Hello, and happy (future) Christmas! It’s Christmas Eve today, so I’ve got a special Motivational Monday related to family, holidays… and a while ton of milk jugs!

My inspiration for the week is really close to home. My sister-in-law, Ashley, and my brother-in-law, Brian. For the past two years they’ve thrown a magical Christmas party aimed at including everyone and making sure we all have a good time.

There’s food via potluck, a hot chocolate bar, and usually some alcohol (if you choose). There’s plenty of seating, music and simple but beautiful decorations. However, this is not my (or my kid’s) favorite part of their party. Each year they spend extra time thinking of something to do for the kids to inspire holiday cheer. They make sure it’s something that anyone can enjoy (regardless of their status on Santa existing or religious beliefs).

This year it was an igloo. Correction. It was an EPIC igloo made from milk jugs.

Everyone was amazed at the igloo, and all the children’s faces lit up when they saw it. (I couldn’t resist smiling either - and I knew what she was doing BEFORE I saw it!) It was a wonderful gift to everyone, a true labor of love.

And that’s why Brian and Ashley are my Motivational Monday. Each year Brian gives up his garage and helps Ashley with whatever she needs to make the party happen. Ashley brings the holiday cheer in a way that I’ve never seen anyone do before.

She is my goal for next year. Not to throw an epic holiday party, or to make friends with coffee baristas for free empty milk jugs, but how she makes sure to take time to celebrate the little things - like the kids’ smile from a life-size igloo. My in-laws don’t rush to all the parties, instead they throw one to see everyone, and prioritize spending time with each other to let the other know how much they are appreciated.

Those are my holiday goals for next year - to slow down and appreciate my little family of four. Forget the fast pace that everyone makes you feel you need to keep up with. Christmas is about love, magic and the occasional hot chocolate by the tree when the kids go to bed.

Thank you Brian and Ashley for being wonderful to all of us each year. You are both amazing!