Decorating for Christmas and Other Things that Bring Me Joy | Reading Update 12.4.20

 Happy December, friends! 

I'm sure many if not all of you share this same sentiment, but I'm really ready for 2020 to be over. I know that a new year doesn't mean that all of the problems of this year will magically go away, but a fresh start would be appreciated. And, as I'm sure you all feel the same way, it's especially important to focus on the little things that make you smile or bring you joy during hard times, and (at least for me) it's even more important during the holiday season. 

I won't lie, this year will be extra rough. Having just lost my grandfather in late October, I'm not sure how Christmas will go for my family. I don't know if my parents and I will make the drive out to California (which is something we typically do, but there have been years where we just couldn't) and if we do, how it'll feel being at the table without my grandpa to lead the Christmas toast and prayer. It aches to think about. Which is why I need the little things more than ever. 

So here we go. An itemized list of things that bring me joy, in no particular order. 

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Decorating for Christmas. I'm sure those that celebrate all have their own traditions of decorating, what goes where, etc. so I'd like to share mine. The first weekend of December is when my parents and I decorate. My dad does all the heavy lifting, like bringing in the boxes and setting up the tree with the lights. My mom and I handle all the small stuff, and the three of us put ornaments on the trees. (We actually have two Christmas trees: one large one for the front room, and then a smaller, skinner one that goes by the TV in our den. That tree, specifically, is where all of our animal ornaments go. And we have a lot of animal ornaments.) We play my Christmas playlist on Spotify, mostly because we get it without radio commercials, and I also don't have any modern songs on there--we're a very classical music family, all the originals like Bing Crosby and songs from the holiday specials. 

Baking cookies. My mom and I go into serious baking mode this time of year. I always enjoy baking, and make cookies more than anything else. Actually, there are cookies in the oven as I'm typing this right now (Mexican Wedding Cakes, they're basically just butter and powdered sugar and are absolute heaven). As of this moment, my mom has a list of eight or so different cookies/brownies/bars that she wants to make this month. I won't complain. Calories never count in December. 

Playing Among Us with my friends. I recently joined a Discord chat with some old friends from high school for the sole purpose of playing Among Us with them. Yes, I got swept up in the craze. At least I didn't for Animal Crossing, because I definitely couldn't have afforded that. It's so much fun reconnecting with people that I haven't talked to in six years, since I graduated. We're bringing back so many old jokes and anecdotes. Most of these people I've known since elementary school, since kindergarten really. So having a night each week where we get together, almost always for hours at a time, and just chill and play video games has been really important to me. 

Talking with my sister. I don't think I really need an explanation for this one. We live states away from each other and I don't get to see her very often, maybe once a year, so I always like talking with her when I get the chance. 

Reading, obviously. I've already finished two books this month. Watch Over Me by Nina LaCour and Love & Olives by Jenna Evans Welch, neither of which fit the vibe of December but it's fine. I enjoyed both of them immensely and I think they were a nice palate cleanser for when I dive into higher fantasy. Oh! I totally forgot, I also reread Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston for the second time this year (fourth time overall). I'm actually kind of craving romance this year, which is completely shocking I know. I put a hold on Kristin Hannah's Comfort & Joy from my library, but I don't think I'll get it before the year is over. It's a holiday romance which is so not my typical cup of tea, but I think maybe my mom's Hallmark-watching habit has gotten to me. 

Blogging! I love you guys. 

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Alright, I've got decorations to put up and cookies to pull from the oven. 

Until next time!