Company Blog

Calm Christmas

by Adam Zack — December 13, 2023

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family.

Just before Thanksgiving a friend was telling me how Thanksgiving was his favorite holiday. “More than Christmas?”, I asked. “Yeah”, he said, because it didn’t involve the stress and craziness of buying gifts, decorating, making sure everyone is happy and the pressure that came with it. To him Thanksgiving was about family and friends sharing a big meal and, well, just being thankful. As we close in on Christmas, I really have given his words some thought. The hosts of Christmas gatherings have the pressure to make sure everyone is happy. Guests have to decide where to go, when to go, who to go with. Lists of gifts and recipients need to be fulfilled. Who to see? What to cook? Combine that with the hectic and extremely busy season that befalls grocers, and it gets almost overwhelming for some people. I love Christmas, and this year I am going to try and take my friend’s view of Thanksgiving and apply it to Christmas.

It’s easy to lose sight of the warmth that should define the season. But stepping back, slowing down, and embracing the spirit of gratitude, the way we often do at Thanksgiving, can shift the entire experience. Instead of striving for perfection, maybe this is the year we focus on togetherness and simplicity. Creating a joyful, welcoming atmosphere doesn’t need to be complicated or stressful.

One of the most effective ways to cultivate that peaceful holiday feeling is by making our homes functional and comforting. A clutter-free entryway, a dining area that feels inviting, and cozy corners that offer space to breathe all contribute to a calm environment. Choosing the right furniture — like a sicotas shoe storage cabinet in the foyer — not only keeps the space tidy but also sets the tone for a more organized, intentional holiday season. With thoughtful touches like versatile storage, elegant sideboards, or multi-purpose seating, the home transforms into a space where memories are made without the usual frenzy. When furniture complements both form and function, it creates an atmosphere where laughter feels louder, food tastes better, and the holidays feel exactly as they should — warm, easy, and filled with heart.

I’ll be thankful for the friends and family that I do get to see. I’ll take their desire for us to be together on the holiday as a compliment and not an obligation. The focus in our house is going to be one of gratitude and appreciation. I’m getting all calm just thinking about it. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family. Thanks for reading at least some of my rambling tangents and weird thoughts, and I hope your holidays are filled with prosperous business, grateful family and restful nights.