, and Christmastide is the 12 days after Christmas, celebrating the arrival of Jesus.
It’s taken the pressure off “cramming it all in” beforehand and given our family a gentler pace and new traditions to look forward to.
If you like learning about things like this, my church has some wonderful resources on Advent and Christmastide - including some great Spotify playlists.
Oh, and don’t forget to take a look at our most recent guides:
✨ A Holiday-Inspired Wellness Plan - a restful day in the middle of the chaos!
How are you finding some moments of peace this week? I really do read your emails and sincerely appreciate hearing from you!
Better (& Local!) Gifts For Your Body
Looking for meaningful holiday wellness gifts in Houston that support rest, health, and intentional living? This guide highlights the best local wellness gifts — from sauna sessions to seasonal produce boxes — gifts that nourish the body and feel genuinely thoughtful. If you’re searching for Houston holiday wellness ideas that go beyond the typical gift list, these curated picks make it easy to give something truly restorative.
Meet the Best Alcohol Replacement of the Season
As the nights get colder and holiday gatherings fill the calendar, I’ve been craving a new kind of ritual—something warm, social, and feel-good, without the fogginess that often follows a drink. And this season, I found it.
Meet Vesper, Pique’s brand-new, non-alcoholic adaptogenic aperitif—and truly one of the most exciting launches they’ve ever released. Crafted with rare botanicals and science-backed ingredients, it delivers everything I love about a drink: the unwind, the mood lift, the sense of connection… just without the alcohol.
Each sip brings a soft drop in the shoulders, a gentle lift in spirit, and a clear, grounded presence. Sparkling, tart, and herbaceous, Vesper feels luxurious and intentionally crafted—perfect for holiday parties, cozy nights in, and an elevated start to Dry January.
Because it’s new (and already going viral), it will sell out fast.
Wellness Around Town
Houston’s buzzing with feel-good happenings—from markets to movement to mindful moments. Check ahead before you go (you know how weather and schedules love to shake things up)!
Event | Location | Date/Time |
|---|---|---|
10425 Hillcroft St. | December 13; 9a-1p | |
427 Lovett Blvd | December 13; 9:30a-2:30p | |
2810 Riverby Rd. | December 14; 10a | |
4740 Dacome St. Suite A | December 14; 12p-5p | |
1824 Spring Street | December 15; 6p-8p | |
1701 S. Shepherd Suite D | December 1-20 |
*Have an upcoming wellness event? Reply to this email.
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