Another year has FLOWN by, a whirlwind of projects and parenting, which leads to extreme gratefulness that I get to be here, with you, my team and my family doing this version of life. It’s not perfect, but nothing is and I’m surrounded by such wonderful people (and they say the quality of your life is the quality of your relationships) I so appreciate that I can still exist here, 15 years from this blog’s birthday (January 1st, 2010 – FIFTEEN YEARS!!!). This one, the year of 2024 year was full of appropriately moderate challenges (i.e. lessons) and new opportunities to navigate. We have a lot of fun stuff planned for 2025, and every time I think “Is the internet tired of me yet?” I look at my calendar and see that it’s booked up, which I’m so grateful for. I can see the next generation of content creators coming, and they are doing such a great job in a way that is so different than us first gens. It’s honestly thrilling to be a part of.
My beloved EHD crew is taking two weeks off – a much-needed break after an extremely busy and fun Q4. But we have a lot of posts already prepped and planned (fun year in review/best of posts) for those of you who want to keep following along and like to take trips down memory lane, with me.
As for us, well I’m hosting Christmas Eve with my family and Brian’s parents, then presents and Mufasa on Christmas day. And then my family is off to Colorado for a snow/ski vacation (aka “crash and cry” for me if you saw my recent Instagram stories) for a few days. Telluride recommendations are welcome. Then with the break being so long I get to come back, de-Christmas, organize the hell out of my house while I listen to all my inspiring self-improvement podcasts. The kids have promised that they’ll help me organize and update their scrapbooks (you can take me out of the Mormon church but you can’t take the scrapbooking enthusiasm out of my heart). We might even finally tackle the memory photo wall going up our stairs together. Or I might just read a bunch of romance novels and watch the Lindsey Lohan (2.0) holiday movies on repeat 🙂
Thanks for being here, always. I know that it’s an investment in your time to stop by, read, comment, etc. I also know that the blog has changed so much over these 15 years so I thank you so much for still being here. My wonderful EHD team (which is expanding in January!!!) and I feel so grateful for you. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays. xx
Opening Image Credit: Photo by Kaitlin Green
Cute photo- the kids are getting so big and its nice to see al the animals. Glad you had a great year and thanks for a year of content … Happy Holidays!
i start my morning off by reading your blog. Thank you for the gift of upbeat, happy, inspiring thoughts that put me in a positive mood for the day. Your hard work and evolution is much appreciated. You all are gems. Happy holidays to all.
Merry Christmas Hendersons. Thank you to you and your wonderful team for all the design pleasure you have brought into my home through the years,
Happy Holidays. Enjoy your family vacation. I’ve been reading your blog since Day 1, wow it’s really been 15 years? And let’s not forget Design Star, it was a fun show. Wish it was still on air.
Merry Christmas to all. Emily I enjoy your blog so much! Every time you or someone from your team touches on one of life’s little quirks, or some simple habit that we have in common, it warms my heart. And then there is all the design inspiration. Practical suggestions for a confusing (or overlooked) detail. Plenty of humor to boot.
You give so much!
Merry Christmas to you, your family and team. I enjoy your posts 9.8/10 times! Thank you for interesting, intelligent and socially aware content, humor, honesty and answers!
Due to the time difference, checking your blog is one of my unwinding rituals when I get into bed at night. I enjoy it so much and love your team, past and present, including the more occasional contributors.
So glad you didn’t disband it when you moved to Portland – it would leave a hole.
Thanks to you and your team for the gift that is this blog and hope you and all your families have a wonderful festive season and a really good rest.
Speaking as a fellow busy mom who works way too much, y’all are consistently a bright spot in my day. Thank you for bringing us posts that are thoughtful and beautiful the whole year through. It’s no small feat, and we see and appreciate it. Please have a wonderful and restful break!
I’ve been with you since the Brass Petal. On the Christmas review I remember every one of those design themes! And I can truly say, you haven’t changed one iota as your business has grown. You are a role model in design, parenting, running a business, and being a good person. I am so, so happy to stop by here every day. You are the OG and I am so grateful for all you and your team do.