We can wrap our presents with a tidy, red bow. But, that’s not how we might be wrapping up this year… or a recent chapter in our lives. 

And this is all very normal.

In fact, I’m realizing it’s not only normal, it’s very common.  We can be expectant about a new chapter, or a new year all while reconciling the messiness of our previous chapter. 

I learned how to deal with this life lesson quite a bit after losing my job at ABC News back in 2020…I was so expectant about what was next, but still mourning how things ended. 

Not all endings will have that tidy, red bow. Some of them will be really messy. But it doesn’t take away from the goodness that lies ahead in our next chapter. 

That’s something that Julie Chen Moonves, host of Big Brother, and I explore a lot in the most recent episode of my show. Her ending at CBS’s The Talk was really messy and dark. She told me she didn’t know who had her back, who her friends were, or who to trust. But, it led her to where she is now, a place filled with unexpected joy and blessing. 

As I reflect on this year, I’ll give you my HIGH-LOW-BUFFALO. Which is something we do either in the car or at the dinner table. We talk about our high, our low, and a random/funny (the buffalo). 

HIGH: Experiencing college sporting events with our crew — We went to several college football games and to the famed Cameron Indoor basketball arena at Duke University. I also loved launching my two books this year. 

LOW: My mom. This has been a really tough year. She’s had one ailment after the next and has struggled this year, recovering from debilitating seizures. And she had to move out of her home, our childhood home, which was really emotional for everyone. So many of us are in the stage where we begin to parent our parents and that’s a stressful place to be. Also, I miss her as she’s back home in Michigan. Here’s our most recent photo from the Fall.

BUFFALO: It’s really embarrassing…you’ll have to wait to hear it in my upcoming conversation with my husband John. We did a few “ask us anything” episodes for my show that will be released next week, where we’re talking parenting, family, relationships, work-life balance, etc. It might be my favorite conversation to date! I’ll talk to you in the New Year, friend!

Want to share some encouragement? Forward this to a friend!

TOO GOOD NOT TO SHARE

Not too long ago, I shared THIS VIDEO of an adorable boy telling his mom how proud he is of her. It’s hands down the most popular thing I’ve shared this year…over three million views. Share this with your friends this season — I guarantee, it’ll brighten their day. It’s a powerful reminder that our words are SO POWERFUL! 

FARIS FAVORITES OF 2023

1. Acrylic Monthly Calendar 

Our life-saving monthly calendar keeps our hot-mess family on track. We have it hung in our entryway and everyone can see what’s happening and when. It takes a lot of the mental load off of me because I no longer am the sole one responsible for telling people where to go and when — They can see it for themselves :) 

2. Hello Fresh 

I will keep singing its praises because it’s another load lessener. I don’t have to come up with meals, shop for meals, overspend or stress about what’s for dinner. My daughter has said it’s saved our family and she’s not wrong! The first few who click below get a free box! 

3.  My Favorite Children's Book

Congrats to Jennifer, Jenni, Kaydence and Sarah for winning copies of my kid's book, Who Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up? from the last newsletter giveaway. It’s a great gift for Christmas, baby showers, kid's birthdays, etc. And it’s on sale right now at Amazon for $15!

Also, stay tuned for some really fun giveaways in 2024, including autographed copies of James Clear’s #1 NYT bestselling book, Atomic Habits!

The Paula Faris Show

Julie Chen Moonves on Big Brother, Messy Endings and A Spiritual Awakening Listen Now >>

Colton Dixon on American Idol, Millennial Dads, and Dealing with SetbacksListen Now >>

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

If you're a working mom, make sure you're getting THE CARRY™ ALL, the newsletter by and for working moms! I founded CARRY™ in 2022, to create load-lessening content for working moms and to help carry their many burdens.Here's what you missed in last week's THE CARRY™ ALL:

1. Where to get wrapped gifts delivered 🛍️

2. 🎨 101 fun at-home Christmas activities 

3. Letter to the mom hobbling to the finish line