Closing out November

Happy Sacred Sunday!

Just like that, we are closing out November and entering the last month of 2025. Today is the perfect day to carve out some time to notice what November brought and name what you want for December.

As you read this, take a moment to think about: 
What did November bring into your life? What do you hope December holds for you?

The theme we chose for November was N2, which stood for Now and Next. This holiday weekend exemplified this theme.

Back in 2021, our family spent Thanksgiving at my husband’s cousin’s vacation home in Orlando, Florida. We booked an Airbnb nearby for our five fingers, my mom and husband, mother-in-law, and Orlando’s grandparents. This immediately became a tradition we wanted to repeat forever.

One of the main reasons it was so special was the quality time we got to spend in the home with Orlando’s elderly grandparents. Orlando often says, “Each year when the trip is over, I hold my breath and pray that I’ll be able to take my grandparents back next year.”

We were fortunate enough to squeeze in yet another trip this year. But things were different.

First, our cousins could not attend because of unforeseen circumstances, and the celebration ended up being in our Airbnb. Second, although our grandparents seem in good physical condition, the change of environment was very hard on them this time. On Friday morning, Orlando realized the biggest gift he could give his grandma was to take her home. So while we were at the Islands of Adventure, he put them in the car and drove them back to Miami.

Have you ever felt a moment shift, realizing you might be living the last of something precious? The last bedtime story. The last gathering in a favorite place. The last hug before everything changes. Sometimes, we don’t recognize these “lasts” until they become memories.

As the family gathered this Thanksgiving in that rented Airbnb, we knew that there might not be a next time that looked exactly like this.

The week prior, we had debated canceling the trip to Orlando altogether since the rest of the family couldn’t make it. But my husband looked at me wisely and said, “Caro, we must go on this trip. Because right now is all we have. We still have Mama and Papi. Besides, it’s not just about them. We don’t consider that anything can happen, and it could be our last Thanksgiving for any of us, regardless of age or circumstance.”

So even though the trip was different, and in some ways carried an underlying sadness, it was also incredibly beautiful and nostalgic because we were so intentional about enjoying what we had right now.

We also had the joy of surprising my mother with my brother and sister joining us for the first time!

We sat around the table, and each one shared heartfelt gratitude for everyone who was present at that moment in time. We marked the moment with love, laughter, and tears.

Is there someone or something in your own life you want to cherish a little more as the year ends? Is there a tradition, a meal, or a simple moment you want to mark as December sweeps in?

This is what N2 is about. It’s about awareness, intention, and planting seeds. It’s about remembering that what you do now affects who you become tomorrow, and it is your responsibility to act wisely. (This theme was also a good reminder when I was choosing what sides to include on my Thanksgiving plate 🤣!)

One thing is for sure, as I get ready to embrace a new theme for December, I am stacking N2 onto my bank of themes I never want to forget.

If you’re wondering how to close out the year with more intention and meaning, I invite you to  tune in to this week’s Bliss’n Up podcast. The December theme might be exactly the inspiration you need as you set your sights on what’s next.

Now it’s your turn. What will your theme be for December? If you feel called, I’d love to hear what you’re naming or nurturing as we move into this final month together.

Sending you so much love today and every day.