Sara Salisbury’s Post

Today is Christmas Eve. 🎄 A day of joy—but also tenderness. For many, the holidays highlight what’s missing: An empty chair.  A silent voice.  A love now cherished only in memory. In my years working in home care, and supporting families as they cared for elderly loved ones, I’ve witnessed the profound impact of loss. 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙙𝙮𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙘 𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙛𝙩𝙨. Some moments feel quieter. Some traditions feel heavier. And yet, I’ve seen remarkable resilience, as well as the love in how families adapt, honor, and heal. If you’re missing someone this season: • Hold tight to the love they shared—it lives on in you. • Create new traditions to honor their memory and celebrate their legacy. • Allow yourself space to feel joy and sorrow side by side—they can coexist. And if your loved ones are still here,  take the lesson I’ve learned from countless families: Don’t wait... ... Say the words. ... Give a hug. ... Share a laugh. 𝘼𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙙𝙤𝙢 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙪𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧-𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙤 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙚. The empty chair may never be filled,  but the love that once occupied it can inspire new ways, to connect and cherish those around us. Let’s make this Christmas Eve one to remember—not for what’s missing—but for the love that remains and grows. 𝘞𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵, 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺. 

🎄✨ Keep the Christmas Spirit Alive! ✨🎄 The holiday hustle and bustle might be winding down, but the true essence of Christmas doesn’t have to fade. Let’s carry the joy, love, and reflection into the quieter days ahead. Here’s how to continue celebrating Christmas in your heart: 1️⃣ Receive the gift of each new day. 🕊️ Take 5 quiet minutes daily to reflect on your blessings. Gifts aren’t just under the tree—they’re unfolding in your life every day. Will you notice them? 💝 2️⃣ Rest and renew. 😌 Step back from strict routines and give yourself permission to rest. Your habits will be ready for you in the new year, and you’ll return with fresh energy. 🛌✨ 3️⃣ Reflect on the year. 📖 Look back on 2024. What did you learn? What do you want to let go of? What are you excited for in 2025? Let this transition be a time of gratitude and growth. 🌟 4️⃣ Find someone to love and serve. ❤️ Many feel a post-holiday lull or even sadness. Be a light to someone in need—a cup of coffee ☕, helping with decorations 🎁, or just lending a listening ear can bring joy and hope. This season doesn’t have to end—it can live on in our hearts and actions. 🌟 Let’s carry the peace, love, and joy of Christmas into every day. Who’s with me? 🤝✨ #ChristmasSpirit #Gratitude #Reflection #LoveAndServe #NewYearNewBlessings

🎁 Reflect on your Meaning of Christmas: Amidst the excitement of gift-giving, holiday parties, and festive decorations, take time as a family to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Whether your focus is on love, togetherness, spiritual reflection, or giving to those in need, discussing the deeper significance of the holiday helps everyone stay connected to what matters most. This reflection can take the form of a family discussion, a shared story, or simply a quiet moment of gratitude. By centring your holiday celebrations around these meaningful themes, you create a more fulfilling and connected Christmas experience for everyone. #TrueMeaningOfChristmas #FamilyWellbeing

🎅 Family Moments this Christmas 🎅 The magic of Christmas is all about family, traditions, and creating memories that last a lifetime. On Christmas Eve, I had the honour of playing Santa for my two young sons as we prepared for the big night. Reindeer food in hand, they were so excited to make sure Santa and his reindeer knew exactly where to land! Moments like these remind me what this season is truly about. It’s great seeing how much they enjoyed it and how excited they were. Taking a step back from the hustle and bustle of life, spending time with my family makes everything else fall into perspective. It’s these special, fleeting moments that motivate me to work hard and build a future where we can enjoy more of them. As we wind down from the festivities and come into a new year, I hope you’ve all had a chance to soak up some family time, share a few laughs, and make your own magical memories that you can cherish forever! From our family to yours, here’s to cherishing what matters most. How did you spend your Christmas Eve? Share your favourite traditions in the comments below, we’d love to hear them and maybe copy them if they are good ones 😉. #FamilyFirst #ChristmasMagic #MakingMemories #WorkLifeBalance #EnterkineInvestments #FestiveSeason #FamilyTraditions #Motivation #CherishTheMoment

🎄 From Glitter to Meaning: Rethinking Christmas with Fresh Eyes 🎁 The gifts are unwrapped, the tree is still glowing, and somewhere, a Santa hat is living its best life. 🎅 Before we dive into the new year, let’s take a moment to reflect: What if Christmas wasn’t just about traditions, but about the meaning behind them? Why do we give gifts? To show love. Why do we gather? To connect. Why do we hang ornaments? Let’s be honest, probably just because they’re shiny. ✨ Here’s the fun part: When you question the “why,” you unlock the magic. And next year, you could: 🎁 Trade the “meh” gifts for experiences they’ll talk about all year. 🌟 Create quirky, new traditions that are so you. (Eggnog karaoke, anyone?) 💬 Design moments that bring more laughter, joy, and connection. First Principles Thinking teaches us to peel back the layers, find what matters most, and build something extraordinary. Why not apply it to Christmas? So, as the twinkling lights fade and the last of the cookies “mysteriously” disappear 🍪, think about it: What will you keep? What will you reinvent? Because here’s the secret: The spirit of Christmas, connection, joy, love, never needs to end. 🎄✨ Let’s carry that magic into 2025 and beyond. And if you didn’t get socks this year, don’t worry. Santa’s taking notes. 🧦 #FirstPrinciplesThinking #MerryChristmas #JoyfulReflection #HappyHolidays

🎄 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗺𝗮 🎄 I adore Christmas—the ambiance, the traditions, the music. You’ve probably seen me write about this before. Yet, sometimes, that cherished holiday spirit feels... elusive. The busier the year, the harder it becomes to embrace the season's joy. And let’s face it—it shouldn’t be hard, should it? This year, it was a fleeting moment in the car, singing my Christmas song of all time (Do They Know It’s Christmas?) with a loved one, that sparked the first glimmer of festive magic. It came later in the season than I’d hoped, but I cherish every one of those small moments. And the ultimate catalyst? Handwriting Christmas cards. 📬 For over two decades, I’ve kept this tradition alive. Yes, it can feel like another task on an endless to-do list, but it’s a fulfilling one. Taking the time to express love and gratitude for the amazing people in my life always feels worth it. And, as I’ve realized, it serves at least three powerful purposes: 1️⃣ 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 to wonderful people. 2️⃣ 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 for shared moments and achievements. 3️⃣ 𝗥𝗲𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝘃𝗶𝗯𝗲 and festive spirit. If you need the 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸 to listen to while writing your Christmas cards or doing other Christmas spirit–invoking activities, check out my personal playlist recommendation in the first comment below! 🎶 Do you have a similar tradition? Or other ways you reconnect with the holiday spirit amidst the chaos? Let’s share and inspire each other! 🎅✨ #ChristmasTraditions #HandwrittenCards #HolidaySpirit #Gratitude #PersonalGrowth

Christmas: The Choices of a Day Today is Christmas—a day of celebration, reflection, and connection. I started my morning with gratitude, acknowledging the gift of another year and the love that surrounds me. Then came the choice: How do I spend this day meaningfully? My routine was simple. I decided to: 1. Spend the morning helping to prepare a family meal. 2. Dedicate the afternoon to reconnecting with old friends through calls. 3. Reserve the evening for quiet reflection with a journal and a book. The choices seemed wholesome, but as the day unfolded, I noticed limitations in my decisions. Why did I choose simplicity over grand gestures? Was it fear of overstretching myself, or was it genuine contentment with quiet celebrations? Did I spend too much time planning the day, instead of being fully present in each moment? In prioritizing family and friends, did I leave room for solitude or moments to connect with strangers in need? By focusing on tradition, did I miss the opportunity to create something new—something more fulfilling? Christmas is a paradox of choice. We celebrate joy, yet sometimes the weight of our decisions leaves us feeling less than joyful. Today’s routine reminds me that meaningful moments often lie beyond what’s planned. Perhaps next Christmas, I’ll leave the schedule a bit more open—to spontaneity, to unexpected connections, and to the quiet whisper of the day itself. Found this insightful? Share to inspire someone today! #BECOMPETENT #MRCOMPETENT #BECOMPETENT

Finding the True Magic of Christmas in Gratitude Some days, I don’t have the strength to show up. This festive season weighed heavily on me because there was so much I wanted to do for my loved ones. Amid it all, I lost the magic of what Christmas truly means. But you know what? That shouldn’t be the case! I’m choosing to be grateful to God for the simple, beautiful moments—like having an amazing time just chilling with my family. Christmas isn’t about the hustle; it’s about the love, peace, and joy we share. Tips to Reignite the Christmas Spirit: Focus on Presence, Not Presents – It’s easy to get caught up in what we didn’t do. But remember, your presence is the greatest gift you can give. Let Go of Perfection – Things won’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. What matters is the connection, not perfection. Slow Down and Reflect – Take time to breathe and reflect on the blessings around you. Gratitude has a way of restoring the magic. Create Simple, Memorable Moments – It’s not about big gestures. Sometimes, it’s the small moments of laughter and love that mean the most. Remember the Reason – Amid the busyness, don’t forget the true meaning of Christmas—love, hope, and faith. Let that be your anchor. Let’s all take a step back, breathe, and appreciate the beauty in what is. The magic is still there, we just need to slow down and embrace it. #GratitudeFirst #ChristmasMagic #FamilyTime #FocusOnLove #EmbraceTheMoment #FindingJoy 🎄💫❤️🙏

What if the greatest gift you could give this Christmas was the light that shines from within you?      As the world sparkles with festive lights, let’s take a moment to reflect on the most radiant light of all—the one within you. Christmas is a time of love, connection, and giving, but it’s also an invitation to align with the deeper harmony of your mind, body, and soul.    Intelligent Beauty teaches us that true radiance begins from within. It’s the glow of a heart filled with gratitude, the calm of a centered mind, and the vitality of a body nourished with love and care. When you nurture this inner alignment, you naturally share your light with others in a way that inspires, uplifts, and connects.    This holiday, let’s honor the teachings of the heart:    𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁-𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲: Focus on the simple joys—a shared smile, a heartfelt hug, or the warmth of loved ones gathered together. These moments fill your heart and amplify your inner beauty.    𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴:   Whether it’s your time, kindness, or presence, giving from a place of authenticity creates connections that nurture both you and those around you.    𝗣𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Amid the festivities, find a quiet moment to breathe deeply and tune into your heart. Reflect on the love in your life and the values that guide you, setting the tone for the year ahead.    Christmas isn’t just about what’s under the tree—it’s about what’s in your heart. When you align with your inner light, you bring more than joy to the season; you embody the spirit of peace, connection, and beauty that makes this time so magical.    How will you share your inner glow with the world this Christmas? 

As Christmas gets closer, it’s a good moment to pause and reflect. For me, it’s about spending time with my loved ones and valuing the memory of those who aren’t with us. It’s also a time to reflect on what we’ve accomplished and what we hope to achieve in the coming year. I have found the purpose in my life but I also need short-term goals. And what new traditions could you start this year? They often come spontaneously, and they don’t have to be complicated—sometimes the simplest things leave the deepest impression. If you are far from family, as many of us are, it’s a reminder that “home” is something we can create wherever we are. Whether it’s sharing a meal with friends, meeting someone new, or even enjoying your own company, the important thing is to live this season in a way that feels meaningful to you. Christmas isn’t about getting everything perfect—it’s about love, sharing, and reflection. It’s also a time of mixed emotions. Life is rarely just one thing: it’s joy and sadness, closeness and distance, all at once, and we navigate it as best we can. Let’s take this time to slow down, look around, and appreciate what we do have. Tell someone you love them, smile at a stranger—yes, Finns do love eye contact and smiles—or simply enjoy a quiet moment with a glögi and candles. #ChristmasReflection #HolidaySeason #JoyAndConnection #MeaningfulMoments #HomeIsWhereYouAre #NewTraditions #CherishTheSimpleThings #ChristmasSpirit #SlowDownAndReflect #LoveAndGratitude