Lovin' Lately no. 25

Day 4: 12 Days of Stackmas

Imagine we’re catching up over coffee and I’m gushing over what I’ve been Lovin’ Lately…

"A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices." — O Holy Night
"Just to live for the hope of it all." — Taylor Swift
"This is Christmas. The season of perpetual hope." — Home Alone

Christmas time is here, and I feel hope swirling inside me, I feel myself softening, warming, I needed this.

I’m also brimming with joy, but my to-do list feels endless, and the days, too short. The post-Thanksgiving hustle is real in our home, especially with my eldest’s birthday at the start of December. I’m channeling St. Nick: making a list, checking it twice, and scratching off anything that isn’t truly essential.

I’m notorious for overloading my plate—everything feels important and exciting! But I also love the calm of a slow December. My goal is to unplug completely by Friday, December 13th, so I’m hustling now to make that happen.

That’s where I am. How about you?

And here’s what I’ve been Lovin’ Lately…

Christmas Movies
I’m that person who plans which Christmas movies to watch and when—early December or closer to Christmas. In an upcoming Stackmas post, I’ll share my top 10 Christmas movies, new-to-me films on my list, and family favorites.

Over the weekend, while assembling our family advent calendar with takeout, we kicked things off with The Holiday. It’s the perfect seasonal starter: cozy and heartfelt. Cameron Diaz’s scene, wrapped up in knits, snuggled in bed with a roaring fire and a tray full of snacks— perfect! And we know she has a stack of books within reach as I always pause the film to see which books she has on the plane— that would be a fun reading project, hehe.

Peppermint Everything
Peppermint mochas and hot cocoas are my seasonal love language. Since I don’t love overly sweet coffee, I add a splash of peppermint mocha creamer to oat milk with a hint of coffee. I also love YumEarth’s artificial dye-free candy canes. They’re perfect for crushing into cookies or stirring into a warm drink. And I just discovered they also make a blue raspberry flavor which is delicious too!

Christmas Decor
I embrace colors at Christmas—pink, purple, green, blue. Our stockings, lovingly stitched by my grandmother and recreated by family friends, are my most cherished holiday tradition. This year, my mother-in-law crafted a one-of-a-kind stocking using elements from each of our stocking designs for our daughter, blending hues of pink, purple, and warm yellows. And my mother is sewing the piece into a stocking now. I tear up thinking about how special it will be when our set is complete and our girlie has a handmade piece made by both of her grandmas (who she also shares both of her middle names with).

Next week, I’ll invite you into our home for a look at how we deck the halls with a holiday home tour.

Festive Tunes
As I write this, I’m curled up by the fire, listening to a soothing winter playlist. It’s like being transported to the cottage in The Holiday. I’ve also been spinning Norah Jones’ holiday album—I find it perfectly festive and relaxing. Stay tuned for a Stackmas post where I’ll share my favorite Christmas albums and songs.

Smells Like Christmas
Our Christmas tree is real, but I can’t get enough of that pine scent. This year, I picked up the Roland Pine ribbed glass candle from my fave little local shop—it’s gorgeous and vegan. I’ll reuse the green vessel for tea lights once it’s finished because it’s too pretty to part with.

Frog and Toad Winter
I have heard musings of storybook-themed seasons, and I’d like to propose a Frog and Toad Winter. It’s giving steaming mugs of herbal tea, double-wrapped chunky scarves, candle-lit evenings, rest days, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, and stories shared around the fire. If you’re in, check out the Frog and Toad Christmas Eve episode on Apple TV+.

Currently Reading
I’m a quarter of the way through A Winter in New York by Josie Silver, enjoying the dual timelines and foodie vibes. It’s giving me One Italian Summer feels, minus the magical twist. Up next: I’ll Be Gone for Christmas by Georgia K. Boone.

Puzzling
My favorite puzzles are from Jiggy—they collaborate with artists, and the puzzles become frameable art! We have a beautiful one lined up, and I can’t wait to dig in with Hallmark movies on in the background.

Pure Comfort
Here’s my holiday gift to you: old episodes of Nigella on YouTube. It’s like a warm hug. I watch them in December when the kids are napping or at school, and it’s my favorite treat to enjoy over lunch. I’ve even veganized her Mozzarella in Carrozza sandwiches using Just Egg, vegan butter, and oat milk—so rich and delicious, a favorite indulgence this time of year.

Cheers to savoring the season, more Stackmas to come tomorrow!

A cheerful scene from Sunday at the farm we get our tree from 🤩 …and peep a happy little Viklund boy— they loved playing in the snowy “tree forts” 🥰

🎄 It’s finally here! Morgan Long is pure delight.

🙏 I just bookmarked this piece about the experience of homelessness in America, it feels like essential reading this time of year, thank you for putting it on my radar

Sarah Hartley

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🕯 How a routine can help you find peace during the holidays.

🫘 One food to change the world… and after you read that circle back to my three-part Sunday Menu beans series. 😀

🌎 What if we act as if we love the future?

📚 The 10 best book of 2024, according to The New York Times— two of my top reads of 2024 made this list!!

🥣 Want more seasonal living joys?

Nina P.

of The Seasonalist has you covered, here’s what to look forward to in December.

🧶 20 cozy winter hobbies— I’m really curious about the cozy gaming world. 🙈

🥧 Made with frozen and pantry ingredients this is a new weekly staple (and the kids LOVE it).

📖

Michelle Martin

’s book recommendations are always the most lovely and her 2024 Holiday Reading Guide is the perfect way to kick off December.

💞 A top 10 winter rom-coms field guide from

michela

— many of my faves are on here, which you’ll see next week. 😄

🙆🏻‍♀️ 5-minute posture improving routine, thank you very much!

🛒 I’m still on my no new clothes kick, but what about a year of buying nothing new? From fellow Vermonter

Jess Kirby

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🫶 99 ways to show love besides gifts this holiday season.

As 2024 comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on this space and the joy it brings me to create and connect with all of you. I feel an immense sense of gratitude for each reader who shows up, finds value in what I share, and joins me in seeking the little things that brighten our days. It means the world to connect not only over simple joys but also in our shared commitment to living more intentionally.

In moments when the world feels heavy or lonely, I find comfort in this like-minded community. Your support, kindness, and engagement have made this space a true haven for me, and I don’t take a single bit of it for granted, I genuinely appreciate every single reader.

This month, I want to celebrate

Keeley

. She not only takes the time to engage in post comments but also has sent thoughtful messages with ideas and reflections. In the paid subscriber chat thread she’s shared glimpses of how she’s woven things I’ve shared into her own family’s life, and it warms my heart to know that my creations bring others joy.

Thank you, Keely, for being here and for your kindness. You are a shining part of this community, and I am so grateful for you.

Good tidings to you, wherever you are,