Andrew started a new job today — getting the job offer was easily my favourite thing in December! What else…
Read
Oh dear, I finished almost no books in December. I read The Secret of the Indian to the kids. I listened to Rich People Problems.
I did read quite a few Christmas picture books, recommended by my sister, found on the Read-Aloud Revival website, or located in the library catalogue: Alfie’s Christmas, Christmas Is Here, Christmas Tapestry, The Christmas Boot, The Legend of the Candy Cane, The All-I’ll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll, Hurry! Hurry! Have You Heard?
Eat
I made two charcuterie boards in December, inspired by this red, white, and green one. We baked quite a few cookies; my favourites were hazelnut coffee biscotti (I should just make more biscotti of any kind!) and SK rugelach (with raspberry jam, pecans, and chocolate). I continued my tradition of New Year’s cheesecake, this time candy cane, though it left something to be desired.
Do
We missed a few things due to the kids having bad colds earlier in the month, but as you can see we still squeezed a lot in!
- Advent carols outside at the “four churches corner” by our house
- Our church’s Christmas program (songs, readings, refreshments)
- Visiting my family, including presents, romping outside, and excellent food and drinks
- Ladies’ tea party at our house (I always look forward to decorating, baking cookies, choosing teas, and coming up with games)
- Getting together with Andrew’s family in the Ottawa area, including more presents, more romping outside, more food, plus watching the light show on Parliament Hill and staying in a lovely Airbnb
Watch
I was thinking of watching more Christmas movies this year, but at least I watched one: The Man Who Invented Christmas about Charles Dickens writing A Christmas Carol.
Give & Receive
I hate to admit it but receiving gifts is definitely one of my love languages, but I love giving presents too! Here are some of my favourite Christmas gifts this year, given and received.
- Toast tongs, wooden tops, and a pottery pie plate from Owen Sound Artists’ Co-op
- 6-inch cake pans for baking cakes from this delightful cookbook
- Dehydrated strawberries (to make a SK recipe of course!)
- Stick-on earrings for my girls, also cozy dresses and tights from Primary
- Toy recycling truck (Who knew it could provide hours of entertainment)
- Gardening gloves (first time any of my kids bought something in a store by themselves!)
- I’m sure I’m forgetting stuff, but suffice to say I am full of gratitude <3
Meditate
“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of might,
the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—
and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.” – Isaiah 11:1-3a