Month Ahead // December 2023
MONTH AHEAD // DECEMBER ’23
A SMALL TASTE OF WHAT'S COMING UP THIS MONTH
EDITOR’S NOTE //
And just like that, it’s the final month of the year….words I can’t believe I’m actually typing. I mean, how did we get here??! How did this happen?! How is it already the end of 2023?! I’m at a loss for words. No but really, I actually have no words because my mind is a mush of holiday madness and thoughts of “how is it already the end last month of the year?!”. Please tell me I’m not the only one!
The other day I heard someone mention something along the lines of keeping our eyes open to the true gifts and meaning of the season because if we’re just busy rushing around (aka have our eyes closed) focused on materialistic and trivial things we miss out on the magic and what really actually matters. And it’s true! In fact, I saw it with my own (open) eyes. We popped out for a few quick errands the other night and everyone was just moody and stressed and plowing through each other to buy a bunch of stuff they probably don’t even need. No one was having a good time, it’s not sustainable (for life or the environment) and quite frankly it’s miserable and the farthest thing from the “happiest time of the year”.
That’s why, for me, between the mush and the madness and the dash between Christmas activities and errands and admin tasks and end-of-year checklists, one thing I’m determined to do is slow down and savor the season. Because I always say I will and then approximately 2 seconds later my well-intentioned thoughts are gone so fast there’s nothing but a trail of dust to let you know that they ever even existed. But I’m determined to make this season different, slower, better. I’m not entirely sure how but for starters I’ve written out fun activities, holiday dates, volunteering commitments and seasonal happenings on my calendar instead of just the usual to-do’s and deadlines. I’m hoping the visual of non-work related items will help me prioritize them and actually make them a reality versus something I just talk about. In that same line, Dave and I are also making an advent calendar that consists of different holiday themed activities to ensure that every day we actually do something fun and festive, even if it’s just something small, instead of saying we will and then getting buried in life and to-do’s instead. I’m also reframing my mindset and re-arranging my schedule so that certain things, like getting a tree and decorating, don’t feel like a chore or something that I just have to check off a list, but rather something fun that I GET to do. Last but not least I’m working to say “no” more, being more selective with events and things that I do agree to and scaling back on what isn’t absolutely truly necessary for work (and life). If you are also trying to slow down and savor the season, I hope maybe some of these suggestions and reminders will help you, too.
Of course, if you need any holiday ideas, don’t forget to hop over to my HOLIDAY PAGE for all your seasonal needs, from fun activities and festive gatherings to recipes, style, table decor ideas and more. And, of course, if you’re still gift shopping I’ve got something for everyone in my “GIFT GUIDE”.
Happy Holidays! x
HAPPENINGS //
WHAT I’M PINNING //
All the festive feels over on my HOLIDAY INSPO BOARD
WHAT I’M COOKING //
I’ve wasted no time getting straight to Christmas cookie baking with my first batch of these, with many other seasonal favorites to follow. I’ve also got this cozy dish on the agenda as well as this dish to balance it out (but, ya know, still be seasonal) and I’m hoping to find time to attempt to make a homemade version of my Christmas favorite, panettone.
WHAT I’M WEARING //
I’m wearing cozy sweaters and nothing but cozy sweaters. I’m only sort of kidding. I’ve been reaching for this one the most and I also love this one a lot and it just came back in stock. I’ve also been living in my L.L.Bean slippers (IYKYK a cozy winter classic that also makes an excellent gift fyi!) and my vintage red L.L.Bean pull-over c/o of my Mom’s closet. It’s honestly the coziest thing I have and I pretty much only take it off if it has to be washed (but it basically has to be peeled off my body because the separation anxiety is real). Obviously with it being vintage I can’t exactly link it and they don’t have anything too similar at the moment, although if you combined this with this you’d get close. However this is very similar in looks and this is similar in both looks and color. Last but not least, this is maybe the cutest little bag ever and I can’t get enough of it! Perfect as a holiday outfit bag but will also continue to work well in other seasons to come.
WHAT I’M EYEING //
A few things from my holiday wishlist- a new pan in my dream color, a piece from Copenhagen based LIÉ STUDIO (I’ve been wanting one of their pieces for a while now), a new wool coat and these swoon worthy boots
WHAT I’M LISTENING TO //
Dave was playing Lofi Christmas music (did’t even realize that was a thing! ha) the other day and now I can’t stop listening to it. It’s jazzy but chill and perfect for relaxing and to have on in the background when you’re working. There’s a few different playlists on Spotify but so far I’m really liking this one.
WHAT I’M WATCHING //
All the classic holiday favorites- Love Actually, The Holiday, A White Christmas, my favorite Norwegian show “Home for Christmas” and really any other holiday movies I can get my hands on. If you need a holiday movie to watch that isn’t totally cheeseball central (even though I do love a good Hallmark holiday film), be sure to watch “Feast of the Seven Fishes”. It’s way underrated in my opinion. It’s funny and festive but not annoying and actually a decent movie. We loved it and honestly will probably watch it at least one or two more times this season. Also, another cute one that we just watched and that I loved (it’s a Hallmark but not totally cheesy and has great scenery) is “My Norwegian Holiday”. Perfect to watch if you’re itching for a Euro winter holiday!
WHAT I’M WORKING ON //
I wish I had something profound to say, or that I could tell you I was hard at work on plans for 2024, but the truth is, I’m really just working on what I mentioned above, slowing down, savoring the season and focusing on what truly matters. Baking Christmas cookies, listening to holiday music, volunteering and getting involved with local toy drives and holiday give backs, sipping hot chocolate, watching tree lightings, going to holiday concerts, driving around to look at holiday lights, catching the local holiday boat parade, maybe planning a last minute seasonal trip…these are just a few of the things I’m working on this month.
WORDS TO LIVE BY //
Simple and straight to the point, easier said than done, but all that really matters- “Savor the season”