Do I just SCREAM millenial?
Fine Art Friday #36
OMG friend I can't believe I did it again.
I just left my phone number on a voicemail—not once, but TWICE. Is it that obvious I'm a millennial?
It hit me the second I hung up, that familiar cringe creeping in. Why do I still do this? Flashbacks of my teenage self popped into my mind—standing in the kitchen, cordless phone in hand, as my mom coached me: “Speak clearly. Leave your number twice. Once at the beginning, once at the end. You never know if they'll miss it.”
And that advice stuck like AIM away messages and *NSYNC lyrics. Even now, in a world where caller ID is automatic and no one even listens to voicemails unless forced, I'm still out here reciting my number like it's 2003.
What's worse is how professional I try to sound while doing it. “Hi, this is Courtney. My number is 555-123-4567. That's 555-123-4567. Call me back when you can!” Click. As the realization sank in, I pictured the person on the other end chuckling, probably thinking, Bless her heart.
But you know what? I'm not even mad about it anymore. Leaving my number twice isn't just a habit—it's a like a relic of a simpler time (can we even say that if it was less than 20 years ago?!), when our biggest concern was if the phone cord could reach around the corner for a little privacy. It's the same part of me that still says “www” before typing a URL and uses “:)" or 'lol” instead of emojis in texts.
So here's to embracing those little quirks that make us who we are. If leaving my number twice screams millennial, well, I'll own it proudly.
And hey, at least they'll always know how to reach me. Twice.
Let's be real: the holidays are magical, but they can also feel like a blur. Between untangling Christmas lights, scrambling for last-minute gifts, and answering emails that should've been on do not disturb, it's easy to lose the sparkle of the season. So, if you're like me—a little frazzled but determined to savor the magic and live this season like we're back in a simpler time where we leave our phone numbers TWICE in the voicemail—this checklist is for you.
Here's how we can slow down, one cozy, millennial-approved step at a time:
1. Put Your Phone in “Silent Night” Mode
Not airplane mode, not do-not-disturb. Silent night mode. It's your reminder to be present. Whether you're baking cookies or watching Elf for the 100th time, the world can wait while you soak it in.
2. Turn Holiday Prep into a Ritual
Instead of rushing through tasks, make them events. Wrap gifts with a Hallmark movie playing in the background. Light a candle that smells like a Christmas tree. Pour hot cocoa (or mulled wine if it's been that kind of day).
3. Say “No” to the Things That Stress You Out
This is the year we're not hosting a Pinterest-perfect cookie exchange if it makes us cry into the royal icing. Give yourself permission to pass on things that don't bring joy. Marie Kondo your holiday commitments.
4. Embrace the Imperfect Moments
Kids knocked the ornaments off the tree? Burnt the first batch of sugar cookies? Laugh about it, because these are the memories that will make you smile in five years.
5. Do Something Just for You
It can be as simple as taking a snowy walk with no destination or binge-watching The Holiday while eating peppermint bark straight from the tin. (No judgment here.)
6. Make Time for Storytelling
Whether it's sharing a memory tied to a special ornament or telling funny holiday mishaps over dinner, let the stories flow. These are the moments that truly make the season special.
7. Start One New Tradition
Maybe it's as small as writing a note to tuck into an ornament box for future you to find. Or hosting a “Pajama Pancake Breakfast” the day after Christmas. Keep it simple, but make it meaningful.
This holiday season, let's give ourselves the gift of presence—and maybe a little peppermint mocha while we're at it.
Ready to Shop Small?
Make this holiday season one to remember by choosing gifts that matter. Download my Holiday Gift Guide for inspiration and explore my Holiday Collection featuring hand-painted ornaments, fine art, and more.
Also these sweatshirts I'm absolutely LIVING in.
I couldn't be more THANKFUL for you this holiday season. I'm so thankful to be invited into your inbox weekly, and so honored for your support. Every bit goes to our family and means the world to us.
My shop went into WINTER MODE December 9, but I'm still shipping ornaments through Monday to ensure Christmas delivery. I have a few left – don't miss these cutie limited edition baubles and Nutcrackers!
And if you want a portrait, this listing is going away after Christmas. Grab yours today before it's gone!
Let's do more with less this holiday season.
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PS: Which tip are you trying first? Or better yet, what's your favorite way to slow down during the holidays? Drop a comment or share your story—I'd love to hear from you!
ICYMI
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