Might toast the holidays

Might feel some overwhelm

Happy holidays! How is this email finding you? Under a pile of peppermint bark? Tucked under a 20lb weighted blanket? In the midst of watching a new holiday flick on [insert streaming service]? Rushing through the aisles of the supermarket looking for rosemary, more peppermint bark, apple cider and red potatoes? Carrying a bottle of wine to a holiday party? Watching a kid’s winter choir performance? Making construction paper holiday garlands? On a brisk walk? Making a gratitude list? About to board a transatlantic flight? Mailing a package? Reading a wintery romance novel? Finishing the last of the peppermint bark?

here for the smell!

this was a fun craft for me to do by myself after asking my kids multiple times if they wanted to join in

Okay, I could go on! As you can see, my holiday plans typically revolve around peppermint bark, romcoms, and easy crafts. This year I have done pomanders (quite witchy), dried citrus slices to hang as ornaments, and painted brown grocery store bags with little Santa hats and mittens.

I also rounded up my favorite holiday romance novels, which brought back such great memories! A friend recommended Catherine Walsh’s books to me this week, and I have already read two: Holiday Romance and Snowed In. Very festive! Fun to read an Irish romance writer. Also, I left this out above but Jackie Lau has a 4-part series that is fun that takes you from Canadian Thanksgiving to Valentines.

Are there any holiday romances that I missed? That I should read post-haste?

Speaking of books, I enjoyed looking back at my year in reading last year, so here is my list from this year. The caveat, of course, is that maybe the best is yet to come? One of my favorite reading experiences ever was reading Trust Exercise by Susan Choi on Dec. 29, 2019.

Wishing you a happy holiday! If you are like me and you experience a torpor of despair every NYE, sending strength! Also, if you would like to support my work, my new calendar is available! It’s calendar season! Cheers to 2025!

comic for Cup of Jo