Connecting with Intention
Co-founder Rebecka Jodeit has a gift for bringing people together and this season she’s getting creative when it comes to spreading good cheer.
Graceful Spaces’ Co-Founder Rebecka Jodeit is as passionate about organizing as she is about seeing families’ lives transformed by peace and order.
As someone who prizes quality time and relationships, Rebecka considers organization essential to effortless hospitality—particularly at this time of year.
We asked Rebecka to share her advice for making intentional connections this holiday season.
People > Things
I am constantly reminding my kids, as they’re learning how to share and do life with others, people are more important than things. I think we need that reminder more than ever during the holidays.
Connecting with others fills our souls in a way that items can’t.
Set yourself up to be present in the moment.
It’s a silly reminder, but I’ve got to put away my phone and avoid other distractions. Being present in the moment allows me to go deeper in conversation beyond the easy, surface-level stuff. I love walking away from an interaction feeling like I know how a friend is feeling—not just what she’s doing.
Know your limits (and hold to them!).
I’ve realized over the years that I’m not my best self when I attend too many events in one short amount of time. My most meaningful connections happen when I’m one-on-one in a peaceful environment. I love going for walks on the weekend with a sweet friend, or chatting outside on the patio when things are quiet.
Make family moments count.
I’m learning how important family dinners are every night—even when they’re chaotic and I’m having to repeat, “no cartwheels while eating, let’s stay at the table!” Just enjoying a great meal with one another is an opportunity for consistent connection.
Embrace simplicity.
Invite a friend to hang out on the back porch for a mug of hot cocoa or tea. Let your kids each invite a friend over for a small cookie decorating party.
Think outside the box when it comes to social distancing—maybe your kids would enjoy decorating their bikes and meeting friends outside to go for a holiday bike ride.
Find the silver lining in this Covid-Christmas.
This year will look different, but I feel like it’s going to create more opportunities for small gatherings and family movie nights. Even being at home together, decorating the house as a family, as opposed to being pulled in different directions, is going to make for some sweet memories.
Celebrate in spirit—even if not face to face.
Our holiday gathering will be smaller this year, so we’re getting creative when it comes to letting loved ones know we’re thinking of them. Send a handwritten letter with a list of all the sweet memories you’ve enjoyed from holidays past. Or load up the car on Christmas morning and drop off a special care package. I love the idea of sending a gift that represents all of the five senses—something that reminds the recipient of the smell of Christmas, the taste of Christmas, etc., incorporating favorite memories and traditions so it’s as if you’re together.