✨ [S.O.U.L. Spark] Holiday Shopping, Recipes & An Invitation

...less rush and more savoring 🥰

Photo by Joanna Kosinska

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Hi Love,

Over the years, I’ve learned that in order to create a holiday season that doesn’t feel rushed, I need to be intentional about what I add to my calendar.

In addition to holidays and traveling, my kiddos all have birthdays in the winter months. And sometimes, these precious months seem to fly by, in a flurry of holiday excitement.

This year, my intention is to savor the simple moments and leave lots of spaciousness in our calendar to allow the magic of the season to reveal itself. ✨

Let’s dive in! 💖

In This S.O.U.L. Spark….

🛍️ SHOPPING: The holidays are around the corner, but gift-giving doesn’t have to be stressful. I’m sharing my favorite gifts to give!

💫 OVER THE MOON: A special offering to help you lean into community and loving support as a mom…you’re invited! 💌

💗 UNCOVERING: What’s helping me slooow down…this practice is beautiful to tap into for a more peaceful and present holiday season.

🥰 LET’S CHAT: I want to know what’s nourishing you in this season. Plus I’m sharing a recipe I’m loving!

Okay, let’s dive in! 

🛍️ SHOPPING - The holidays are around the corner, but gift-giving doesn’t have to be stressful. I’m sharing my favorite gifts to give!

I truly love giving gifts. There's something magical about choosing a present that reminds me of the recipient, whether it’s something handmade with love or a thoughtfully chosen item.

Each gift is a little piece of connection, a way to say, “I see you. I thought of you.” But my journey with gift-giving hasn’t always felt so grounded.

I used to feel this sense of obligation, a need to give gifts to everyone, which often left me feeling overwhelmed and distanced from the joy of it all.

Over time, though, I began to slow down, tuning in to the true spirit of giving. I recently shared a practice that has helped me to transform this aspect of the holiday and make gift giving feel joyful. You can explore this powerful practice here.

Now, I focus on quality and intention, on finding or creating gifts that genuinely reflect the heart and spirit of the person I’m giving to, rather than the pressure of simply “checking off a list.”

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the people on your list…my invitation to you is to explore ideas that will help them to tap into the best version of themselves. Whether that’s a basket of self care goodies, an empowering book or journal, or some lovely essential oils.

Self-care gifts are a beautiful way to remind loved ones to carve out little moments of rest and joy. From soft blankets that encourage cozy moments to journals that invite reflection, these gifts are chosen with the intention of bringing a sense of peace and well-being. A self-care gift says, “You matter. Take time for you.”

Here’s ​a collection of my favorite self-care gifts​ that are sure to nurture your loved ones. ​You can explore these lovely gift ideas here.

And I’ve found that my kids don’t need just another toy they’re going to lose interest in days after they unwrap it…Instead I love giving them gifts that will help them to practice mindfulness, activities we can do together, or items that will help them weave in self care.

Here’s a list of kid-friendly gifts that are both meaningful and fun. These items are sure to bring joy to little ones while supporting their growth and exploration. Take a look here.

Gift-giving now feels like a more mindful, joyful practice, one that’s filled with intention, love, and simplicity. I hope these selections help you find the perfect gifts for your loved ones and bring a little more peace and ease to your holiday season. 🎁

💫 OFFERING - You Don’t Have To Do Motherhood Alone

This is my one of my favorite times of year—hot cocoa, twinkling lights, and a seeing the joy on my children’s faces as we experience the magic of this season together.

But the holiday season can also be incredibly stressful, especially for moms.

We put so much pressure on ourselves.

When we’re in this state of pressure and stress we become disconnected from ourselves, our loved ones and the present moment.

I want you to know that you don’t have to go through the holidays alone, Love. Join me for a virtual Fireside Chat, where you can connect with other women who are navigating the ups and downs of mom life right alongside you.

💌 Get All The Details + Accept Your Invitation Here

💗 UNCOVERING: The Simple Practice That’s Helping Me Slow Down for a Peaceful, Present Holiday Season

Lately, I’ve been turning inward, reflecting on the ways I’m unintentionally rushing through life, especially the little moments. It's become clearer to me that my mind has been quick to label certain moments as trivial—moments when my children’s voices fade into the background as I multitask, when I’m half-focused on an email while stirring soup, or when I nod along distractedly as my partner shares his day.

These are the quiet, seemingly mundane parts of life that actually hold some of the most meaningful opportunities for connection, reflection, and love. Each small moment, each conversation, and each gentle pause weaves together the tapestry of our lives. None are truly “small” or “big”—each moment is part of the whole.

As the holidays approach, my intention is to soften into a new way of being. Instead of waiting for what I’ve mentally labeled as “big” or “important,” I’m leaning into all the moments that lie between. I'm embracing the smaller threads that bring richness and texture to life.

Here’s how I’m shifting my focus to savor the season with presence—and how you can join me:

- Choose to Focus on One Thing at a Time: Let go of the urge to multitask. Whether I’m stirring soup, listening to my child’s story, or sipping a warm drink, I’m practicing giving that moment my full attention.

- Listen Deeply and Look into the Eyes of My Loved Ones: I’m realizing that there’s something beautiful about eye contact. Looking into the eyes of my loved ones as they share allows me to be fully present, hearing not just their words but the feelings beneath them.

- Take a Few Deep Breaths to Reset: Throughout the day, I’m pausing to take a few deep breaths. It’s my reminder to slow down, come back to the present, and release any tension or thoughts pulling me away.

- Find Joy in Ordinary Tasks: Whether folding laundry or tidying up, I’m trying to notice the textures, the sounds, and the gratitude that arises in these simple acts. These routines offer a surprising sense of calm and grounding.

This gentle shift isn’t about doing more. It’s about being more present, more open, and more attuned to the beauty in the in-between moments. By slowing down, I’m finding more peace, and in that peace and the true gift of the season.

Let me know if you’re ready to join me for this slow and savory practice this holiday season!

🥰 LET’S CHAT: I want to know what’s nourishing you in this season. Plus I’m sharing a recipe I’m loving!

I’d love to hear from you! What’s feeling nourishing to you as we move through the holiday season, whether it’s a warming recipe, a favorite essential oil, a holiday tradition you look forward to, or anything else that’s making your heart smile right now.

My friend,

Kaitlin

, recently shared this scrumptious carrot soup recipe with me. My kids are LOVING it! 🥣

❤️ Let us know… What’s feeling nourishing you in this season, Love?

I hope you loved this S.O.U.L. Spark. ✨ Head to the comments and join the conversation! ❤️

Sending you Love Always,

Catherine

Love Notes From Soul Care Moms…💌

“This gives me feel good vibes. I just love these little nuggets you share…it makes you think and I love that!” - Kaitlin S.

“Love this note, I sure can relate.” - Paula A.

“Reading this felt like a nice exhale 🫶” - Kaitlyn R.

If you’re ready to step into more ease, joy & confidence on your motherhood journey click the button below to subscribe or upgrade!! Become a paid member to get access to Compassionate Motherhood, a transformational course that will help you to release mom guilt, say “yes” to self care, and deepen your self-compassion.💖

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Everything shared is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. I share in the hope that it will help you feel empowered and inspired. Always seek the guidance of a trusted health professional for your unique journey.

You are loved. 💖

If you’re ready to step into more ease, joy & confidence on your motherhood journe,y click the button below to subscribe for FREE or upgrade!! When you upgrade and become a paid member, you’ll get access to Compassionate Motherhood, a transformational course that will help you to release mom guilt, say “yes” to self care, and deepen your self-compassion.💖