Two days before Christmas. Are you ready? Today I have a few last-minute things to do, but I am pretty much ready. This time of year, my mind dreams of what I can do better with my business: the watercolor business and the antique booth. The thought of creating new items is so exciting, as is buying new items to put in my booth. The way I’m going to rearrange the old and add new to the booth swirls in my mind almost constantly. I have, however, been reading, watching, making, and cooking.

WHAT I HAVE BEEN READING:

Luke 2: The birth of Jesus is a beautiful account of my Savior, filled with hope and joy that resonates through the ages. It tells the story of a humble beginning, where the Savior of the world was born in a manger, surrounded by love and simplicity. I have also been reading The Liberty Scarf, which elegantly weaves together themes of freedom and faith, prompting deep reflections on what it means to live a life anchored in grace.

WHAT I BEEN WATCHING:

The Shop Around the Corner. My friend reminded me of this movie that You Got Mail was based on. I had never watched it before, so on Saturday, I rented it from Paramount. It was darling, filled with delightful moments, and there were parts that definitely reminded me of You Got Mail, drawing parallels between the two stories that made it all the more enjoyable. As the plot unfolded, I became engrossed in the characters and their interactions, each scene offering a glimpse into the romantic tensions and misunderstandings that form the heart of the narrative. I also took the opportunity to watch Holiday Inn, a 1942 musical starring one of my favorite guys, Bong Crosby, whose smooth voice and charismatic presence brought a sense of nostalgia.

WHAT I HAVE BEEN MAKING:

On Friday, an order of four ornaments came through. I had already shut down my business for 2024, but this particular order was from my best friend. So, on Saturday morning, I sat down and painted them while I watched The Shop Around the Corner.

WHAT I HAVE BEEN COOKING:

It can’t be Christmas without Kwanzaa cookies. Job, my eldest, made these delicious treats in first grade, and ever since that first batch, they have become a beloved tradition in our home. They have been a staple for every Christmas since. The recipe is simple; they are a no-bake cookie, which makes them easy to whip up even on the busiest of days leading to the holiday. They don’t have peanut butter in them, which is perfect because Job is allergic to peanuts, allowing him to enjoy these festive cookies without worry.