Family First: Knitting together joy and connection amid life’s beautiful chaos

This year has been an incredible whirlwind—three trips across the country to see my children and their milestones, including fabulous days in San Diego with Katie and Colton, three precious weeks in Seattle for the birth of Elizabeth’s baby, five celebratory days in Oregon for Colton’s college graduation, and a beautiful trip to France with him. Then, of course, came Johnny’s rehearsal dinner and wedding, filled with love and laughter. And all of that before Thanksgiving!

Add in our first annual Crazy for Ewe team retreat, plus all the regular business commitments like newsletters, podcasts, Flock Talks, and classes, and the the holiday hustle of planning, decorating, shopping, and cooking—I love it all, but it’s been a lot. 

And yet, as messy and unfinished as it all feels at times, I have to remind myself of what truly matters. It’s not about tying every bow perfectly or checking off every last item on my endless to do list.  It’s about prioritizing the things that bring the most joy, meaning, and connection.

For me, that’s family. It’s always family. Whether it’s my own family, my team (which is pretty much family) or my team's family, this time of year reminds me that our most important work is the care and keeping of those we love.

The truth is that no one will remember whether every detail was perfect. What they will remember is the warmth of shared moments, the time spent together, and the love that fills the air. They’ll remember the laughter over a meal, the stories we tell, and the little traditions we keep alive.

So as we move through this holiday season, let’s allow ourselves to embrace the in-process mess. Let’s focus on what truly matters: the people we love and the connections we nurture. Because in the end, the lopsided bows and imperfect projects fade away, but the memories we make and the love we share last forever.

Let’s give ourselves permission to let go of perfection and hold onto what’s most important. And if that means a little less gets done, that’s okay. After all, life is not about getting everything perfect—it’s about cherishing the moments that matter most.

Wishing you and your the best this upcoming holiday season.

Warmly,

Ellen