Things to Love this December
Winter is finally upon us.
It’s one thing to look forward to a white Christmas, but it’s quite another when the temperatures drop, and the cold keeps even your dog indoors. I’m prepared for the season, with a stack of books to dive into, cozy socks, firewood at hand, and a few blog projects to keep me busy. I’m ready to embrace the chill.
A few weeks ago, we discussed various goals we can achieve before the year ends. I’ve decided to tackle another task: saying goodbye to Cable TV.
It’s a decision I’ve considered for years, often hesitating due to my love for football and “The Walking Dead.” But next week marks my final farewell to cable. My household rarely watches TV, and when we do, it’s mostly Netflix.
Movies are a passion for us.
But let me tell you, watching “The Breakfast Club” on TBS is not an enjoyable experience. That’s why I’ve largely abandoned cable, using it mainly for background noise while I cook or clean. I even put Animal Planet on for my dog when I have to run errands, just to keep him company. He definitely takes advantage of the couch while I’m away, despite my rules! What’s a “couch potato” without some cable shows, right?
The constant commercials and censorship, which stretch a 120-minute movie to over 200 minutes, are precisely why I’ve turned away from cable.
Typically, we turn to the PS4, Apple TV, or Google TV (though it’s a bit outdated) for streaming. However, I’ve recently discovered Amazon Fire Stick. It simply plugs into your TV, and after logging in with your Amazon account, it syncs effortlessly. A fantastic feature is the Alexa Voice remote that allows you to say commands like “launch Netflix” or “find holiday movies,” and it responds instantly. We’ve gotten pretty lazy as a society, haven’t we? Nevertheless, it’s one of my favorite devices for cozy nights in.
What else is there to appreciate this winter?
Scented candles are a must because they instantly elevate the atmosphere. If you’re like me, you likely find yourself obsessed with candles year-round. During this season, anything that evokes warmth, firewood, or Christmas spirit is especially cherished. I’ve long been a fan of Bath & Body Works candles, with the scent Winter being one of my all-time favorites. Lately, I’ve shifted more towards DW Homes, Village Candles (Black Bamboo is my absolute favorite!), and Diptyque. Recently, I scored some BBW candles during a sale, but wow—they are potent. I bought six, and I’m seriously contemplating gifting some to my sister. They have such an intense scent that it might be overwhelming. Though I typically enjoy scented candles, I can’t help but wonder if they changed their formula recently.
And we can’t forget about comfy pajamas. I own a couple of pairs from Victoria’s Secret, and I think I mentioned them last winter too. They’re incredibly cozy and serve as my go-to remedy for bad days. When it’s freezing and I’m feeling down, I toss them in the dryer for a few minutes until they’re warm, take a hot shower, brew some wine tea, and settle in for the night. Honestly, cozy pajamas can make any situation feel better.
Moisturizing face and hand creams are essentials during winter months. Even if you don’t typically suffer from dry skin, the cold can take a toll, especially when temperatures dip into the teens. I trust Cetaphil in a tub, which is gentle enough for sensitive skin and versatile enough for all over use. Another favorite is Clinique’s Moisture Surge, a lighter cream that provides excellent hydration and relief. I’ve also shared some top picks fromLano in another post, with the amazing intense Rose hand cream being a standout.
Charming mugs are another treat; they make my tea and hot carob taste even better. I have the same problem with mugs as I do with candles: I probably should stop accumulating both! Do you pick your mug for your morning tea or hot lemon water based on your mood? No? Just me? Oh, come on!
Socks are essential for me—my feet are cold almost all the time, even in summer. I practically live in warm, long socks during winter. Sometimes, I even wear my snowboarding socks around the house. Seriously! I keep a pair of long socks next to my nightstand, and the first thing I do in the morning is slip them on. It may seem trivial, but this small action helps me wake up, especially when it’s freezing!
Since I stopped watching TV before bed, I’ve been falling asleep faster and enjoying better rest. You know what happens when I drift off while watching something? I’m a light sleeper, so I wake up once the episode finishes, switch on another episode, and go back to sleep. It’s an endless cycle unless I set a timer! Now, I prefer reading a book or listening to audiobooks before dozing off. I used to dislike the silence right after closing the book, as my mind would race. Crafting a relaxing bedtime routine has helped signal to my brain that it’s time for sleep, allowing me to fall asleep quickly and enjoy quality rest.
What are you all enjoying this December? Any great books to cozy up with?
