It’s December and although part of me doesn’t know where 2024 has gone (shouldn’t it still be early September?!), we’re now in the midst of what for many is the holiday season.

After a busy year in life and writing, I’m set for a slower-paced December complete with a “happy holiday season bucket list” to help make the next few weeks merry and bright.

What are some of the things I’m planning to do?

Make my mother’s chocolate chip cookies

These childhood favourite “drop” cookies are a special treat, as valued for their loving memories as yummy taste.

When I make them, I feel my late mom by my side. And as the sweet scent of baking fills my home, it’s like a warm, motherly hug.

Although my mom’s recipe is a family secret, find a similar one (with imperial and metric measurements) here.

Enjoy The Nutcracker ballet

As a ballet fan, The Nutcracker, the story of a young girl who receives a nutcracker toy as a Christmas Eve present and embarks on a magical adventure, is a long-time seasonal favourite.

This year, I’m going to Ottawa, the nearest city, to see a local performing company stage this festive dance treat.

Take a snowy woodland walk 

We’ve just had the first snowfall of the season here in Eastern Ontario, Canada and my world is a winter wonderland.

With a gorgeous park and forest trails nearby, it’s a joy to bundle up in my parka, woolly hat, boots and mittens and take Floppy Ears for a Sunday afternoon walk.

Another joy is returning home to a cozy house for popcorn and hot cocoa.

Watch movies

With the holiday season comes holiday films.

I’ve already watched “Hot Frosty” currently on Netflix in North America. Since many outdoor scenes were filmed near me in Brockville, Ontario, Canada it was fun to spot familiar landmarks.

Intrigued? Watch a YouTube piece about “Hot Frosty” in Brockville here.

On a chilly weekend, I’m also looking forward to watching a new-to-me Audrey Hepburn box set.

Read!

With multiple tight writing deadlines recently, my reading time has been limited.

Since I have a towering paperback and digital to-be-read list, I’m spoiled for choice but this month I’m reading for pleasure, not writing work, and lots of seasonal, holiday stories feature.

Catch up with family and friends

Especially at this time of year, I’m grateful for the family and friends who make my life better.

And those connections with loved ones near and far either electronically or in person, make the festive season bright.

No matter what you celebrate, I hope it’s a happy, cozy time filled with people and things you love.

As usual, I’m taking a blogging break for the rest of the year returning in January 2025. 

Happy Holidays!