Ahhh, the excitement and anticipation of a New Year. As you know, we don’t like to use the “r” word around here (ahem, resolutions), but we do like to take a moment around this time to think about where we want to be in the months ahead.

The reason? Sometimes life can get so hectic that the days and weeks just sail on by. Then, at some point it hits.

The holidays are here, bringing magic, good tidings and cheer.

On behalf of our small (yet mighty!) Savvy Miss team I want to take a moment and thank you for welcoming us into your inbox and life. This has been an exciting past few months for us and we look forward to getting to know you more.

Here are four ways to make your holidays even brighter:

2019 is around the corner, and with the excitement of where we’d like the new year to take us, it’s easy to forget all that this year has done for us.

We here at Savvy Miss have never been big fans of resolutions, but we do know the importance of taking inventory of each year we say goodbye to.

What’s taking inventory, you may be wondering?

When it’s cold outside, nothing sounds better than putting on your coziest pair of sweats and snuggling up on the couch with a good book — or a cheesy holiday movie on Netflix (we get it!).

But you know those holiday parties glaring at you in your calendar? Before you start texting, “So sorry, can’t make it.” you might want to reconsider — and at least go to a few.

Each year it’s the same story — you have every intention of giving the most thoughtful holiday gifts, but if you’re like us, you end up making a mad dash to the mall in hopes of finding sentimental last-minute gifts.

This year, we’ve got your back, Savvy. Discover these truly meaningful gift ideas that we know your family and friends will love. You may even want to treat yourself to them too! 

We would say happy Black Friday, but a day filled with fighting over electronics and waiting in long lines isn’t our idea of a good time. What is? Doing something good this season. 

We’re not talking about buying your mom the sweater she’s been eyeing, or your sister that cozy robe that screams hygge.

Nope, we’re suggesting you give the ultimate meaningful gift: Your time, spent volunteering.

Giving thanks is like screaming to the universe, “Yes! Give me more of what I want please, thank you.”

An attitude of gratitude is key to manifesting goodness in our lives and little or big, we can always find something to be thankful for when we try.

In honor of Thanksgiving (and because it just feels so good!), add the following simple exercise to your daily routine and watch yourself feel lighter and brighter.

There’s nothing better than being with someone who truly gets you.

Still, sometimes life takes over, and you find yourself living with your partner, but not truly connecting. Your conversations center around what you have to get done that day or week, and when your partner drops the ball, it’s all you can think about.

That translates into frustration, and perhaps treating each other worse than you’d really like.

Next week is a big one: election week. On Tuesday, if you only cross off one thing on your to-do list, make sure it’s to VOTE!

Whether you follow politics religiously or only have a vague idea who your congressperson is, now’s the time to study the issues, solidify your opinions and weigh in with your ballot.

It’s true what they say: Every vote counts.