24 Days of Making, Doing, and Being: December 3

Secret and spontaneous offerings.

Welcome to 24 Days of Making, Doing, and Being, a digital Advent calendar for slowing down and making space for presence, creativity, and gratitude. This is a seasonal offering for paid subscribers of the Creative Fuel newsletter. Thank you for being here. If you missed a day you can catch up here.

About a week ago, I came home to an enormous wreath hanging next to the front door.

It may have been substantial in size, but the wreath wasn’t overdone or trying to present itself as glitzy holiday décor. Branches had been twisted together, lichen and pine needles nestled in between. An honoring of what the season had on hand.

There was no note, and we were left to wonder who had placed it there. Although it was clear that whoever had left it knew exactly what kind of wreath I would like to have.

There’s so much pressure that comes with gifts in this season. The right one, the best one, the biggest one, the perfect one. Guides are written, money is spent, emotions are drained.