Currently: December 2025
Until Next Time Christmas & Hello 2026!
December Recap
It feels very appropriate for there to be snowflakes falling right now as I am writing this. Snows seems to have been a constant this December, and I am coming around to it a little. But I also played country music earlier and pretended I was at the beach…so am I really?
My main goal for the month was to really savor and enjoy the Christmas season, and I feel like we did just that. We watched tons of Christmas movies, wrapped and shopped, spent quality time with family, and slowed down. We are so thankful!
With my time off around the holidays (which I am also so thankful for!), I have done some reflecting on 2025 and some dreaming for 2026. I plan to share some of my goals in a newsletter soon. Until then, I hope you all are having a cozy end to 2025 and a hopeful start to 2026.
On My Nightstand
The Good Part by Sophie Cousens - This book follows Lucy, who one night stumbles upon a wishing machine and wishes to skip to the “good part” of her life. She wakes up years later - married, two kids, the career she always dreamed of, but lacking all the memories along the way. So what really is “the good part” of our lives? I adored this story! It is inspirational, reflective, and so perfect for this time of year! I can’t wait to reread!
You can read more about all the Christmasy books I read this month in my No Spice Books newsletter.
On My Screen
Home Alone & Home Alone 2 - Jackson and I went on a journey this year of trying to watch all the classic Christmas movies. I had seen bits and pieces of Home Alone, but I wasn’t sure I had ever sat down and watched them all the way through. So we did just that! They are both great, but I think I prefer the second one - anyone else?
Die Hard - I wasn’t too sure about this one at first, but once we started it, I was hooked. We actually paused about a third of a way into the movie to go on a walk, and the whole time I was just thinking about what was going to happen. It is gory and has lots of language (not for younger viewers!), but I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I’m not completely convinced its a Christmas movie though…
In My Ears
I feel like I have been in more of a podcast listening mood lately - gathering inspiration for the new year I guess! Here are a couple I have enjoyed recently!
One Small Thing
Embracing the season.
I mean this literally, as it relates to the weather, but you could take this metaphorically as well.
As I mentioned earlier, December this year has been snowy and cold. And while we have had some days where it is simply too cold to be outside for any real period of time, most days it is completely fine if you bundle up.
When I do take the time to dress appropriately and go get some sunshine, I always feel better and am thankful I did it. Plus, I feel like I have adapted more to the weather here. I used to shiver when it got below 60, but now I feel like the 30s and 40s aren’t too bad as long as I have my hat on.
We likely have at least 3 more months of winter weather ahead of us, and I want to find the good.
Challenge: Think of a season you are currently in - it could be winter or it could be college, an empty nest, motherhood, etc. What is one way you could embrace it?
Looking Ahead
Here are a few things I am looking forward to in January!
Watching the new People We Meet on Vacation movie!
Getting my hair cut!
Using my Brick (Jackson got me for Christmas) and spending more time unplugged!
Training for a 5k?!
Going to an event at the local library!
What’re you looking ahead to in January & 2026?
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Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this newsletter, it would mean so much to me if you would share it with a friend!
Take care,
Caroline
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Glad to hear you had a nice holiday season with family and friends! We sure did! One of my goals for 2026 is to read more books for fun. I’m finishing up the “Magic Hour” by Kristin Hannah.