I’ve been a Christmas girl as long as I can remember. December is truly one of my favorite months (behind October, obviously), and Christmas Eve is one of my favorite days (behind my birthday, obviously). But this year just feels…weird? As much as I love this season and my decorations that have been up since mid-November, it just feels a little bit harder to feel the joy right now (and I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling that).

With the pandemic, social distancing, and just the lack of “normal” traditions, I’ve been trying to find small ways to feel merry & bright during an otherwise bleak and sad Christmas season. Below are some of my holiday simple joys I’ve been enjoying this month. While this year is far from normal, hopefully you can find some sparks of hope, happiness and joy too. (And just a reminder: whatever you’re feeling this season, your emotions are 100% real and valid. No need to feel guilty for not feeling joyful right now. Allowing yourself to just be is valuable, too.)