Without a doubt my favourite thing this month is our new baby! Malcolm Fergus Bond was born on December 8.

And here are some other December favourites, things you too might like to read, eat, or watch.

Read

I love Stuart McLean and Christmas at the Vinyl Cafe was the perfect read this holiday season; I think my favourite stories were “Rashida, Amir and the Great Gift-Giving” and “Fire and Floods.” On the other hand, The Poisonwood Bible took me outside my comfort zone, but was well-written and fascinating; I recommend it if you are prepared for a long novel that will probably make you mad and sad. For readalouds we enjoyed The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street, which is set at Christmastime. I’m currently reading Back When We Were Grownups because Anne Tyler nearly always hits the spot.

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Eat

If you ever need a ridiculously decadent brunch, try chocolate crepes with peppermint ice cream, hot fudge sauce, and whipped cream!

I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention all the food we’ve been given by friends and neighbours, from chili and casseroles to sugar cookies and Lindor chocolates; people have been so generous.

Watch

I hadn’t seen Monarch of the Glen in years, but it’s just the comforting type of show for long evenings nursing the baby.

If you like the Beatles you’ll probably get a kick out of Yesterday.

Meditate

“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
    and cry to her
that her warfare is ended,
    that her iniquity is pardoned,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand
    double for all her sins.” – Isaiah 40:1-2

What are some of your December favourites?