Merry Christmas from our little corner of creative chaos, paint splatters, work in progress ideas, warm mugs, and a whole lot of gratitude.
Christmas has a funny way of slowing things down, even when everything else in life feels loud. The world takes a breath. The inbox quiets. The noise fades just enough for us to hear ourselves think. And sometimes, that’s when the good stuff sneaks in.
I want to tell you a short story.
Last winter, this season didn’t feel magical. It felt heavy. Plans fell apart. Energy was low. Klee got sick, and we knew the year was going to be rough. The kind of year where you’re just trying to get through. The lights still went up, but they felt more like a reminder of what should be than what actually was.
On Christmas morning, instead of rushing or pretending holiday joy, we do something simple. We sit. No big expectations. No grand gestures. Just quiet, coffee or tea, and the contemplation that even though the year had been hard, we were still here. Still creating. Still choosing each other. Still choosing hope. Still choosing joy, even if it is small and a little shaky.
Joy doesn’t always arrive wrapped and perfect. Sometimes it shows up as overcoming. Sometimes it looks like rest. Sometimes it’s just the decision to keep going when stopping would be easier.
This year feels a little different. Not perfect. Not easy. But rooted. There’s a deeper appreciation for the small things. A deeper respect for how resilient we as humans really are. For how many times we’ve been knocked sideways and still found a way to make something meaningful out of the mess.
If this year was joyful for you, soak it in. Let it fill your pockets for colder days.
If this year was hard, remember that making it to today is an accomplishment. You don’t need to sparkle on command. You don’t need to have it figured out. You are allowed to rest. You are allowed to begin again.
Christmas doesn’t have to be about presents, it can be about presence. It’s about choosing love, creativity, kindness, and curiosity even when life doesn’t cooperate. It’s about lighting a small candle and trusting that it’s enough to push back the dark.
So wherever you are today, however you’re celebrating, or not celebrating at all, know this:
You matter.
Your creative heart matters.
Your story is just beginning.
And today is always your day.
From our hearts to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
Thank you for being here. Thank you for walking this strange, beautiful, creative path with us.
We’ll see you on the other side of the holidays.
Lurve, Rafi and Klee
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Dear Rafi and Klee,
Seems like every kind soul went through hardship this year. After midnight I had trouble wishing everyone a “happy new year”. Because many of my loved ones, we’re not there (yet). We are are still through stuff like grief, family issues, medical issues, terminal sickness of loved ones… I guess that’s why wishing a “happy new year” feels superficial and missing the point and not acknowledging what life can throw at you. Like your post is also putting forward.
In 2025 I wrestled a lot with the question if I mattered at all beyond what I was providing practically. Did I even matter at all as a soul? Yeah, things got pretty dark. This led me to a quest of deep soul searching. Not just internally, but also listening to good people and philosophies for external feedback. There are many nicely polished and popular podcasts that spiritualise any hardship like a plot of a great hero’s journey book. Nice, but not always useful when you have sh#t to deal with. And that’s where you two come in;
I always looked out for your voices. In the ocean of psychological painkillers, head up in the clouds metaphors, and spiritual bypassing tactics, you were always like the media-version of my beloved black coffee. Honest, raw, real, practical, down to earth, full of spunk and personality and working on true connections that last. Not evading the hard stuff, but facing it bravely. So yes, presence… That’s the way to show up in any circumstance of life.
Looking back on 2025 I found the being present can even turn deep sad and hard moments into meaningful realisations that propel you forward. Not fuelled by regret, but by a deeper understanding of what life truly is about. And the realisation that you did pretty good considering all you had to deal with. Most of the time we’re all too hard on ourselves.
Presence will be my core word for 2026. I’ll be present with the rubble and the whole pieces of my life. I’ll kintsugi my way into 2026 and beyond, taking my stash of black coffee with me.
I wish you and your community many good fortunes, great experiences and above all many moments of presence with your loved ones and awesome new people.
God Bless you two excellent humans. You have had a big year 2025. I wish you the best and much kinder 2026. I have enjoyed your channel, ideas and books. Thank you for you wonderful creative vision and hearts.
Thank you for such a great message. You two are the most inspiring people. I wish all the best for you both and I continue to look forward to your antics on this wild journey. Peace, love, rest, re-boot….then slay. Here’s to health and success in 2026 – cheers!
Thank you! XOXOX
Merry Christmas. I got a feeling about 2026. It’s gonna be great.
Love you guys.
Thank you for staying so positive and having fun. Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas to you two, too!
You guys are adorable.
Merry Christmas to you both a well.
I received my purchases from the Live show and its all amazing. Thanks you for letting us into your luves. You bring us such joy.
Thank you Claudia! That means the world!
Sending hugs to you both this holiday season!
Thank you Holly! Much love to you!
Merry Christmas to you Rafi and Klee
I personally want to thank you guys.The both of you have being a real place of peace and calm in the torrent storm that is the internet landscape.
Due to the inspiration you’ve placed in the universe I’ve been looking for a local art contest to enter and found one.
With the Allied Arts Council of Spruce Grove:in Alberta Canada.
The Spruce Grove Art Gallery hosts an annual Open Art Competition, typically featuring work in September.
I’m not an artist by profession I’m a fitness trainer,and podcaster but I’m definitely going to enter and put myself out there.
No matter how the outcome goes the purpose is to “do the thing”.
I’m thinking a mural of unicorns or a ode to HE-MAN who knows.
But I just wanted to say thanks to both of you two amazing humans for showing us mere mortals how to blaze an artistic path.
Stay sassy
Peace and love
David Robert
That’s awesome Robert! Thank you for sharing and congratulations on being a badass!
Thank you both! And also amen!