We are cleaning out our inboxes, tying up loose ends with clients, meeting with our teams, attending end-of-year holiday parties and networking events and trying to get all of our shopping done.

We have upcoming family events and parties, travel plans and cooking and wrapping to do, but this newsletter is a simple reminder to take a moment to enjoy the season.

It’s been a hard one for my family, as we recently lost our brother. Think about all the dear ones who are not with us this season and hug everyone you can be with this year and tell them you love them and appreciate them.

Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Eve. There are many holidays to celebrate and the one thing that brings us all together is love. Love for one another and love for ourselves.

I encourage you to take time for your own self-care and wellbeing. This can be an overwhelming time of the year for so many. Whether it’s business-related issues or personal ones. Take the time to do what you love this season.

Maybe that is driving around to look at the lights in your neighborhood. Or getting a big hot chocolate and sitting in front of your fireplace. Or watching some of your all-time favorite holiday movies. Or spending a little extra time with your kids, cousins, aunts, uncles, parents, grandkids (I know that is on my list this year) or maybe it’s cooking that special recipe that’s been passed down for generations or finding that perfect gift for your spouse or partner.

Along with the holidays, I am celebrating the recent signing of the Respect for Marriage Act, which provides new federal protections for same-sex and interracial couples. This means a lot to me as my daughter and her wife navigate life as married women and new moms.

The holiday season is full of busy, but let’s try to take all of that busy and embrace it.

Let’s laugh when we forget the butter for our cookies or forget it was ugly sweater day at school or work.

Let’s make the effort to get together with out-of-town family and friends for good conversation and laughter.

Let’s focus on the new year and all the plans we have. All the good we want to do. All the support we can give others. All the dreams we deserve to live.

I’m sending holiday wishes and a Happy New Year to you and yours. I am here for you always, whether it’s for a financial chat or just to say hello. I appreciate each and every one of you and I am so grateful to have the team, clients and network that I do. I’ll see you in 2023!