A Quiet December
A wreath made using evergreens from our yard and dried flowers (red and white gomphrena, eucalyptus) from our summer growing season. This is another great way to use our dried flower bundles available every fall season at the flower stand.
This holiday season, I made a different choice.
I took December off from hosting wreath workshops. I didn’t open the flower stand with holiday arrangements. I’ve barely shown up on social media. And yes, my bank account is reflecting those decisions (just keeping it real). But past Sierra is genuinely thanking present Sierra for slowing down and choosing rest.
Our two girls are 6 and 8 years old, and this stage of life is pure magic. Their excitement for the holidays is contagious and has a way of transporting me straight back to my own childhood. I have many years to work, but only so many with my kids at this age. So, this year, I chose to savor the season instead of rushing through it.
When my youngest was a preschooler and my oldest was in kindergarten, it was our first Christmas season with two kids in school. I was a rookie mom and completely underestimated just how full December could be. Between two schools, there were endless emails, last-minute store runs, spirit days I couldn’t keep straight, and an overwhelming sense of trying to keep up.
That was the year I discovered something: moms and teachers are the true magic makers of the season. And if you are both, you deserve extra credit. The way teachers go out of their way to make December special, while moms somehow keep everything running and magical at the same time, is nothing short of amazing. I also remember thinking, How on earth did my mom do this with four kids—FOUR?! I’m fairly certain she ran on pure adrenaline and Diet Coke, but she was (and still is) incredible. Forever grateful for her. (Hi, Mom!)
After that year, I quietly promised myself I wouldn’t fall victim to the holiday chaos again. Now, with a first grader and a third grader, I feel like a veteran mom, even though my kids are still so young. I know what’s coming in elementary school, and it doesn’t faze me the way it once did.
Slowing down has also allowed me to feel deeply grateful for this community. To those of you who have already purchased a 2026 flower subscription—thank you. By April, I know we’ll all be more than ready for tulips after a long winter.
If you haven’t snagged a subscription yet, they’re still available. Each one includes a printable gift certificate that’s easy to tuck into a card, and they make such a meaningful gift for anyone who values experiences over things.
This December, I’ve been choosing to savor instead of stretching myself thin. I’m grateful for the ability to slow down, for the magic makers all around us, and for a season that gently reminds me what truly matters. Flowers and workshops will always be there, but these December moments with my girls and my family won’t.
And if this season feels overwhelming for you, I hope this serves as a gentle reminder: it’s okay to choose less, even when it costs a little. December doesn’t have to be productive to be meaningful.