Decembering

Since I wrote the previous post, I do feel a lot more at ease about the season. Turns out, when I pace myself and don't fill up my schedule, there's more room for joy! I haven't had any huge epiphanies or anything, but we're really enjoying this time of year, and I've felt so moved by Christmas story, in a way I haven't in years. Here's what I've been up to:

Reading a daily advent study with Nicholas. We love it so far, and if you're curious, it's "Come Let Us Adore Him," by Paul David Tripp.

Wearing my handknit Lila pullover! I love this sweater (and I love when the weather is appropriately cool enough to wear it)

Knitting everywhere: in the car, on the couch, in the waiting room at the car repair shop, at a coffee shop. I'm telling you, it's not that knitters are necessarily more patient that other people, but they always have something with which to occupy themselves.

Drinking (yet) another cardamom latte. By far my favorite seasonal drink.

Baking coffee cake after 10pm, because we were watching the Great British Bake Off and that show makes me need to bake, regardless of reason or time of day. I got a few messages that I'm not the only one, phew. ;) Our absolutely favorite recipe for coffee cake is from the book Scandinavian Gatherings (truly, I love the entire book). I've only made the coffee cake without the apples, but I'm sure it would be wonderful with them.

Wrapping at the Christmas gifts, or, 95% of them, anyway. It took several hours of a whole day, but it felt so good to have that done! And then that evening, Nicholas had me tucked away in the bedroom while he wrapped my gifts. I brought my knitting, a few twinkle lights, and some peppermint coffee, so I didn't mind one bit.

Making a trip to the Post Office with gifts for friends and family afar. My goodness, the postal workers are wonderful, even in the midst of Christmas rushes.

Reading and savoring my way through Hinds Feet in High Places, which is an allegory I read years ago, and recently decided to revisit. my favorite reading nook is the orange chair in the corner by the tree.

Roasting acorn squash. I have some in the oven right now, actually, and I'm gonna saute some mushrooms for a filling and top it with nutmeg and sharp white cheddar cheese.

Hiding little gifts in the shared stocking we hang up, beginning December first. We take turns tucking in little gifts/notes/sweets for each other all month, leading up to Christmas.

Noticing all the evidence of the blending and smudging of seasons: fallen leaves, Christmas decor, the occasional pumpkin still displayed. I kind of love how it's not a 180 degree transition toward Christmas, but a bit more gentle.

What do these weeks look like to you, friends?