December Recap & Christmas Reflections

What I read and some results of my planning. ❄️🎄🎀

This month was very full but not overwhelming (thankfully!).

In my home, there was so much joy and togetherness, but not as many structured and scheduled events which we all definitely needed.

I really enjoyed spending more time in analog tasks and tangible projects like knitting and baking. I also read more books than I expected.

Let’s discuss the results of my personal learning for December! 🎄

my photo – tea, baking planning and some family recipes

Christmas Reflections & Confessions:

It has been good for my family and my home for me to take a break from writing and homeschooling. I am thankful for the downtime I strategically set aside. Being with all my kids for Winter Break has been so wonderful! We have put together puzzles, done some window shopping, baked cookies, had relaxed conversations with hot cocoa, gone Christmas light looking, and worked on some planning for next year. We have also had friends over and hosted a variety of events in our home. I have enjoyed creating a cozy environment for all to relax and connect.

I had some interesting baking mess-ups (one that I shared in Notes). I find the more creative I get in the kitchen the more I unusual outcomes I get. But I don’t mind that part of the learning process. I was overall pleased with the meals and goodies I had time to make. Although I’ve struggled with staying on budget at the grocery store. I am certain many of you can relate.

Also, I have an exciting personal announcement!

My oldest Mary got engaged!💍We are thrilled to have Elijah officially join our family as a son-in-law and for them to start their lives together after college graduation. They will both have very busy senior year spring semesters, and so they have been doing as much wedding planning as they can during break. I have enjoyed helping them in this process and supporting their decision-making. Lots of detailed lists and things to think about!

In my fiction life (as you will see below) I got into the theme of Scottish castle Christmas stories. There is something so wonderful about an audiobook set in a faraway place with lovely accents, books, old buildings with history, and comforting food. My UK friends are probably rolling their eyes at me, but listening to these books on audio has dramatically romanticized my household chores this month.

I even added a few more plaid decorations to my home and made some homemade shortbread as a nod to the stories that have captivated my attention this season. And one evening I insisted on watching A Castle for Christmas with Brooke Shields and Cary Elwes (the male lead in The Princess Bride). My teenagers acted annoyed but I think they secretly loved it too. 😉

There were some times this month when I was overstimulated and worn down. So I made space for quiet moments in my office or simply put myself to bed early. I can see the personal growth in that area because I was able to be honest and kind to myself. I met my needs without judgment. (In the past, I would have felt guilt or shame for not doing enough or being unable to push through.)

[note: this post is NOT sponsored, I just want to share what I’m using and how]

My reading basket:

Non-fiction:

In Defense of Dabbling: The Brilliance of Being a Total Amateur by Karen Walrond – This book was exactly what I hoped it would be! 🩵 It was full of inspiring, humorous stories about trying new hobbies and also highly practical with research to back up ideas presented. I added several books to my TBR that were referenced in her endnotes. I can tell that Walrond is an avid reader and has good taste in non-fiction content.

“Practicing each of the attributes [of amateurism] along the way, let’s remind ourselves how to be interesting again, if only for our own personal fulfillment and growth.” – In Defense of Dabbling by Karen Walrond

Holy Hygge by Jamie Erickson – I did an extensive deep dive into the art of hygge a few years ago and so this book was a great reminder. I find that I swing back and forth from loving and investing into my home, and then feeling overwhelmed and suffocated by all the tasks and needs of keeping up a home-like space. This book was a reminder to step away from perfection, focus on relationships, and to value creating memories of comfort for my family.

my favorite re-read this year was:

Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year by Beth Kempton —

Now more than ever it is essential for each of us to redefine what matters most in the months of November and December. We cannot let our consumerism-driven culture decide those values for us. It will leave us worn out, broke, and socially depleted. I followed that pattern for years until I dreaded Christmas time.

And this is why I deeply appreciate the ideas that Beth Kempton shares in her book. It is not only practical but also realistic. She provides charts, tables, and exercises to use for intentionally mapping out the whole holiday season (and New Year winter months). Each year, I take away something new or apply a piece that I skipped over before.

This year I wanted to bring more magic and relaxed events that we enjoy back into our winter season. The journal prompts on p.60 & 61 were super helpful.🩵

Fiction Favorites:

Murder at Holly House by Denzil Meyrick 📖- This book took me a bit to connect with but I ended up loving it. It takes place in the fictional, snow-covered village in the North York Moors in England. Just before Christmas during December 1952, it follows Inspector Frank Grasby as he investigates a murder mystery full of Cold War intrigue. I am not super familiar with common colloquial phrases used in that area or time period. So there were times when I felt a bit confused and had to rely heavily on context clues. I also wasn’t sure about the main character at first, he was a bit rough and very honest about his faults. (He kind of reminded me of AJ from The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin)

But I did really enjoy reading this one in paperback and getting drawn into the story and mystery to be solved. The ending was a bit unexpected and I was sad when the book done. I think this might be my reintroduction to the mystery genre. And I’m considering reading another Denzil Meyrick novel…

The Christmas Castle in Scotland by Julie Caplin 🎧The family relationships and how they work out their differences was beautiful. The narrator (Kirsty McIntyre) did an excellent job with the Scottish accents! My favorites were the chapters with the second POV of Ross. His perspective was unexpected and fun to read.

I also really loved the descriptions of food and meals that she prepared in the kitchen. I related to Izzy’s panic at putting together different foods at one time for a large meal. And it was interesting listening to how she paired different flavors together so that they complemented each other. It was delicious to listen to!

The Secret Christmas Library by Jenny Colgan 🎧 I found this in recs in the Libby app. The cover and the beginning of the book do not show that the majority of the book takes place in an old crumbling Scottish castle in the Highlands near the wild North Sea. It’s set in present day times and because of the remote location modern technology becomes useless. (Which I thought was a fun twist.) Mirren is searching for a priceless book on a wild-goose-chase style treasure hunt within the large castle. They get snowed in and the small random group of people have all kinds of interesting connections. I enjoyed it and looked forward to my evening dishes and kitchen clean up routine so that I could listen to the next chapter.

What did you read this month that felt cozy and full of winter magic?

🎄❄️Happy Winter! –

✳️If these posts are sparking ideas, you’ll love the full course.

My self-paced course is the perfect companion to your learning this winter. It gives you the tools, templates, and clarity to finally create a plan that works (without overwhelm).

I know it’s a big ask to buy a class, but everything else I share on Substack (and my blog) is free and will stay that way. Your purchase helps me keep creating practical content.

course details