Happy First Day of December! A new month is here… and the current year is almost behind us. If you are like us here at Homes of Silicon Valley, that prospect likely brings a mix of excitement and sentimentality. There is always much to look forward to, but many good memories that we are going to miss as well. Life seems to always hang in that balance of where old meets new… and that dichotomy itself can be a beautiful thing.
No matter what holiday or festivities you and your family celebrate – we think you may also find some joy in one or more of these 3 December observances. Have you heard of them before? Do they mean something to you this month especially or the whole year through? Let us know – we’d love to hear from you!
Hi Neighbor Month
When we show homes to buyers, we are not just asking them if they can see themselves in that dwelling – but in that neighborhood, in that community. A home isn’t just the walls you live in, but who you wave to out the window, who you talk to in the driveway and maybe even who you hang lights with or borrow sugar from (or is that just us?!). The CDC actually recognizes December as ‘Hi Neighbor’ month for these reasons and more. Your neighbors are an integral part of not only your social connectedness, but your emergency preparedness.
During and after a power outage, earthquake or fire – those on your street may be your first and closest point of contact. In rainy weather such as what we are experiencing at the writing of this blog – it’s also a great time to see if your older neighbors need store or medication runs. Driving in the rain may pose more risks for older adults, who also may be more susceptible to slips and falls in wet weather. Do you know your neighbors? Have their phone numbers handy? Have you said hello lately? If not – there is no better time than the present! And your presence just may be a gift in a time that is isolating and challenging for many.
Art & Architecture Month
The Mindful Living Network reminds us that this is art and architecture month – and you don’t have to be an artist to find joy in looking at the work of others or even creating your own! You may wish to join in this observance by visiting a local museum (the Bay Area has a TON to choose from and many have fantastic seasonal offerings right now), enroll in an art class that’s been on your mind or simply check out a book with your favorite art or architectural styles. We’re inspired regularly by reads from Architectural Digest and encourage you to visit this list of the top Bay Area museums. Have fun on your own artistic terms!
Stress Free Family Holidays Month
The holidays can be filled with fun – but also filled with obligations, rivaling commitments, overwhelming invitations and expectations. There can be too much of a good thing and Stress Free Holidays month is an ideal reason to pick your priorities. Give yourself permission to not do it all – to only do what is best for you and your family – to make new traditions – to keep old traditions that still fit. With at least 1 in 5 people struggling with mental illness, grief, depression or anxiety – it is critical to note that holiday stress can exasperate any of these struggles. We encourage you to read these tips from NAMI, the Carruth Center and even Crayola. Above all else – be kind to yourself, it truly is the best gift of this season and all those that follow.
As we welcome each day that December brings, we find much to celebrate within our team, within our amazing network of clients and colleagues and in our communities. Thank you to all who have enabled us to help you celebrate your buying, selling & investing goals in 2022! Cheers to you!
Mark & Your Homes of Silicon Valley Team