As the holidays draw ever closer, the pressure is on to hurry up and get so many things done. Buying gifts, making vacation arrangements, requesting time off from work, attending holiday plays or concerts at their children’s school, making cookies, planning special dinners, planning holiday family gatherings, buying the Christmas tree, putting up the lights, buying new ornaments, cleaning up the house…did I mention finishing up the holiday shopping? WHAT? You haven’t started!?!?….

It’s exhausting just thinking about all the things we’ve voluntarily put on our “to do” lists. More like a to-do tomb, if you ask me.

With all the hustle and bustle that seems to come along with the season, it’s all too easy to lose sight of what’s important. Like spending time with family and friends, and enjoying ourselves. Talking. Catching up. Sharing dreams…and sometimes disappointments. It’s so important to stop every so often as you rush from one errand to the next and remind yourself what the season is all about–what you want it to be about, for yourself and for your family. In 10 years, I’m guessing you won’t be looking back to today and thinking fondly about how you got that pair of socks for half price at J.C. Penny….

One way that I love to take a break with my son is to have a nice cup of something hot to drink. It can be foamy hot chocolate or coffee with whipped cream on top–maybe even a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Or a pot of Earl Gray tea. Or perhaps even a steaming mug of spiced apple cider. YUM! Not only are these drinks delicious and refreshing, they give you an excuse (as if you needed one!) to slow down, catch your breath, and enjoy a few relaxing moments with family or friends.

Take it a step farther and make it a family tradition to choose a few new mugs each year to be used for these “quiet times”–one for each member of the family, selected by that family member. Mugs can be beautiful to look at and comforting to hold. And doesn’t it bring you a bit of happiness to look at–and touch–something you find beautiful as you have your mug of wonderfulness? Mugs happen to be one of my favorite things to collect for just this reason. Not only can they be miniature works of art–but you can touch them and use them. When allowing family members to choose their mugs, don’t insist that they match–in fact, they shouldn’t. Each mug should be what their owner thinks is beautiful and what brings them joy.

That’s my explanation for why a mug isn’t just a mug. And what it represents–the chance to relax and spend a few quiet moments with those dear to you–is perhaps one of the most important parts of the holiday season–and all year round.

Bottoms up!