December 19th, 2025
David C. Livingston
http://www.ThingsWorthSaving.com
303 Kipukai Place
Honolulu, Hawaii 96826
808 542-4945 808 441-6836 Fax
NEW EMAIL ADDRESS
David@DavidLivingstonHawaii.com
“Things Worth Saving Vol 1203”
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TWS is Founded and curated by David C. Livingston
9 Holiday Sanity Ideas – Ways to Actually Enjoy the Holidays
Mary Kelly, Commander, USN, CSP, CPAE
Keynote Speaker and Corporate Advisor - Lead confidently through crises, challenges, and change| Former Navy Intel Officer| Author of You Next| Hall of Fame Speaker, Economist, Board member, Philanthropist, Podcaster
December 18, 2025
By Dr. Mary C. Kelly, Leadership Economist & Hall of Fame Speaker
Let’s be honest — the holidays are supposed to be joyful, but for many people, they feel more like a juggling act with glitter.
Between work deadlines, family expectations, financial pressures, and the never-ending quest to make everything perfect, it’s easy to lose the “merry” in Merry Christmas.
If you’ve ever found yourself exhausted from trying to be everything to everyone — the perfect host, the gift-giving hero, the family peacemaker — you’re not alone.
Here are nine ways to actually enjoy the holidays this year, no matter how chaotic things get.
1. Lower the Bar — No One’s Holiday Is Perfect
The movies lie. No one’s family is that coordinated, that calm, or that photogenic.
So, stop trying to make your holiday look like a Hallmark movie. You’re not failing if the pie crust cracks or if Uncle Frank brings up politics again. You’re succeeding if you still like each other when the day is over.
Progress, not perfection, makes for a better holiday (and a saner January).
2. Do Less — and Enjoy More
Busy does not equal meaningful.
You don’t have to attend every party, bake every cookie, or decorate every inch of your home. Pick what truly matters. Choose the things that fill your soul instead of draining your calendar and let the rest go.
If you can’t remember it a year from now, it’s probably okay to skip it.
3. Say “No”
You can’t be everything to everyone. And you don’t need to be.
If something doesn’t align with your priorities, values, or bandwidth, say no, kindly and firmly.
Remember: every yes to something you don’t want to do is a no to something you actually enjoy.
Boundaries are not selfish — they’re a gift to everyone around you, because they help you show up as your best self.
One of my friends said that if it is not a “Heck yes!” that means it is a “Heck no!”
4. Delegate Like You Mean It
You don’t have to do it all.
Let other people help. Kids can wrap gifts. Partners can handle errands. Guests can bring side dishes.
New holiday rule: if someone can do it, let them.
Perfectionism is the enemy of peace. Delegation is the shortcut to joy.
5. Protect Your Peace (and Your Wallet)
Financial stress is one of the fastest ways to ruin the holidays.
Give within your means, not beyond them. The people who love you don’t need expensive gifts. They need your presence, not your presents.
6. Make Time for Some Quiet
The holidays are loud — music, laughter, traffic, and sometimes chaos. But remember, your mind needs quiet.
Even 10 minutes of stillness with a walk, a cup of coffee, or a few deep breaths can reset your mood and remind you what this season is truly about.
7. Let Go of Guilt
You can’t please everyone and trying to exhaust you will only exhaust you.
Maybe you cannot make every event, send every card, or host every meal and that’s okay.
You’re doing your best, and that’s enough. Perfection isn’t the point. Connection is.
Let go of guilt so you can hold on to gratitude.
8. Focus on Gratitude and Grace
Gratitude turns chaos into contentment.
When you pause to notice what’s good — the laughter, the warmth, and the fact that you’re still standing — you shift from pressure to perspective.
And grace matters too. Give grace to others who are doing their best and to yourself, because you are, too.
9. Take Two Steps in the Right Direction and Keep Going
Even during the holidays, momentum matters.
You don’t have to overhaul your life before January 1st. Just take two small steps in the right direction each day.
Eat one healthy meal. Send one thank-you note. Sleep for one extra hour.
And if something isn’t working, change it.
The Bottom Line
You don’t have to earn your joy this season. You just have to enjoy it.
Let go of the need to please everyone, spend wisely, breathe deeply, and be present for the moments that truly matter.
Because when the lights come down and the decorations are packed away, what you’ll remember isn’t the gifts or the chaos, it’s the laughter, the love, and the peace you made space for.
That’s what makes the holidays extraordinary.
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Rotary Club of Waikiki with Rick Tabor
RYLA
Another great day in Rotary! Thanks Rick for the RYLA update -and thanks to Rotary and some special members for sponsoring 13 kids to RYLA!
Fred Brooks, Sally Blanchard, Carol Riley, Chad Adams and Dave Livingston each pitched in $250 to sponsor a student to RYLA - any other volunteers?
Enjoy the Photos!
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Kapono’s to launch new location in Hawaii Kai
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By Virginia Noone – Reporter, Pacific Business News
Dec 5, 2025
A new music venue created in partnership with famed Hawaii musician Henry Kapono is slated to open in Hawaii Kai on New Year’s Eve.
The waterfront venue, Kapono’s at the Lounge, will be located inside Hawaii Kai marina recording studio, Island Sound Studios, in a venue formerly called The Lounge. Kapono’s at The Lounge is a collaboration between Henry Kapono, the Henry Kapono Foundation and The Lounge.
“This opening night carries special meaning: It comes exactly 20 years to the day since the original Kapono’s at Aloha Tower Marketplace bid farewell with its legendary New Year’s Eve celebration,” the company said in a statement. “The epic party marked the end of a remarkable 10-year run that helped define Honolulu’s live music scene from 1995 to 2005.”
The venue will now be home to the Henry Kapono Foundation, Kapono’s at The Lounge, Island Sound Studios’ two studios and The Velvet Monkey, a speakeasy.
“This partnership is more than a venue launch,” said Lezlee Kaʻaihue, executive director of the Henry Kapono Foundation, in a statement. “It’s about creating a true home for Hawaii’s music — a place where artists and audiences can come together to celebrate, uplift and inspire.”
Henry Kapono Ka‘aihue is a Grammy-nominated, multi-award-winning Native Hawaiian singer-songwriter.
Many award-winning artists have spent time at Island Sound Studios, including Beyoncé, John Legend and Eminem.
“For decades, Island Sound Studios has been a creative home for chart-topping and Grammy-winning artists,” said Bryan and Kyle Spicer, co-owners of Island Sound Studios, in a statement. “Kapono’s at The Lounge expands that legacy into a live venue and creative hub for Hawaii’s music community.”
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Please help me Support A Drug Free Hawaii
Your Giving Tuesday effort through GiveBigHawaii fuels our mission at the Coalition for a Drug-Free Hawai‘i: empowering youth, supporting families, and building safer communities for all.
Mahalo for helping us create a healthier future.
It's very easy, just share this link via email or on your favorite social media platform:
https://www.givebighawaii.com/organizations/coalition-for-a-drug-free-hawaii
You can use a Give Big Hawaii image, our logo, or one of your own.
Let's see if we can raise some money for prevention!
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Sign up to volunteer or sign up your High School Student
To attend RYLA
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Mercury Club Christmas Party
The oldest networking club in Honolulu - The Mercury Business Association (Mercury Club) held their Christmas party at the Waikiki Yacht Club on December 18th. Great Entertainment - Great Food - Great Games - Great Gift Exchange and really great friends! Enjoy the photos.
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Love your comments!
Congratulations on receiving the highest Navy League national award, the Scroll of Honor.
You are an incredible asset to the community.
I'm glad to be your friend.
Sincerely,
Katherine Ellwood
Rotary isn't just about service -- it's also about people you meet along the way. If David's story inspires you to serve, connect, and grow with others, learn how to join Rotary today: https://rotaryd5000.org/page/interested-in-joining/
Video:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FBIU4wabDcgOpeg5RRTHG-kgTOXIaEjo/view?usp=drive_link
Janet Kelley Rotary District 5000 Public Image Chair
Hi David:
"Dave Livingston, received the highest Navy League national award, the Scroll of Honor"
Certainly Well Deserved!!, My, Friend!!
Stan Grube
"Because of you, each opportunity is elevated with a positive impact on your community. Your volunteerism and dedication has made a real difference"
I share this Tribute!!
Stan Grube
Nice job Dave. Well written as usual.
These are such beautiful photos. Thank you so much for capturing the memories for all of us!
On June 5, 2025 our very own Jane Ferreira and photographer and board member Dave Livingston, received the highest Navy League national award, the Scroll of Honor, each for their contributions to the National and Local Councils over the last 20 years. Bravo Zulu Jane and Dave. The Honolulu Council also cleaned up in other awards again this year!!! Mike Stevens – CEO Navy League of the United States
You brighten every event with your presence, and the photos as well.
We enjoyed our brief chats throughout the before and after.
Thanks you for what you do for the community.
Mahalo!
-- David and Nora (Bramlett)
Thank you for all the work you do for our community with the Rotary Club.
Your kindness was appreciated at the Ceremonies on Saturday.
Would it be possible to get some photos of HFD from you?
I believe that a Google drive would be best.
Mahalo,
Aaron Jones
Captain – Honolulu Fire Department
Engine 18 First Platoon
Kailua Fire Station
211 Kuulei Road
Kailua HI, 96734
(808)723-7418
Hi David,
I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you so much again for your time in capturing the event last night! Your efforts contributed to making the night such a success. It was a pleasure seeing and chatting with you 
Have a fabulous weekend!
Ruvi Sirmans | Manager, Programs and Events | Young Professionals Coordinator
Phone (808) 380-2432 | Email rsirmans@cochawaii.org | Website cochawaii.org
733 Bishop Street, Makai Tower Suite 1200, Honolulu, HI 96813
Proudly serving as Hawaii’s advocate for business for 175 years.
These are great, David!! Thank you so much for your continued support and especially for sharing your talents with Make-A-Wish Hawaii!
Much Aloha,
Trini
The best newsletter you have ever sent. I enjoyed it very much.
Kathryn Henski
Dave - Thank you. You've outdone yourself!
So many photos and all great. Love the arcade shots. And the one near the end with you and Kendra is a winner.
Mahalo for all you do. Great event. - Jean Dickinson
Aloha David, and mahalo nui for including the DVAC golf tournament in your newsletter. It is much appreciated!!
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Public relations has started! I think you will enjoy this interview on HI Now (in the link below).
Here are the links to the segments on HI Now: https://www.hinowdaily.com/2025/04/02/clay-partnering-shapes-colleagues-into-collaborators/
Here is a Link to Download Segment
Would love to hear your thoughts and thank you for the support.
Jerry Clay
Clay Partnering, LLC- Founder
Good morning my dear friend!
Happy Volunteer’s Month!!!
I wanted to take this time to Thank YOU from the bottom of my heart for your amazing support, as an Outstanding Volunteer! Your hardworking commitment is admirable, and I am truly grateful.
Because of you, each opportunity is elevated with a positive impact on our community. Your volunteerism and dedication has made a real difference, and I couldn’t do it without you!
May today and everyday be filled with love and joy always!
With much love from the bottom of my heart,
Ellie
Aloha Dave,
Always great seeing you at March of Dimes! Thank you for always capturing the best moments of people coming together for a worthy cause!
March of Dimes Kickoff 2025 - Artistic Mindz
Dana Low
NMLS 639234
Branch Manager
Mililani Branch
808-844-8701
Fabulous photos Dave!! It looks like RYLA Oahu 2025 was a blast!
Mahalo for sharing,
Jen Tanouye
You REALLY DO TAKE GREAT PHOTOS - For lots of these folks, it's probably the most recent good photo they have.
And you never get anyone with their mouth open or chewing or eyes closed... or you do a great job at editing them out.
I know it is appreciated, even when people don't say thank you.
Nancy
Mahalo for sharing.
Best wishes to you and your 'ohana!
Me ke aloha pumehana,
Senator Mike Gabbard
Chair, Agriculture and Environment Committee
Hawai’i State Capitol, Room 201
Honolulu, Hawai`i 96813
Ph: 808-586-6830
P.S. Click HERE to check out my Senate webpage
A‘ohe hana nui ke alu ‘ia. “No task is too big when done together by all.”
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Richard Rankin <dickrankin@wwohana.org> |
Sun, Jan 5, 2025 at 8:52 PM |
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Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas, Dave from Tokyo.
Thanks always for the news from around …..always interesting and helpful for calendar planning for events to go to … or a recap and peak at events I missed and wished I had attended.
Nice wrap up on SME event and list of honorees. Nice update on Christmas in the islands. All good, always. Loved the Tesla joke!
Keep staying young my friend.
And Happy New Year to you!
MAHALO!
DAVE
Dave Erdman | Founder, CEO & President
808-469-4833| derdman@pacrimmarketing.com
Aloha and Mahalo Dave,
As always the photos are awesome, Mahalo for what you do. I'm glad you got to prove to your wife you were working.
Much Aloha
Warmest Regards,
Lis
Hi David,
Just sending you a note of aloha and thanking you for the many wonderful events, pictures, charities you have supported since we met back in 2007. Amazing!
Thank you for leading and setting a great example for everyone.
You truly are an "Artiste Extraordinare".
3 Cheers for you.!!!
Aloha
Carla von & Geoff Milford
Navy League event pals
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Rotary Exchange
Another Amazing Day in The Waikiki Rotary Club "The Friendly Club"
Patricia Kennedy Davanzo, a proud Maquoketa Rotarian and former Rotary Youth Exchange student, turned a life-changing year in New Zealand into a 30-year career in aviation. Growing up on an Iowa farm and boarding her first flight for Rotary Exchange, Patricia embraced the spirit of adventure and the Rotary 4-Way Test throughout her professional journey, rising through airline roles nationwide. Now retired, she runs Organizing Life, helping people create space for what matters most—family, dreams, and bucket-list goals. Passionate about mentoring and empowering others, especially young women, Patricia continues to travel and share her story of seizing opportunities and living intentionally.
Patricia Shared how the Rotary student exchange experience helped her gain the confidence to seize the opportunities in the airline industry and how the 4-way test helped her navigate successfully while away from home.
We also recognized the staff of the Waikiki Yacht Club for another year of exceptional service!
Enjoy the photos!
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Lauren Lawley Head, writer, as seen in TBJ Content Studio on Sept. 10, 2025. Lauren is a fulltime journalist and the founder and CEO of Lawley Head Media, LLC and a resident of Dallas, Texas. Ms. Head wrote an article about Mayo Clinic Cardiologist Dr. Stephen Kopecky who has recurring cancer after 14 years. Now with a wife and three little children, his goal is to see his children graduate from grade school. His motto is: Death is inevitable, but premature death is not …. Dr. Kopecky says that mental health has a significant impact on physical health. … The single largest psychological cause of heart disease mortality is pessimism; and pessimism has increased dramatically recently. Steps to increase optimism can yield big results.
A premature death has a way of putting parents and other family members in a state of complete devastation and becoming emotionally drained. This young doctor who often has a positive outlook for his patients, helping them to live longer, is now trying to have a more positive outlook on life for himself. |
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I have some good advice for him. We don’t know from the article whether he has a Pre-Plan or not, but it would make his optimism a little less difficult to achieve by knowing that he has already pre-planned for himself, his wife and children. In doing so, he can prevent some of their personal suffering and stress from getting any worse, while trying to arrange his sudden funeral/burial. He knows what’s in store for him, everything except the date.
Stay optimistic by just giving me a call. I will help you with your and your family’s Pre-Plans for traditional/casket or cremation. You can make the decisions now as to where you will be buried, or whether your wishes are to be cremated and your ashes scattered, or whether you want a niche, a family plot, or have your own mausoleum, etc. By being completely prepared, you will be able to give peace of mind to those close to you and to yourself. I can help you just like I have assisted more than 10,000 Hawaii families and individuals make their plans for cremation or burial. You can also add a lifetime travel plan for $599 in case you or your children should die while away from home. This life-time travel plan will bring your body back home—a procedure that can cost thousands of dollars and occurs more often than you may think. Please ask me about the Family-First Protection Plan to cover children and grandchildren until they are 21. Please do this while you still can, and those who love you can rest easy knowing your choices will be honored. A Pre-Plan is a positive thing to have. We hope Dr. Kopecky has his. |
Linda Rose Herman
Pre-planning Advisor
Hawaiian Memorial Park & Funeral Services/Borthwick Mortuary
(808) 864-3505
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SME Christmas Social
Sales and Marketing Executives held their Christmas Social at Earls - Thanks to Lex for taking care of us! Thanks to everyone for celebrating my 75th birthday (Real birthday is Christmas day!)
Enjoy the photos!
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YMCA Christmas Party
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YMCA Christmas Party was held at the Pacific Club December 17th, 2025. Board Members, Staff and Volunteers - Food, fun and fellowship - enjoy the photos!
https://www.snapfish.com/share?via=link&lc=en_US&locale=en_US&token=WfcGp-ILsuszItO7PjeMLw/SFO/KbGOXtjo_jJYe7_PN3rhLw/SNAPFISH/rt3yRCEtoRDCUNknp-KVyp0E0bD2YK_T0tZZi-R2Po8=
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Find out what’s happening in Hawaii
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Merry Christmas from our home to Yours!
Follow the YMCA Project with this Link
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Reservations recommended
New Year’s Eve in Waikīkī
Limited-time pop-up | Holiday cocktails available
FREE SHIPPING when you spend $50 or more
U.S. delivery only
Now through January 5, 2026
