A Very Real Christmas

I  didn’t wake up to the smell of cinnamon or soft carols playing in the background.

I woke up because the outside noise didn’t care that I didn’t get enough sleep.

But I got up anyway.

Made a big breakfast—pancakes and sausages. Because even when I’m running on low battery, love for my son always powers me through.

Then I sat back down. ADHD rut mode activated.

It’s hard to explain what that feels like unless you live it: your brain is on overdrive, throwing out task after task like a machine—cook, pack, design, clean, write, fix—but your body? Stuck. Heavy. Slow to respond. It’s not laziness. It’s neurological gridlock.

So I read a novel while working on orders and gifts.

Midday came and I still hadn’t moved much. Then I decided to make tea for my son, who was coughing. Made another kind for myself too. Put together a little snack plate. That helped. It gave me just enough momentum to go on.

The plate had mini pain au chocolat, dried mango balls, trail mix, chocolate covered cherries, and seaweed crackers. I didn't take a proper photo because I originally had no intention of writing a post about my day, but here I am. 

And slowly, something shifted.

I finished my orders. I’ll be able to ship them out tomorrow. I even finished the gifts for my godson. 

This mug will be shipped tomorrow for the client

I’m dreading the Christmas dinner I still have to cook—a bastardized seafood paella, don’t come for me Spain 😆—but I’ll do it.  There's no saffron because the price of saffron is equivalent to a full meal for 3. 

Because even in the rut, even in the haze, I’m still moving. Bit by bit.

I’ve been in this mode since yesterday. I cooked two meals, did two loads of laundry, handled bookkeeping, worked on some designs, read a few chapters, played a little game. And still felt like I hadn’t done enough.

But today I’m calling it what it is: enough.

This is what living with ADHD looks like on holidays: coping by doing one small thing at a time. Not in perfect order. Not in perfect energy. But still done.

If this is your kind of Christmas too, you’re not alone. You’re not broken. You’re not lazy.

You’re managing. You’re adapting. You’re surviving Christmas your way.

And maybe that’s the kind of miracle we don’t talk about enough.

P.S.

I was able to make the paella.... 

The paella was wiped out. I took this photo before my husband and son got the last bits. For some reason, I kept eating the socarrat on this one. I normally don't like socarrat. I must have done something right this time. 

..and some fruit salad..which was also wiped out. 😁

See, it all works out in the end. 😊

How's Christmas treating you, Glow Girl?

---

'Til my next post,

Stay soft. Stay strong. Stay Glowing.

LET'S GLOW.

With elegance and quiet fire, 

Lady E

💌 Connect with me on  Insta: behind-the-scenes, daily sparks, and more.

📚 Created by a registered NBDB author, these children’s books and homeschool workbooks are made to help your child learn with ease.

💻 Grab your copies now on Gumroad

 🍽 Craving comfort food stories and recipes? Visit my food blog: Lady E Eats

🛒 🎁 Looking for toys, learning materials, school supplies,  and thoughtful finds? Visit my Shopee: Isaac's Gift Shop

💫 I write, I cook, I create — with love, always.

✈️ Our Binondo staycation was featured by Ramada by Wyndham Manila Central! Read about our Soft Luxe experience here 💖

 P. S.

Don't forget to get your Glow Cards!

👉 Grab your Glow Cards here – available now on Gumroad

👉 Get your very own Pantry Ledger here.

🤝 For Collaborations & Features

If you’re a brand, PR agency, or fellow creative who believes in adding beauty, meaning, and intention to everyday life, I’d love to hear from you. Whether it’s a product you’d like me to try, a place you’d love me to experience, or a story waiting to be told — let’s create something lovely together.

📩 Send me a message on:

✨ Instagram

💖 Facebook

Or simply leave a comment and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.