Did November fly by in a blur for anyone else? I looked at the calendar this morning and realized we are almost a week into December. Despite my best intentions to slow down and savor the season, and to be totally honest, I feel like I’m already playing catch-up! Between the shopping, the planning, and the regular day-to-day, sticking to a routine feels nearly impossible right now. (Confession: We’ve already missed a night of Advent readings, and we haven't even hit double-digit dates yet!)
But, Blogmas is about documenting the real moments, not just the perfect ones. So, I’m hitting the pause button on the busywork today to sit down and catch up with you. Here is a look at what I’m currently reading, watching, and just barely managing this month. Grab yourself a cup of cocoa and let's get into the details!
To be honest, my goal of reading two books a month has officially gone out the window. But I am holding out hope for Christmas break! I have this vivid memory from my childhood that I’m desperate to recreate. One winter, I was reading The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and my mom made her homemade hot chocolate. I remember curling up at the top of the stairs with that steaming mug and my book, feeling completely transported. For that hour, all was right in the world. That is the exact energy I am chasing right now. I need to run to the library to return my November stack, and while I'm there, I’m going to hunt for the perfect holiday escape to help me quiet the noise of the season.
My playlist is admittedly all over the place lately, but if I had to pin down the specific vibe I’m gravitating toward, it’s somewhere between "ethereal winter" and "dark romantic." I find myself repeating songs that feel a little moody and cinematic—perfect for these dark, snowy evenings. From the slowed-down intensity of Rammstein to the classic floatiness of Enya, what do I keep on repeat? I'm glad you asked!
Caribbean Blue by Enya | Love Story by Indila | Sonne (slowed + reverb version) by Rammstein | Light in the Dark by Violin Sky | Dzanum by Teya Dora | Monolith by Twin Tribes | Goth by Sidewalks and Skeletons | Weak in Your Light by Nation of Language | Tattoo by Loreen
And yes, I am also listening to the Dracula: A Love Tale soundtrack by Danny Elfman from start to finish. It is just too good!
Right now, I’m just enjoying sitting in the golden glow of the Christmas lights! Those quiet hours after work feel extra festive with the tree lit up. Plus, since it’s been so snowy and overcast outside, the twinkling lights make the house feel that much warmer. It finally feels like winter has arrived!
I desperately need some new warm(ish) winter work clothes. The reality is that I’m having a hot flash while teaching and running around with the kiddos, but my few minutes out in the car line have been absolutely brutal due to the winter cold. I need pieces that can withstand those freezing temps outside without making me sweat the minute I step back into the classroom. My wardrobe needs to multitask as much as I do right now!
I’m thrilled that I can finally stream A Christmas Story. It’s an annual tradition and one of my absolute favorites. For a newer, equally warm escape, I’ve been rewatching A Castle for Christmas for maximum cozy, feel-good vibes. Totally unrelated to Christmas, but Dracula: A Love Tale has me completely captivated. I am obsessed with the dark romanticism, the visuals, and the story. It has quickly become my new favorite movie (though nothing will ever unseat the magic of The Wizard of Oz as my #1)..
Right now, this is still in the "dreaming" phase (that snow day would help!), but I am making a firm commitment to myself: I will carve out time for Christmas crafts galore very soon! After all the planning and to-do lists are managed, I desperately need that creative outlet. I’m especially focused on making some fun, homemade ornaments this year, but I’m ready for any project that involves glitter, ribbon, and a little bit of beautiful, festive mess. This is my planned, necessary break!
I am absolutely loving Blogmas right now! This is my fourth year participating in the challenge, and honestly, seeing that commitment makes me incredibly proud. Knowing how easy it is for creative projects to fall by the wayside during the December chaos, it feels like a real victory that I'm actively taking the time to do something that genuinely makes me happy. It’s my little creative gift to myself this season!
My biggest energy drain—and most exciting project—is happening at work! I am currently deep in the planning stages for the cutest Christmas program our school has ever seen. This is my first time ever coordinating a big holiday show like this, so while there are definitely nerves, I am mostly just bursting with excitement to present it to all of our families soon! At home, the plans are (unsurprisingly) all things Christmas. Our calendars are never empty during the month of December! We’re busy squeezing in all the festive fun—from celebrating my husband’s birthday and our anniversary, to finalizing the last-minute holiday shopping. It's a full calendar, but full of wonderful things to look forward to!
Honestly? My biggest work-in-progress right now isn't a craft project or a professional goal—it's flexibility and grace. I'm primarily focused on getting my daily to-do list done, but more importantly, I'm learning how to handle the inevitable failure of not getting everything done. The holiday list is endless, and trying to achieve perfection just leads to burnout. So, if the chores don't get checked off or the routine gets abandoned, I'm trying to quote the Queen of Ice, Elsa, and truly "Let it Go!" My goal this month is prioritizing joy and managing expectations over sheer productivity.
With the hustle of the holidays in full swing, my list of things I’m dreaming of is pretty simple. First, I’m not gonna lie: A spontaneous snow day would be absolutely nice right now. I need that ultimate, unscheduled pause button to stop the clock and truly reset my routine. If I got that wish, my second wish would automatically follow: a day dedicated to pure creativity! I’m dreaming of a cozy afternoon spent making Christmas ornaments where I can craft my little heart out. Combining a surprise day off with a table covered in glitter, ribbon, and paint is the perfect fantasy for recharging before Christmas Day.
December is not just about the glittering lights and holiday hustle; it's a month for celebrating the most handsome man in my life! We have a beautiful double milestone coming up this week: my husband’s 39th birthday on December 11th and our 16th wedding anniversary on December 12th! I honestly can’t believe it has been 16 years since we said "I do!" This week is all about pausing the chaos to celebrate God crafting the perfect husband, father, and partner for me. Having these personal milestones mixed in with the festive cheer makes the entire month feel even more special and meaningful.
The one self-care item currently at the top of my list is a proper Christmas manicure. There is something so satisfying about having perfectly polished nails for the holidays! My biggest obstacle right now is simply making the appointment; my hands are looking a little neglected, and I’m admittedly embarrassed to show up at the salon until I can do some intensive home maintenance first. But achieving this little bit of festive polish is exactly the kind of small victory I need to make the chaos of the month feel manageable.
And there you have it—a peek into my very real, slightly chaotic, and surprisingly dark-wave-themed December! It’s a busy balance between the cozy golden glow of Christmas lights and the intensity of a gothic film soundtrack, between fighting the car line chill and celebrating 16 wonderful years. It might not be perfect, but it’s real, and it’s full of joy, grace, and the commitment to finding moments of happiness. I’d love to know what’s currently on your list. Are you embracing the hustle or forcing a slow-down? Drop a comment below and let me know what you’re up to right now!
I'm off for the weekend, but will be back on Monday with your next post! Merry Blogmas, Reader!
