You guys, I’m back!!! Lots to report around here—I was offered a new day job, so I’ve spent the last few weeks closing out my first job ever, saying goodbye to some of the best coworkers ever, and then enjoying a week off work between jobs. I had grand plans to get a few blog posts up while I was funemployed, but chose to enjoy my downtime instead.

During my week off, my Mom and I went on a four day trip to San Antonio (a full recap of our amazing trip is coming soon!), I was home for two days, and then I went to New York City this past weekend to visit one of my best friends and enjoy the city at Christmas. It was a great way to decompress before starting my new role—my first day was today! It’s been a whirlwind, but I am excited to settle into a new routine. Thanks for bearing with me!

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In other news, I can’t believe Christmas Eve is a week from today! I kept most of my after-work plans this week to a minimum so I can navigate my new schedule and make sure I get enough sleep, but I have several holiday festivities and parties this weekend I am so excited about. I also need to wrap all of my Christmas gifts and squeeze in a couple more viewings of my favorite holiday movies.

In all of this holiday season / travel / new job bustle, I am really clinging to the meaning of the season since it’s been such a nerve-wracking time with so much change! I came across this quote on Instagram the other day and it was too good not to share here:

“In retrospect, I can see that ‘wait’
is the most precious answer God can give us.
It makes us cling to Him
rather than cling to an outcome.”

Some years ask questions, and some years answer them—this year was one of questions for me, which meant there was a lot of waiting. Throughout my job search, searching for a new place to live in DC, accepting lots of rejection, and in many other instances, my patience was tested and outcomes were uncertain—but one thing was still certain: the love of our unfailing God.

And now, in this season of Advent, I find myself waiting again to celebrate the birth of His only begotten Son. And this year of waiting has given new life to my spiritual preparation for the big day next week.

The wait is worth it.

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Now, for the ~actual topic of today’s post—the best Christmas decorations at The Willard Hotel here in Washington, DC!

As I mentioned, I spent two days at home during my week off. The majority of that time was spent doing super adult-y things like ironing my duvet cover (I wish I was kidding), catching up on laundry, cleaning my apartment, paying bills, and all the other things I won’t bore you with. But, The Willard has long been on my list to visit, so I decided to make it happen.

I walked down to the famous hotel last week around 3pm—it’s only about a 15-20 minute walk from my apartment in Dupont, but for those of you visiting from out of town, it’s very centrally located right next to the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue!

My initial plan had been to grab a drink at their Round Robbin Bar, but by the time I had taken in and enjoyed all the beautiful lobby decorations, the post-work crowd had trickled in and it was quite crowded! So, I decided to raincheck it for another time soon. As such, if you can, definitely try to go at an off-peak time—early afternoon on a weekday or weekend seem to be a somewhat safe bet based on what Monica and other friends have told me!

Another fun thing you could do at Christmas is tea in Peacock Alley right off the main lobby. It’s held sailing starting December 1 from 1 to 4pm, and available the rest of the year on Saturdays and Sundays. During the holidays, each tea table is situated next to a beautifully adorned Christmas tree with a harpist for entertainment. It would be such a fun afternoon with girlfriends!

After my fun outing at The Willard, I walked over to the White House to see the National Christmas Tree. Around the outer perimeter of the tree are smaller trees representing each of the 50 States and US Territories. Though I went in the daytime this year, I think the National Christmas Tree is most magical at night when everything is lit up, so definitely stop by then if you can!

This day of taking in DC at Christmastime really had me in a festive mood—much like the day I went to Zoo Lights and the tree on Capital Hill last year!