Great for design. A necessity for life.

This time of year is just the best, right? I mean, it’s festive, it’s fun, it’s a little crazy, but everyone is looking forward to something — whatever it is — and it’s generally a festive vibe all around.

That said, there’s a lot going on. I know, I know. Believe me, I know. As nice as it is, it can get super busy, too, and totally overwhelming. But a few years ago, I borrowed an idea from my sister that supported my desire to creatively integrate design principles into my everyday life.

The thought was that a white Christmas is nice, but white space in your life is kind of better (see what I did there? I took a topically relevant term with the word “white” in it and then oh forget it).

The Result.

Pajama Day. Forcing some white space into your life.

Here’s the deal: December 26th. Every year. We lock it down. No going anywhere. No obligations. No working. No “just this one thing real quickly.” Nothing. Lock_it_down. The entire day is dedicated to kicking it in our pajamas and enjoying our family.

Batteries find their way into new toys and LEGOs find their way to being built. Hot chocolate is drank and yes, usually spilled. With Christmas day being a lot of running around, we make sure that the day after is just the opposite.

Don’t get me wrong, the running around is great. We love that we have family so close and that we get to spend time with all of them in one single day. Blessed, but also spectacularly exhausted.

Design in Life

Ah, but white space. White space works in a lot of ways. It works in music when musicians know when not to play and to let the song breath. It works in design when it’s kept so overly simple that what is there speaks volumes and holds greater meaning and importance. And yes, it works in life when you stop the hustle and focus on what is organically omnipresent.

Your schedule says you have nothing going on? Sometimes the nothing IS the something.

White space is clarity. White space is silence. White space is energizing. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the hustle — in life, in business, in anything. Finding white space in your life is the challenge.

Yeah, I see you nodding and reading this at the same time. Yep, you. Do it. Pajama Day™.

Yeah, I threw a ™ in there. My sister is an attorney so she’d be proud of me.

Whatever it is you’re celebrating, find space and have a great holiday season.

#bewhatyoumake