December Loves and Holiday Joys
December has always been one of my favorite times of year, but something about this December feels extra soft, intentional, and joy-filled. Maybe it’s the glow of Christmas lights against chilly nights, maybe it’s the reset of unemployment giving me time to focus on the things I love, or maybe it’s simply that I’m letting myself savor the small stuff. Either way—December is good to me so far.
One of the biggest things I’m loving? Needle-poke embroidery.
I picked it up on a whim, and now I’m fully in my crafting era. Since I’m balling on a budget this year, I decided to turn my handmade creations into gifts for loved ones. There’s something really special about gifting something that took time, intention, and love—plus, the process has been so calming. It’s nice to pour my energy into something creative that doesn’t require anything other than patience and a needle.
I’ve also rediscovered my love for baking.
Now that I actually *have* time, my sourdough starter is back in action (yay!), and the oven has basically been preheated since December 1st. Yesterday I made brown butter chocolate chip cookies for the first time and oh. my. gosh. New signature cookie unlocked—they were unreal. Today’s baking lineup includes another batch of chocolate chip plus sugar cookies, because Eric and I need to perfect our recipe before baking for his 7th and 8th graders this weekend. Those kids are sweet, but let’s be real—they are ruthless critics. I want these cookies to be *chef’s kiss*.
I’m truly loving the time I’m pouring into my blog, too.
My Blogmas idea is keeping me accountable in the best way—not in a restrictive, must-post-daily way, but in a way that makes me excited to show up. If I miss a day, I just double up the next. Pre-planning my themes has been so fun and keeps things from becoming repetitive “here’s what I did today” posts. It feels more intentional, more creative, more *me*.
And honestly? I’ve been enjoying reorganizing my space.
Since moving in full-time with Eric, the apartment is slowly transforming from a bachelor pad into a couple-and-a-dog home. Penny and I have officially claimed our space. Cleaning, rearranging, organizing—it’s actually been kind of therapeutic. Maybe it’s the fresh start energy of December; maybe it’s settling into what feels like a new season of life.
Holiday-wise, I am thriving.
Give me Christmas lights.
Give me Christmas music.
Give me Olivia Dean on repeat.
Give me all the movies—*The Grinch* (forever my ride-or-die), *Elf*, and *The Year Without a Santa Claus* (cue the Heat Miser song). Also Hallmark? Netflix rom-coms? Absolutely yes. They fill my heart with so much nostalgic warmth.
What I’m looking forward to is just as magical.
All the Christmas things in Philly are calling my name: Christmas Village, Miracle on 13th Street, every little market and festive street pop-up. Eric and I have a Christmas-packed weekend—lights tonight, a street festival tomorrow afternoon, and a Christmas burlesque show tomorrow night. Sunday will be dedicated to perfecting our mac and cheese recipe and baking cookies for his students.
And—side note—this post is coming to you this morning instead of last night because my friends and I ended up doing 2026 vision boards followed by completely impromptu karaoke. It was chaotic, hilarious, and the most unexpected burst of joy. I’ll definitely get into the vision boards another time.
And let’s not forget: the Taylor Swift docuseries and extended concert film. I will be on Do Not Disturb. Please plan accordingly.
But most of all, I’m looking forward to time with family and friends, gifting things I made with my own hands, and soaking in as much joy as possible before (fingers crossed!) stepping into new employment in the new year.
There’s a lot to be grateful for this season, and I’m doing my best to take it all in—the lights, the cookies, the music, the love. December, you’re good for the soul.
-D
