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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Mix & Match Mama

Christmas, Let's Look ·

Let’s Look: HOW WE UNWIND DURING THE HOLIDAYS


Happy Wednesday!

You guys, it’s our FINAL edition of LET’S LOOK for 2024!

Holy cow, this year FLEW BY!  I truly remember sitting down and making the graphic last December for us to use this year and bam, now it’s over.  Thank you so much to everyone who linked up this year.  Erika and I are so very grateful!

Please, please, please boss us around and tell us in the comment section today what you want us to “look at” in 2025.  I will tally up the results and get to work on the 2025 list.

Our next Let’s Look will be on January 15th.  We’re pushing it out one week so that we can get our kids back in school and lives together before the new link up.  Again, THANK YOU for linking up!  We are so so blessed by all of you.

So far in 2024, here’s what we’ve “looked at”…

In January, we looked at HOW WE CLEAN OUR CLOSETS.

In February, we looked at LITTLE THINGS WE DO EVERY SINGLE DAY.

In March, we looked at WHAT’S IN OUR GROCERY CARTS.

In April, we looked at OUR QUIET TIME/PRAYER TIME.

In May, we looked at OUR SUMMER CLOSET STAPLES.

In June, we looked at OUR SUMMER SCHEDULES.

In July, we looked at OUR FAVORITE PODCASTS & SHOWS TO BINGE.

In August, we looked at OUR PANTRIES & UPDATED TRADER JOE’S HAUL.

In September, we looked at OUR QUICK WEEKNIGHT DINNERS.

In October, we looked at HOW WE PREP FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

In November, we looked at GIFT IDEAS FOR MEN.

This means, today is our 12th and final “look” for 2024…

…and we’re ending on a great one!  Today, we’re LOOKING AT HOW WE UNWIND DURING THE HOLIDAYS.

Because as much as I love to go, go, go and do, do, do and see, see, see…I also love to unwind too.

Here are the easy way I personally unwind this time of year. 

None of them are super special or unique, but they’re comforting and give me calm during this busy season.

I make sure and keep my beloved morning routine.  You guys, for me personally, setting the tone for my day with my morning routine is crucial.  I don’t care how late I stayed up the night before or how busy I am that day, if I wake up and give myself the time to drink my coffee, study my Bible, read and do a little Sudoku, my day begins on the right track.  This time is peaceful and calm and gets me ready to tackle the day ahead…

…here I am reading with my pups by the fire and the tree before my day begins.  I go about 100mph all day long, so this quiet time is crucial for me.

I say no.

A lot.

I cannot unwind this time of year if I’m overscheduled and overcommitted.  I say no to so many things so that I can say YES to these five people.  I cannot unwind with a busy calendar.

I spend a lot of time with this guy.  At night, my very favorite way to unwind is to just sit down and chat with Andrew.  We started eating dinner a bit later just so that the two of us have time to visit after our work day.  When the kids were younger, we would do this at night after they went to bed (and eat a brownie 😉 ).  Now that the kids are older and busier during that 5:30-6:30ish window, we sit down then and catch up.  Gosh, I love this so much.  Even if we have to leave for a Christmas concert or dinner reservation or whatever is on the calendar, we sit down a minute and just chat.

I put on my comfy clothes and unwind by the fire with a book in my hands and a Christmas movie on the TV.    This whole scene here is one of my VERY favorite ways to unwind during the busy holiday season.

I have started taking my Apple Watch off at night as a way to unwind.  As much as I love my watch (and you know I do!), it’s very hard sometimes to unwind with texts and notifications coming through.  I’ll take my watch off and place it and my phone in the other room.  It’s amazing how much easier it is to unwind with technology out of sight.

I love to head into the kitchen and make something EASY as a way to relax this time of year.  I’m not talking about complicated/new recipes, I mean, I like to turn on my Christmas music and whip up tacos.  It’s mindless, simple, and helps me unwind.  Sometimes, I’ll just make a charcuterie board for the family or an easy cookie recipe…just something simple in the kitchen with my holiday music playing.

Is there a better way to unwind than taking a bath and getting into bed early?  I’ll snuggle in with my Kindle and be oh so happy!

I like to “take a stroll” to unwind.  I will stroll through Hobby Lobby, Target, Trader Joe’s, my local grocery store, etc.  I’m not there to shop, I’m just there to walk through, see the holiday decorations and seasonal items and truly just let my mind unwind.  I often carry a Starbucks at the same time 😉 .  Anyone else do this besides me?

And last but not least, I love to unwind by taking a walk.  Sometimes, I’ll take the dogs and other times, I’ll just head out on my own.  This isn’t a walk “to exercise”.  This is just a walk to be outside, get fresh air, listen to a podcast and unwind.

Those are just 9 of the ways I love to unwind during the holiday season.  Of course, I want to hear how you unwind too!  Please, please comment and share!

Tthat wraps up Let’s Look for 2024!

Don’t forget, if you have suggestions for things we can “look” at in 2025, please comment and share!  Over the holiday, I will make the prompts for next year and would love any and all suggestions!

Merry Wednesday, friends!!! Thank you so much to all of you who linked up with us this year!  I will see you tomorrow! xx

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Comments

  1. Susan Jeffries says

    Exercising, reading, prayer, and no news ever. That Is how I made it through the past 4 years(: We also don’t have a bedroom tv. And walking our dogs is the best way to unwind! I would love to see how you organize your garage/basement/storage area, organizing kitchen cabinets, and your summer garden! Thanks!

  2. Ashley Kuczynski says

    For 2025 “Let’s Look” Ideas:
    – Your Supplements
    – Your Workout Routine (I know you keep us updated, I just LOVE all your health/fitness posts)
    – How you “Reset” for a new year (calendar or school year)
    – Updated Meal Planning since you do it weekly now

  3. Dana K says

    It may seems silly, but I want to know if you’ve gotten any more ear piercings? Are you done? Will you let your kids get more if they want them? Yours finally inspired me to get some more myself this year…and now I think I’m addicted! Had 3 in each lobe to start, but have added a 4th lobe, helix, and daith.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I have 11 (my last one was done early June). I think I’m done, but then at the same time, who knows? I would totally let my kids get additional piercings if they wanted them. I personally feel like Andrew has tattoos (which I don’t have) and those are reallllly permanent, so if my kids were going to pick “a thing”, I feel less stressed about them picking a piercing over a tattoo. How is your daith? Other than cartilage, that one was the hardest for me. It didn’t hurt to pierce but caring for it was trickier and it took longer to heal than the others (besides cartilage).

      • Dana K says

        Honestly, my daith has been the easiest! Sits far enough in that sleeping on it doesn’t bother me. Oddly enough, my 4th lobes have hurt the worst (1 has been off and on “angry” since I got it 3 months ago). I think I feel the same about piercings vs. tattoos. Although, our daughter has type 1 diabetes and if she wanted a tattoo for that down the road I probably wouldn’t argue.

  4. Laura says

    This made me laugh when I pulled it up because I feel like my morning is already 100 mph and I had thought, “let me read the blog real quick first.” It was so relaxing to read!! 🙂

    Ideas for “Let’s Look:”
    -Things I’ve Said No To Recently (giving ideas for the rest of us – could be “said no to making dinner from scratch this week” “said no to school volunteering on Friday”)
    -Something I’ve Been Learning About Recently (could be a health/wellness post, or a nonfiction book/documentary review, or anything else)
    -How We Spend One on One Time with Each Kid
    -Things I’ve Changed My Mind On Over Time (lol)
    -How My Life Is Different From 10-20 Years Ago/Flashback post
    -Christmas theme – could be a list of best gifts you remember giving or receiving

    Merry Christmas! 🙂

  6. Kathy says

    I unwind around 8:30 or 9 pm by climbing into bed and watching Young Sheldon. My husband and I laugh over this show. Our days are long and we are up very early, so I love this time.

  7. Courtney Anderson says

    Great ideas!! Maybe topics for next year: what is in your nightstand, how to organize digital photos, how we celebrate birthdays of those outside of our house/family (friends, acquaintances, teachers, etc), how to handle daily mail, kids’ schoolwork/homework so it doesn’t become clutter, Process of going through clothes/toys for kids they have outgrown, top 10 legacy traits we want to leave (and/or top 10 things we want to pass onto our kids- manners, traditions, etc).

  8. Deena says

    Hi Shay!! Would you please list your favorite Christmas playlists? I need ideas. I’m sure u have done this before (or many times-ha!). Thank you!

  9. Lisa D says

    These ‘Let’s Look’ posts are so fun! You are so creative with your topics.
    Merry Christmas!

  10. Laci says

    I love a warm shower before bed! Of course my kindle, the twinkle lights of the tree, a Christmas movie… I just love it all!

  11. Carole says

    Number 8 is mine too! I grab a chai latte from Starbucks and head to a place in town called Painted Tree that’s all little separate booths so it’s a big variety and so fun to look at what’s new since last time!

  12. Sarah Shaneyfelt says

    Yes to saying no and protecting that family time!! Now that Harrison is in kindergarten, I’m learning how busy this season can be. The last thing I want to do is be on the go all the time and never get to just be together as a family!

  13. Tamara R says

    Great ideas! Next year you should do a Let’s Look at how you manage teenager life – rules, curfews, driving, social media, constant changing plans – for me it’s been quite an adventure to navigate two high schoolers!

  14. Cara says

    I truly love these posts! An idea for 2025 is “Let’s Look at how to balance a clean house/time with family/time for yourself” I really struggle with this balance. I am a very tidy person, so I like my house to be clean, but that takes away time from my family and time from myself to do things I enjoy. Any advice is appreciated!

  15. Maddie Giamello says

    Well this post comes at the absolute perfect time as I was diagnosed with shingles yesterday! 🫠 I didn’t know a 34 year old could get shingles and apparently stress can bring it on so it’s such a good reminder that we have to slow down and take time for ourselves during this busy season!! Thanks for all the good ideas! ❤️❤️ it’s such a good reminder that it’s okay to say No, I have a problem of saying yes way too often 😬

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Oh no!!! I am so sorry! Goodness, I am just so sorry. I hope your recovery is swift. Sending you so much love! xx

    • Jill says

      I’ll be praying for you. I knew a teen this happened to, stress they said. And a 1 month in grieving widow too. They are really good now and made it through. Hope you have a wonderful holiday.

  16. Alyssa J says

    My way to unwind us to put together a Christmas puzzle while listening to a book (highly recommend listening to The Paper Bag Christmas).

  17. Pamela says

    I have so enjoyed this series this year. I would love to look next year at how you organize your jewelry and also how you manage all your recipes, cookbooks etc. i have so many cookbooks but seem to cook same things over and over 🤣 Thanks for all your hard work this year!!!! I read your blog every morning

  18. kristen says

    I have to take a hot shower every single night before bed to wind down. I know hot showers are technically not great for you but I can’t get into bed without one. My friends laugh at me because I don’t wet my hair on those nights, I use my shower cap!

    Love the hear about how you manage your teenagers!!! Dating, curfews, hanging out with friends, driving, phones.. all of that!

  19. Gail Young says

    I would love for you to share with us how you teach your kids about money…. Do you do allowances or do they get a monthly amount to budget? Is there a set amount to spend on friends birthday presents and when you travel do they get ‘fun money’ to spend?
    When our kids were growing up we lived in a neighborhood where one bus stop filled the entire bus and they got invited to every birthday party for their age group! So starting in the 2nd grade we put them on the envelope method with 10 envelopes and $20. (A lot of $ at that time!). We increased it as they aged. Tithing, birthday parties, Christmas, savings, special savings, clothing, retirement, etc. Sometimes they would buy presents at Goodwill, or make them. We learned about this in a parenting class at church and our adult kids still use this as a basis for their finances.
    Just wondering how other people navigate this with their kids…. We were being nickel and dimed to death and this system gave the kids a voice in the money department.

  20. Terry says

    I look forward to the Top 5 Bottom 5 posts because they are always fun! Shay, you are a wonderful blogger. I need to learn more ways to get more protein in my diet. Can you offer suggestions? I am incorporating resistance training to build bone and muscle mass.
    Wishing you and your beautiful family a Merry Christmas!

  21. Jill says

    Thanks for sharing all these.

    Possible Let’s Look ideas: 1. Hair removal (the various ways) 2. The whole world of facials

  22. Emily C. says

    I love all of these ideas and do many of the same myself!

    I love all the practical suggestions/tools/tips you share. Here are some topics I’d love to see you share more about:
    – how you talk about faith/daily devotions with your kids
    – kids/teens and technology – your thoughts on how you set up boundaries/when they get smartphones/ etc
    – how you keep your marriage thriving
    – how you divvy up household tasks with your husband to keep your home running smoothly

    I’ve been a longtime reader and really love your blog. So many of the ideas you’ve share over the years have really blessed me. Thank you!

  23. Jenny says

    I would love a post about Smith’s nutrition (or even just teen nutrition) – I loved the post about his meal prep. I have teen boys who play sports, and I think it’s hard to find info on how teen boys are preparing themselves with hydration, meals, snacks, etc. I appreciate your outlook because it is coming from a family that researches things, and has two parents that are invested in health. Plus, your husband’s football background. Just practical high protein ideas, muscle recovery, injury maintenance, etc. We have developed some things that help extremely well during different sport seasons (we cover football, basketball and baseball between the boys), but I know other parents have their own tricks, too. Football has ended here, so we are in what our boys call “bulking season,” where I’m making lots of chicken and rice. Thanks!

  24. Kay says

    This was such perfect timing! I had hand surgery yesterday (dominant hand) so I loved! these reminders of ways to take it easy over the next 5 days. Thankfully our Boston weather is grey and rainy and my house is all decorated so it is extra cozy inside.

    I don’t have any suggestions for 2025 but I love the lists you and other readers come up with!

  25. Marcy says

    *creating & maintaining friendships
    *travel bucket list (new or re-visit locs)
    *skills or hobbies you would like to learn
    *juggling family schedules
    *weekend routines/reset for the new week

  26. Eileen says

    I have read your blog for a long time and always enjoy all of your ideas and tips.

    Some let’s look ideas:
    – balancing family time with the demands of homework/activities, etc teens have (I feel like we have no time to enjoy holiday things this year with homework, SATs, jobs, sports, etc).
    – new meal ideas or top tried and true recipes that your family couldn’t live without
    – travel budgeting tips
    – basement or garage or attic storage/organization
    – goal setting for the new year
    – great movies or tv shows to watch as a family
    – how you set boundaries to have time for yourself

    Thanks! Merry Christmas!

  27. Katie Stewart says

    For 2025, what if you added…
    Let’s Look… at what I keep inside my vehicle.

    Let’s Look… at how I organize my kitchen cabinets/drawers. (New kitchen over here and I need ideas. 😆)

    Let’s Look… at my DVR list.

    Let’s Look… at my tried and true kitchen utensils.

  28. Gina Holmes says

    Not necessarily Let’s Look, but I think a cool blog series would be updates to old posts! For instance, one of your early posts after K was born was about your dad burying a time capsule for her to open on her 16th birthday. I’m dying to know if she’s dug it up yet! “Revisiting the Past” or something like that would be fun!

  30. Emi says

    Some great idea here! I would also like to see:

    1. All things facials/professional spa
    2. How you and A each get through really tough times (Ashby’s surgeries for example; how do you stay positive? How do you foster this in your children?
    3. Dreams. Literally and figuratively. Any strange ones? Memorable? Long term goals for you, A, each kid
    4. Retirement plans; all aspects

    As others stated:

    1. creating friendships
    2. weekend routines/reset for the new week

    Love your blog! Check it everyday but Sunday!

  31. Teresa C. Summers says

    Hi Shay! You are such a blessing to me. I love all of your posts. You helped me through some hard days in the past. I’m so thankful for your faith and trust in our Lord and that you don’t mind sharing!!!
    I’d like to look at your tanning routine during summer months. What products you use for tanning while keeping your skin safe. Also, how you take care of the littles skin during these months. Thanks!

  32. Brooke says

    A let’s look post on “gratitude” or “being thankful” could be a great reminder for us all. How we show it and how we remember to have it.

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