Sanctuary at Home:

As the holiday season begins, home takes on a new kind of significance. It becomes more than just where we live—it’s where we host, reconnect, reflect, and sometimes retreat. That’s why now is the perfect time to think about sanctuary at home—what it looks like, and how we can design for it.

One of the most personal and powerful places to start is the bedroom. This year, bold, layered bedroom design has taken center stage—think color-drenched walls, statement headboards, textured textiles, and immersive mood lighting. These aren’t just aesthetic choices—they’re emotional ones, creating cocoon-like spaces that help us pause and recharge.

As featured in a recent interiors article, designers are leaning into the idea that bedrooms should be expressive sanctuaries: places where personal style meets real restoration. Rich blues and greens, four-poster beds, and vintage pieces add character while wrapping the room in calm.

This sense of sanctuary isn’t limited to your primary residence, either. It can extend to how we host our loved ones. My fully furnished listing at 523 Jackson Street in St. Paul offers just that: a stylish, turnkey space in the city—perfect for holiday guests, extended stays, or even your own seasonal escape. With its open loft layout, modern finishes, and cozy urban charm, it’s a ready-made retreat during the busiest time of year.

Whether you're preparing for holiday hosting or simply craving a place to land, now’s the time to think about what makes a space feel truly yours. Bold doesn’t mean loud—it can mean intentional. And cozy doesn’t mean cluttered—it can mean considered.

Because at the end of the day, sanctuary at home is less about perfection and more about presence.

🎶📚 Rhythms & Reads

Because home isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling. These picks invite you to slow down, listen more closely, and hold space for stories that matter.

🎶 Silvana Estrada – Vendrán Suaves Lluvias

Rooted in recent grief, Estrada’s newest album is a quiet reckoning with heartbreak, loss, and the gentle urgency of healing. A sonic sanctuary for the moments between everything else.

📚 Javier Zamora – Solito

Written by a Salvadoran poet, Solito follows a nine-year-old boy's solo journey across borders in search of safety. After standing at a vigil here in St. Paul earlier this month, the story feels especially close. Solito is a quiet, powerful reminder of what it means to seek sanctuary—and what it takes to hold on to it.

This time of year brings us back to the idea of home—not just as a place, but as belonging, gathering, and sanctuary. Earlier this morning, I stood at a vigil in St. Paul following an ICE raid in our community. It was a heavy moment—a reminder that for many, the safety and stability of home is still uncertain.

Whether you're opening your doors to guests, searching for a place of your own, or simply trying to hold space in a busy season, I hope this time allows you to make space—for rest, for meaning, and for one another.

🤝 F&Q: How Can We Support Immigrants in Minnesota Right Now?

Community starts with showing up. Here are a few simple, grounded ways to be part of the support system—especially during a season that centers home and belonging.

Q: What are some local organizations doing this work?

A:

• Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM): Offers free legal assistance and advocates for immigrant rights.

• The Advocates for Human Rights: Provides legal help, education, and policy support.

• Navigate MN: Supports undocumented and mixed-status youth and families through education and leadership.

Q: How can I help if I don’t have a lot of time?

A:

• Donate to trusted local nonprofits—many offer one-time or monthly giving.

• Share verified resources or fundraisers through your platforms.

• Attend or amplify local events like community vigils or teach-ins.

Q: What’s a good way to start learning more?

A:

• Read immigrant-authored books like Solito by Javier Zamora.

• Follow local community leaders and organizations on social media.

• Ask thoughtful questions and listen to lived experiences.

Q: Can I offer my home or resources directly?

A:
If you're interested in offering housing, transportation, or other direct help, it’s best to coordinate with local orgs who manage those services safely and ethically. Start by contacting ILCM or Navigate MN to learn what’s needed most.