This year we decided not to get a Christmas tree. It was a decisive and deliberate decision. My latest hobby has been bringing our tired houseplants back to life.

Instead of decorating the Christmas tree I decided to decorate the rooms in our home!


Ever since we took the screens out of our bedroom we have both been sleeping more soundly. Do you remember how I was talking about struggling with insomnia and stress the past few weeks? Well, taking the computer screens out of our room has been life-changing (we have never had a tv living in our room).
My goal for Christmas was for it to be stress-free so we didn’t worry too much about Christmas shopping. I even smoked a joint for the very first time. I think it will be one of those “once in a blue moon” instances 🙂

I spent a lot of time coding, praying, meditating, and doing yoga and it gave me a chance to regroup and renew. On Christmas Eve my bf and I even learned a photoshop program to illustrate a book.
We had a beautiful white Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and Christmas day was even more chill than the day before. I am proud of the fact that we mainly ate healthy meals!



Last night’s nightcap had no nutritional value, but sometimes you gotta live a little, right?
This Christmas was nontraditional to say the least, but it was a nice little change of pace and caused us no stress which was the goal.
Also, I think it was the first Christmas in my entire life that I didn’t eat a single bite of chocolate. Usually on Christmas Eve and Christmas day you can find me stuffing my mouth with cookies, chocolate, and every goodie in sight so it was so nice to do things differently this year!
Even still, I must pay homage to all the festive Christmases we have celebrated in the past years!
2014:
2015:
2016:
2017:
I feel so blessed to be healthy again and I am looking forward to what the future holds!
How was your Christmas and how did you spend it? Were you on a beach? In the mountains? At church? Surrounded by family? Or on your own. Please comment below to tell me about your adventures. I would love to hear all about them!!!
Love, Joy, and Blessings Always,
❤ Alana Xoxoxo
Is smoking a joint legal where you live? Hahaha. I’m glad you had fun with a very chill Christmas! It looks like you really enjoyed your time even it was different compared to before. As for me, I wasn’t excited at all for the holiday season. It reminded me of my dad and it sucks! I did try to make the best of it but it looks like it didn’t work. Maybe next year will be different for me. 🙂 All the best! ❤
Hi Kat!
Yes, in Washington state recreational marijuana is legal and we have shops everywhere. I’m not a pothead or anything :). I am so sorry about your dad 😦 my Dad’s health has been rapidly declining especially recently and it makes me sad to think that this may be his last Christmas.
I really hope this time of year next year will be a lot better for you. You are going to be married and will get to celebrate some firsts 🙂
❤
I didn’t think you were a pothead! It’s just uncommon for me to see someone take a picture and post it online that’s why I asked!!! Just make the most out of it! I remember when my dad was still alive your dad was already having problems…but look at him now, still fighting! ❤️ I am truly excited for next year, watch out for all my cheesy posts, lol!
🙂 I am so excited to see your upcoming posts! Do you have fun plans for New Years Eve/Day?! ❤