Merry Christmas to all of you who celebrate, and Seasons Greetings to those of you who don’t. I normally do some posts around this time of year about gift ideas and or things like that. But with 2020, I know a lot of people are struggling with money, and also, I think sometimes blogging can feel a bit commercial and fake. I like sharing what I love and am enjoying with you guys, but that doesn’t have to be things that cost money. So, here are some things that I’m enjoying this Christmas.

• I focused more on shopping local, and that has been really fun. Some of the gifts I bought this year were from small businesses and makers. And I really got a kick out of buying from a person and having something individually made was great.
• I’ve been watching a lot of Christmas movies that I watch pretty much every year, like Scrooged, The Grinch, Miracle on 34th Street, and Muppet Christmas Carol. I’ve also been watching Hallmark movies a little bit, and they always kind of make me laugh, they’re a bit mad. But I also love the Hallmark aesthetic. It’s really comforting.
• There is a local Cheer Map on the Next Door app in my area, and people have tagged houses that are decorated with lights. So, you can use the map to go for a festive, socially distanced walk in the brisk winter air. It’s really nice.
• I had some Christmas themed books to read, and that was nice, but I also re-read some classic books from when I was little. The Borrowers, The Black Stallion, and Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, things like that. It was nice to revisit them as an adult.
• I made home made decorations this year. Mostly cross stitch ones, which I showed in an earlier post, but some others too. It was a really satisfying project to do.
• I’ve also found myself connecting with people online more than I normally would, and also with people who live in my building, and I feel a sense of belonging here, which is really nice. (This is only our second year in Canada)
• There was no tree lighting or carol singing this year, which I did really miss. And there’s a lot of upheaval and change going on. It can be a lot some days, but I think this year has really taught me how to rest. It’s ok to rest. lol. And I’m happy to hear stories of people getting vaccinated, it feels like this Christmas, there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

If you want, I’d love to know what you’re grateful for this Christmas, in the comments, and I’m wishing you all a wonderful 2021.