The holidays are here—a season filled with laughter, love, and cherished traditions. It’s a time when families and friends come together, creating moments we hold close to our hearts for years to come. Yet, as women, how often do we find ourselves on the sidelines, behind the camera, capturing everyone else’s memories but not being part of them?
This year, I want to remind you of something incredibly important: get in the picture.
For so many of us, it’s easy to stand back, to focus on making sure everything looks perfect or that everyone else is having a good time. We snap the photos, organize the moments, and ensure the memories are made—but we often forget to include ourselves in those moments. Why?
Maybe it’s self-consciousness, maybe we don’t feel “photo-ready,” or maybe we’ve just fallen into the habit of putting others first. Whatever the reason, I want you to let it go this holiday season.
Why It Matters
Getting in the picture isn’t just about having a visual reminder of the day—it’s about showing yourself and others that you matter. Your presence matters. By stepping into the frame, you’re saying, “I am worth being here, worth being remembered, worth being celebrated.”
It’s also a message to those you love. When your children, grandchildren, or friends look back on these photos years from now, they won’t be critiquing your hair or your outfit. They’ll see you. They’ll remember the warmth of your smile, the joy in your eyes, and the love you brought to that moment. These pictures will evoke stories, laughter, and memories that keep you close to their hearts even when you’re not physically there.
Give Yourself Permission
This holiday season, I want to encourage you to give yourself permission to be part of the memories you’re creating. Put yourself in the frame. Laugh, smile, and even embrace those candid moments that feel imperfect. Because those imperfections are what make life beautiful.
Be Present
Being in the picture is also about being present. It’s about embracing the moment fully, not worrying about whether the napkins match or if the turkey’s perfectly browned. It’s about celebrating you as part of the magic of the holidays.
This season, let’s make a pact to value ourselves as much as we value the memories we’re creating for others. Let’s teach the next generation that self-worth includes taking up space in the moments that matter most.
So, grab that silly holiday sweater, pull your loved ones close, and jump into the photo. Because you, my dear, are worth remembering. And that’s all that truly matters.
With love and holiday cheer,
Melissa
15 comments
Thank you for your kind and honest words, they really resonated with me, and you are so so right, we do spend our time making it perfect for everyone else. Here’s too making it count and to be in the present. Have the most beautiful Christmas Melissa with much love🫶🥂
Hi
I always enjoy reading everything on your site. It takes me back to when I used to spend time at my Grandmothers. My aunts would bake bread, Bake and also cook Sunday dinners. They knitted and made clothes too. My grandad had an allotment with vegetables and fruit and i loved spending time there. I liked the fact that the sunday dinner had grandads vegetables and the dessert was baked by my aunts. I loved watching little house on the praise too a lot. One of my favourite. Michael landon was always so kind. He reminded me of my dad how he showed good from bad. I hope that the traditions of our families live on and we never lose them. I always try to show my grandchildren the things i did, so they pass on our heritage. Love your site. Its really interesting.
Linda
Sooo True! ☺️Thank You for the Inspiring words ! ❤️They evoke the good kind of self awareness.. While I love & respect family traditions, it can be difficult celebrating them without feeling sad. So, because my husband & I have hardly any relatives left, I decided we needed to give ourselves permission to create new traditions for ourselves. Such as “Christmas Light Night Driving” followed by Hot cocoa stop at a fave resturant: reminiscent of my grandparents driving me around showing me all the Christmas lights & decorations around our town. That tradition began when I was a toddler & now, at age 55, I truly feel as " warm and bright" as then,never forgetting that feeling. So another reminder is always helpful NOT to get caught up in what doesn’t matter.
I will be brave and do it.
Three of my grandchildren have just moved 2300 miles away from me, so this year is going to be tough. Feeling so sentimental, I turned on LHOTP! Watching you as Half Pint again fills me with sweet tenderness, and not just a few tears. Today is soup on the stove, fire in the fireplace, Christmas crochet and an afternoon with you and the Little House family❤️