Navigating this Holiday Season
Welcome back to Rainbow Reflections.
It hasn’t been too long since my last newsletter, but so much has happened in just a short time. Between the emotional weight of the election and diving headfirst into what feels like the most intense marketing season of the year, it’s been a lot to process. If you’re feeling the same, I see you. Let’s take a deep breath together before we dive in.
As we’re officially in the Black Friday hustle, I’ve been reflecting on how we can protect our energy and cut through the marketing noise this year. It’s so easy to get swept up in the frenzy of sales and urgency. But what if we made a conscious effort to approach this season differently? Here are a few ways I’m staying mindful, and I hope they inspire you to do the same.
3 Ways to Cut the Marketing Noise This Year
Be Less Online: Log off when you can. Instead of scrolling through a wall of sales-y social media posts, spend time connecting with family and friends, diving into a good book, or even just enjoying a quiet moment with yourself. The internet won't go away if you take a break from it. You can always return to it when you’re ready.
Reconnect with Creativity: Craft, create, or explore something hands-on that brings you joy. Whether it’s journaling, baking, or even a DIY project you’ve been meaning to try, let’s make space for what nourishes us.
Support Local and Small Businesses: Your local community is filled with creators, makers, and dreamers who would love your support. Pop by a local market, shop small, or even recommend your favorite businesses to friends. It’s a powerful way to connect with others while making a meaningful impact.
Shop Black Friday Mindfully
Now, with all of that said, I totally understand that Black Friday can be an incredible opportunity to score deals—especially on things you’ve been eyeing for a while. The key is shopping mindfully. It’s easy to let the excitement of discounts and sales cloud our judgment, but with a little intention, we can make choices that truly serve us.
Before I click “Add to Cart,” I like to reflect on a few guiding questions:
Is this something I truly need?
Has this been on my wishlist for a while?
Will this item bring joy or value to my life or business?
Taking the time to pause and check in with yourself can make a world of difference as a way to combat overconsumption. Shopping mindfully means setting boundaries, like creating a budget or writing a list ahead of time of the items you're choosing to prioritize buying. This way, you’re less likely to be swayed by flashy deals on things you weren’t even considering. (Although, I get it, it's hard. Why do you think I'm writing this newsletter? I need the reminder just as much as you probably do.)
Remember, the goal isn’t to avoid shopping altogether, but to engage with it in a way that aligns with our values and needs. It’s about making intentional choices and feeling good about the purchases we make.
My Black Friday Recommendations
If you’re planning to shop, here are a few things I’m personally excited about this season:
Tools for Your Biz: Flodesk is offering 50% off, and HoneyBook has an amazing sale going on. Standout Squarespace is on its biggest payment plan sale ever — my favorite course to learn to code. Platforms like Canva and Notion often run great deals on pro subscriptions too. If you’ve been waiting to invest in systems or software, this is a great time to see if you can catch a deal on the systems you've been considering.
Creative Supplies: Think journals, pens, art supplies, or anything that will spark creativity. A little inspiration can go a long way and getting these items that you know you'll use throughout the year at a discount is a win win.
Wellness Treats: This is my favorite time of year to stock up on skincare and hair products. These items tend to be discounted heavily this time of year, and are often bundled in holiday gift sets. Keep an eye out for discounts on your favorite self-care essentials to help you save some cash you'd already be spending in the year ahead.
Support Small: It's important to not forget about small businesses in the rush of deals this season! Many small businesses offer thoughtful, unique items and often have special deals this weekend. From handcrafted goods to digital templates, there’s so much magic to explore.
I’ll be sharing any great deals I see and endorse on Instagram, so head over there to stay up to date on specific deals!
Conclusion
No matter how you navigate this season, I hope you find moments of connection and creativity. Remember: you’re allowed to opt out of the frenzy and prioritize what feels good to you. Let’s make this time about more than just shopping—let’s make it about showing up for ourselves and the people we love.
I hope this season brings you mindfulness, clarity and joy.
Wishing you Rainbows,
