Presence + presents (annual gift guide within... 👀)
It’s that time of year again—Christmas trees are lighting up windows, Starbucks has ornaments on their cups, and Anthropologie has been handing out holiday bags for weeks. I can feel the year picking up speed. My calendar is getting busier, and with Thanksgiving around the corner, I know that as soon as I’m back, it’ll be full-on Advent.
In the midst of this season’s hustle and increasingly packed schedules, I’ve been reflecting on the wisdom of a spiritual director who once told me:
“The Lord is always doing exactly the right amount of work in us. The enemy always tries to get us to do more—or less.”
This has been one of the most helpful pieces of spiritual guidance I’ve ever received (and I’ve been blessed with some holy and wise priests in my life!). It’s so true: the enemy knows precisely how to disrupt us and pull us away from the peace and rest of our Good Father. In my experience, he does this in two major ways—either by whispering that I’m not doing enough, or by discouraging me to the point of thinking that doing anything is pointless.
Think about your own experience—which side of the spectrum does the enemy drag you toward? Maybe it’s the relentless pressure: “You’re not doing enough. You have so much to prove. Why are you so lazy? No one is proud of you.” Or perhaps it’s the voice of defeat: “What’s the point? Just stay home and keep to yourself. You’ll fail, get embarrassed, or feel rejected anyway.”
When those thoughts creep into my mind, I’ve learned to respond firmly: “Satan, go to hell.” But during this season, when life gets busier and distractions multiply, the enemy can be particularly sneaky.
That’s why I’m taking some time to pause and pray about what I want this holiday season to look like. Do I want to rush from one event to another, exhausted and overwhelmed? Or do I want to be intentional about spending time with friends who truly fill me up? How can I shape my calendar to create space for daily Mass, a rosary, or just moments of quiet reflection? What kind of spirit do I want to bring into Christmas, and how can I guard against drifting away from that?
These shorter days and longer nights have been reminding me to slow down, to rest. They give me permission to light a fire, read a book, cook a slow dinner with a friend, or sit in quiet prayer.
God is doing exactly the right amount of work in us. Let’s step into these final weeks of the year with peace, joy, and trust.
Please pray for me—know that I’m praying for you!
In Christ,
Jane
What I’m Loving Lately
Welcome to our annual gift guide!!
Every product below is something that I LOVED this year. I hope it inspires you with some gift giving as we get closer to the holidays. Yay!
For the girlies:
Humans of Heaven ($40): A beautiful coffee table book to inspire heavenly perspectives— gorgeous addition to a living room browsing with a warm cup in hand!
Longchamp Bag ($155): I have used this bag every single day this past year and half. It’s a chic and timeless carryall that’s as practical as it is stylish—great for the friend who’s always on the go! I use for work, groceries, travel, etc. One of my best purchases, ever.
Mary/Cross Necklace ($40): I wear this daily, and I get so, so many compliments. It’s dainty and devotional piece that keeps faith close to the heart—fashion meets meaning!
La Embroylisse Cream ($17): Have I told you about my trip to Paris:? A French skincare cult favorite that (friends stop reading pls!!!) I’ll be giving my best girlies for Christmas.
Word of the Year Bracelet ($20-35): A great gift for any of your “word of the year” friends, these Little Words bracelets are my favorite. I’m in the market for one with my 2025 word of the year so if anyone is trying to get me a Christmas gift...
CEO Glow ($40): Especially as it gets drier, this is my favorite product for keeping my skin happy and glow-y. The ultimate glow-up serum for the boss in your life—because radiant skin is always in.
Rothy’s Shoes ($119): I have had a pair of black pointy Rothy flats for 6 (SIX!!!) years and I wear them at least once a week. They hold up, folks. Effortlessly chic, sustainable, and oh-so-comfy— and I’m obsessed with the ones with the little knot on the toe!
Madewell... everything. Black Friday is their best sale (like 50%+ off everything) so that’s when I stock up on jeans and sweaters etc.
For girlies and guys growing in her faith (aren’t we all...):
Medjugorje Rosary ($50): A meaningful gift that doubles as a prayer companion and a piece of heavenly beauty from a sacred place.
Navarre Gospels ($50): A treasure trove of spiritual wisdom and scholarly insight, perfect for deepening faith while curling up with Scripture.
Hallow Subscription ($70/year individual, $116/year family): A spiritual powerhouse in app form—perfect for someone who could use a prayerful pause in their busy day.
Magnificat Subscription ($49 annual membership with monthly magazines mailed and app access): I’m obsessed with my Magnificat. I lost my November issue on November 4 and was devastated... but the Lord provides and I bumped into a Catholic bookstore and bought a new one. The reflections are 12/10, and it offers morning and evening prayers too. You get discounts if you bulk order, so get this for a whole crew of your friends!
Favorite Good Shepherd Icon ($55): A stunning reminder of Christ’s care, perfect for a prayer space or a calming presence on any wall. I give this as a gift frequently!
For the men in your life:
Leather Dopp Kit with monogram ($30): I got these for my brothers last Christmas and I see them using them every time we travel! Super gorgeous, and the monogram is very sleek. A great, easy gift!
Shinola Notebook with monogram ($30): Are you sensing a theme here? I love getting my guys monogram things. These notebooks are gorgeous and the foil embossing is very, very classy! If you can go into the store (I know they have in NYC and DC), they’ll wrap them super pretty for you!
St. Joseph consecration ($14): A phenomenal 31-day consecration to St. Joseph. My girlfriends and I have done this one together a few times!
Okay - what did I miss? Hit reply and let me know!!
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