When Vacation Stops Being Restful

I recently canceled a trip I'd been wanting us to go on for years.

This wasn't easy. We love traveling - it's become an annual ritual for us, especially toward the end of the year. The exposure to new places, the physical movement, the unstructured time with my kids: these things rejuvenate me like nothing else.

My Minerva assistant had already done the heavy lifting: researched the perfect locations, found the ideal season for the activities we wanted to do, booked hotels, mapped out local experiences. I know exactly how much work goes into making a trip happen, so obviously, I had delegated it.

But as departure day approached, instead of excitement, I felt my chest tighten. The thought of boarding a five-hour flight felt impossible.

The last few months have been relentless for all of us - two startup jobs between my husband and me, school play rehearsals, club sports tournaments, Diwali, Halloween, birthday parties. The weekends that usually give us space to decompress had vanished under the weight of commitments that all felt important in the moment.

The weekends that usually give us space to decompress had vanished under the weight of commitments that all felt important in the moment.

I realized I was exhausted. And in this particular situation, travel wasn't going to restore me, it was going to deplete me further.

This season of life requires us to focus on fewer things. I needed to go slow, to give myself more time for what actually demands my attention right now: work that matters, kids who need me present, and myself.

But here's the thing - I still want this season to be magical for my family. So we're staying in and reimagining what that looks like. Day trips to nearby places we've never explored, local Christmas markets, movie nights in pajamas with hot chocolate. The goal is the same - connection, wonder, rest - just with different ingredients.

Sometimes the most radical act of self-care isn't adding something restorative. It's giving yourself permission to do less, closer to home.

This week, check in with yourself. What would actually restore you?

How Minerva Can Help

Whether you're traveling or staying close to home, let us handle the logistics so you can focus on what matters. Your Minerva assistant can:

• Find experiences locally or at your destination

• Plan day trips and book travel logistics

• Research and order gifts for everyone on your list

• Take the stress out of hosting, from early orders to tableware

Ready to focus on what matters?

Activities with Kids

At home Crafts and Recipes

This is the season for keeping little hands busy while grown-ups handle “serious” family talk. Try one of these easy, low-mess ideas that feel festive but not forced:

• Cinnamon Dough Ornaments: Mix 1 cup of applesauce with 1 cup of cinnamon, roll out, cut with cookie cutters, and bake at 200°F for 2 hours. The house will smell incredible, and they’ll last all season.
  

• Gratitude Garland: Cut paper leaves, write something you’re thankful for on each, and clip them along a string. It’s equal parts craft and dinner table conversation starter.
  

• Maple Roasted Nuts: Toss 2 cups of mixed nuts with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Roast at 325°F for 20 minutes, stirring halfway. They double as snacks and gifts.

If you try any of these, send us a photo at [email protected]! We love seeing how families make them their own.

Around the Bay

If you’re local, this is the season for cozy family outings that balance energy and downtime:

• Filoli’s Holidays Opening Weekend (Woodside, Nov 16–17): Wander the decorated gardens with warm drinks in hand. Books up quickly!
  

• SF Thanksgiving Turkey Trot (Golden Gate Park, Nov 28): Burn off pre-pie energy with the kids. You can walk it. No shame!
  

• SJMade Holiday Fair 2025 (Santa Clara Convention Center, Nov 28 & 29):  The largest winter holiday craft fair in the Bay Area. Featuring over 350+ amazing makers, artists, designers, illustrators, artisans, bakers, crafters and creative small businesses all in one fun, festive holiday shopping experience.

Want a custom list of local events for your family’s schedule? We’ll curate one for you.

That’s it for this letter.

Give the gift of Minerva this season - take the stress out of vacation planning, errands, and family logistics. Reach out today to learn how we can help.

Team Minerva
[email protected]