As we move into the most festive (and coldest) time of year, why not consider enveloping yourself in some gorgeous “Peach Fuzz”– the newly crowned Pantone Colour of the Year, 2024.
“In seeking a hue that echoes our innate yearning for closeness and connections, we chose a colour radiant with warmth and modern elegance. A shade that resonates with compassion, offers a tactile embrace, and effortlessly bridges the youthful with the timeless.”
I think we can all agree there have been so many harrowing images on our screens throughout 2023 as the worst of humanity came into focus. While we don’t wish to watch such horrors on our TV screens, we also can’t turn our backs on what is happening elsewhere in the world. Being aware without risking traumatising ourselves or our families with the 24/7 news coverage seems to be the way we try to operate in such times. It’s a balancing act. As parents we feel such deep empathy for parents who are powerless to spare their own children in the way we can when we switch the channel.
It’s hardly surprising we feel a need for a more gentle, “nurturing” environment, or kind, compassionate friends and family around us. At such times we dream of a peaceful future for the world – and for our children.
I hope the gentle nature of Peach Fuzz reminds you to nurture yourself too for a change. Of course you want to make sure your family have THE BEST Christmas EVER – but don’t forget you. Human connection, kindness, warmth and gentleness seems would seem to be the perfect antidote to the stress we all experience in the build-up to Christmas and to soothe the heartache as the world goes mad around us.
I think the events of the past few years have actually helped us re-assess our priorities, we have re-evaluated what’s important to us – and for some of us that means we would like our lives to look very different. Some of us may be in the process of making that happen. Times such as these make us think of those who are dear to us and it’s right to pause in gratitude for bonds shared and memories made.
It may be time to, not only nurture yourself, but to prioritise the things that bring you joy and contentment. As long as we keep love, kindness and compassion at the core of who we are, I believe we will build a better world – a safer, more peaceful world for our children – and a more balanced and harmonious lives for ourselves.
Pantone chose Peach Fuzz as colour of the year because it expressed a desire to be close to those we love and the joy we feel when we allow ourselves to tune into who we are and just ‘be’. It evokes a feeling of when life seemed simpler but with a wise contemporary twist.
Colour, whether it’s in our homes or expressed in the clothes we wear can really help set a mood or emotion. Peach Fuzz feels like a safe, comforting world to live in so you might want to consider this when redecorating the kids room or bringing a modern twist to your home.
On that note, I hope 2024 brings those you love to your side, and I hope you connect with the joy of creativity and the flush of peach in your lives. I also hope 2024 turns out to be gentle and peaceful for you and your loved ones – but with a whole lot of laughter and excitement on Christmas morning.
Me? Oh I can dream – it’s back to the crazy excited kids that didn’t get the memo about “gentler, more peaceful times” … And for that I am truly grateful.