This is the (Joy)Cap where I share a weekly reflection or lesson and a roundup of links, recommendations, and everything that’s bringing me joy, inviting you to do the same. Think of this as a weekly coffee date with my close friends. ☕️💕🫶🏾 Join me on a weekly joy hunt and start receiving the (Joy)Cap by subscribing today! ✨
From the outside looking in, this week seemed like a good one. We attended our first First Friday downtown, had a cozy family movie night with holiday snacks, and even picked out a special ornament at the Mistletoe Market to commemorate our first Christmas here in Brunswick. These are the kind of festive moments I want to bottle up and savor.
But behind the scenes, it wasn’t all glitter and lights. The kids skipped their naps (all week), and thugging it out as a solo parent week after week has me feeling stretched thin and tapped out. Mentally, I’ve been struggling to hold onto joy while juggling exhaustion and a pile of emotions I’m still processing.
The Christmas season can be a mix of both cheer and challenge, can’t it? It’s easy to hope for twinkling lights, warm memories, and all the Hallmark feels, but life doesn’t always cooperate. Grief and joy can sit side by side. Christmas cheer and real-life struggles can coexist. And while it’s okay to feel the tension of these dual emotions, it’s even more comforting to remember the unshakable hope we have in Christ.
This week, I’ve been clinging to this verse from Isaiah:
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned.” – Isaiah 9:2
Even when the days feel hard or the season doesn’t look the way we hoped, we can take heart in the truth that Christ is the light that breaks through our darkness. He is our eternal hope and joy, steady and unchanging. So wherever you find yourself this week—whether brimming with Christmas cheer or feeling stretched thin—I pray you’ll find glimpses of His light shining through.
Wishing you hope and joy as we continue through this Advent season. Let’s hold onto His promises together.
What Brought Me Joy ✨
Discovering new playgrounds with the kids. Last Wednesday, the kids and I visted a playground new to us near the house on Blythe Island. Now that I know it’s nearby, it is going to be one of our mainstays.
Finding the kids’ hot chocolate cups. A few years ago, my mom had brought my oldest, Kaiden, a mini tumbler for hot chocolate at Hobby Lobby. Now, that the twins are older, I wanted to find them one for Christmas family movie nigths and when we take them to ride around and see Christmas lights. I was happy to find two more tumblers this past Friday at Hobby Lobby, and we put them to use that night.
Attending our first First Friday. Every first Friday of the month, the city shuts down the streets downtown and hosts food trucks, vendors, and live music. This past Friday, we attended our first Friday, which started off with Storytime with the Grinch at the library with a live band playing Christmas carols to follow. Afterwards, we ventured onto the downtown streets to take in the scene and the lights. Afterwards, I ended up grabbing a pizza to take home for our movie night, and we ended the night watching the classic Grinch, drinking our hot chocolate. It was a perfect ending to cap off a great night.
Checking out the Mistletoe Market at St. Simons. On Saturday, we headed over to St. Simons to check out the Mistletoe Market, a market with local artisans and vendors. I wanted to find a special ornament to commemorate our first Christmas here, and I found a few to choose from. I ended up going with this snowman ornament made with handblown seaglass.
5. A Trader Joe’s run for holiday goodies. On Sunday, my husband was off and I needed some me-time, so I hopped in the car and cruised to Trader Joe’s over on Jax Beach. It was a little over an hour away, which isn’t nothing if you’re used to driving 45+ min in Atlanta traffic 🤪. I got some much needed me-time, and picked up some holiday favorites (i.e. Candy Cane Green Tea and Winter Wake Up Tea) and some skin care products I’ve been meaning to try.
I am going through TheDawn of Redeeming Grace with She Reads Truth this Advent. In addition to the scripture readings, I love that they feature crafts, recipes, playlists, and podcast episodes. I do their Advent studies every year.
I’m always sharing my thoughts in real time on Fable and Instagram. For ratings and reviews, check out my Goodreads.
Currently Listening 🎧
I haven’t listened to many podcasts lately, but I’ve been loving these Advent episodes with She Reads Truth. Each episode focuses on the themes of Advent — hope, peace, joy, and love. While the podcasts center around the reading, you don’t need to read the study to listen to these episodes. I found myself yessing and amening while listening to both of these episodes. They are equally convicting, as they are encouraging, as we are reminded of Christ our eternal hope and joy this Advent season.
I would love to hear from you! What brought you joy this week? Leave a comment, or send me a direct message!
The Life Designer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Can’t afford a paid subscription to The Life Designer but still want to support my work? Here are some ways to consider:
☕️ Buy me a coffee to receive a one-time one-month comp. ❤️ Comment, like, or restack this post here on Substack. 🔄 Restack or share your favorite part of this post to your Substack Notes. 📧 Forward this email to a friend. 📲 Connect with me on IG @janelleaking and LinkedIn
My son played the piano in church 🥰