2025 Word of the Year

On January 10, 2025, Roswell, Georgia awoke to snow!  It was the first time since 2022 it had snowed, and maybe even longer since there was enough snow within which to play.  School was canceled the day before the snowfall with anticipation the weathermen were correct in their predictions, so we all canceled our alarms and settled in for a cozy winter's sleep.  Waking up lazily to a world blanketed with pristine snow quickly got me into a romantic mood.  We all bundled up for sledding and, upon returning home, I set out to write my penpals, whom I had not written in several months.

Cozied up in my office with candles burning and my new favorite Spotify playlist playing, I brought out my stationery, wax seal kit, and the recent letters from my 10 penpals. Over the next three days, I leisurely completed the letters while taking breaks to catch up on Jennifer L. Scott's The Daily Connoisseur YouTube channel.  Jennifer always provides so much inspiration and very little time had passed before I started pondering my word for the year.  The winter fairyland outside and the coziness inside was so perfect and caused me to remember how in the past I was so conscientious of romanticizing many aspects of my life.

There was about 15 months that we lived with Chris' parents in their lovely terrace-level basement.   As lovely as it was, it was still relatively small compared to the 5 bedroom/3 bathroom house where we had previously lived.  I decided very early on to not dwell at the lack of space, but rather adopt a mindset of living in a smaller space (which, let's be honest, was PLENTY of space) as comparable to living in a Parisian apartment.  We had one bathroom and I can remember the first time this concept of a type of "make-believe" mindset came to me.  I was sitting in the tub with Fiona and I thought, how very "French" of us that we're living in a one-bedroom, one-bathroom appartement.  Thinking back on this moment, I started to wonder how many more elements of daily life which I could shift my mindset to that of a more romantic one.

I'll be the first to say, life is B.U.S.Y.  Between starting a new business and the children's busy schedules, it had become so easy to make life utilitarian- basically, doing the bare minimum to get by, paying the bills, and making sure everyone is fed and to appointments on time (or, at least, close to on time).  Even though these tasks need to be completed regardless of what mindset we're in, living in a frenzied, hurried, "get it done and check the box!" mindset, in my mind, is the opposite of romanticizing one's life.  

So what are ways I can romanticize my daily life?  One daily task that feels so not chic is the morning carpool.  Fiona's school starts WAY too early and for the majority of the school year, we leave our house in the dark every morning.  Since her school is also too far for us to (romantically) walk, I decided that regardless weather*, upon returning home from dropping her off, I will head out on a brisk walk around the block.  Watching the neighborhood slowly wake up while listening to the birds chirping their morning "hello's" brings me out of the hurry of morning routines and settles me before I return inside to continue my morning.

Another habit I've re-adopted is to ALWAYS have music playing... and most often, the music playing is either classical music or actual soundtrack music.  Little Women, Pride and Prejudice, and Downton Abbey have some of the most romantic soundtracks that now also accompany me as I drive around town, sit down to work, or get ready for the day.  This simple habit does wonders to elevate my mood and bring me out of a utilitarian mindset.

Letter writing has always been a favorite pastime of mine.  My grandmother was my first pen pal and we would exchange letters weekly!  Through different programs such as The Chic Society and The Enchanted Book Club PenPal Exchange, I've been able to indulge in this romantic pastime.  Using elegant stationery, whimsical stickers, and special wax seals, this activity is easily romanticized!

Finally, a habit I have started leaning into is using more indirect light throughout the house.  Every room has lamps and candles and all family members are (gently) encouraged to not use the harsh overhead lighting unless necessary.  This romantic lighting helps to keep the mood dreamy, cozy, and romantic.  The children have caught on and enjoy the indirect lighting.  Chris has been a bit slower to adapt.

Do you have a word of the year?  Are you a letter-writer?  How do you bring romanticism into your everyday life?  I'd love to hear!

*Disclaimer: I will walk if it is raining and I will walk if it is cold, but I will NOT walk if it is both rainy and cold.