December is drawing to a close, winter has begun. It is a season I typically find myself curling up, both metaphorically and physically under blankets. It is a time spent largely indoors and is therefore one where I tend to look most inwardly. There is a lot of work to be done this winter. There are plenty of house projects to tend to and organizing to do. I have also been considering creating a few new rituals for myself to reinvigorate our daily routines. More on that in the new year…

December has been a cozy month full of holiday cheer. I am so excited to experience Christmas through the eyes our our girls next week. Eleanor has finally got it, she has been talking nonstop about Santa and his sleigh and reindeer and the presents she has asked for— a blue soccer ball and a doctor Barbie. In her letter to Santa she asked to include her sister, noting Isabel “wants some baby toys”. Isabel has an inkling something is going on, she can sense the constant excitement of her sister, but is too young to understand. It is going to be pure magic.

The last few months I have been enjoying sharing little updates for these letters vs. an outline of what is to come each month. I’m going to stick with that moving forward and make some tweaks to my format in the new year. I have so much I want to share and have been struggling to find the time to do so. It crushes me when I don’t check everything off my list, thinking about the posts I promised and didn’t write.

Reading — Dial A For Aunties by Jesse Sutanto
Yes, I am still working on this one. It’s been slow because I haven’t had the time, but I’m about halfway through and really enjoying!

Listening to — Sprinkle Party from Gabby’s Dollhouse
Against my will. Although, I think “Mermaid Cruise Ship” is my current favorite.. It’s been stuck in my head for a few days now.

Watching — Home Alone
It’s up next on my Christmas movie must watch list. I’ve been so slow

Shopping For — Last minute stocking stuffers
Santa is bringing a bottle of wine for my stocking, which I need to pop out and grab.

Making — Cookies
So so many cookies. Eleanor is set on making “sprinkle party cookies” for Santa.

Going — To sleep
We started sleep training Isabel last week and it has been going so well. I am shocked. And also sleeping through the night again. Well, I have twice. It’s a big deal.

On my mind — Year in review
This year has been one of lots of change. We had a new baby, moved out of the city, got a fence installed! Have I mentioned the fence yet? It’s been a year of ups and downs and so many joys. Thank you so much for reading and following along. It has been so lovely to connect with so many of you this year. I have lots planned for 2024. Until then…

It’s official. OOO is up. Merry Christmas, happy everything! See you in the new year!

xx