Weekend Musings | December 6, 2025
In my heart and in my cart + other things
In My Heart -
Happy holidays! Doesn’t it feel so good to say that? I started listening to Christmas music this week and I don’t really have strong feelings about when it is the right time to do that. The controller at work listens to Michael Buble Christmas literally year around and it’s not for me, but I have a “you do you, boo” attitude about it. I just gravitated to a “Christmas Jazz” playlist on Thursday when I was working from home and et voila, now I’m all in.
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Speaking of holiday consumption, I listened to David Sedaris read his essay, SantaLand Diaries, on my way into work on Monday and if anything puts me in the spirit, it will forever be that! The entire thing is so hilarious, but that last sentence is killer and I am just dreaming of such a time when I can use it myself.
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As Q4 winds down, I’m thinking of my hyperfixations. It’s funny how they just ebb and flow into new ones and someday, I’ll get a whiff of something that reminds me so distinctly of this time. And yet, I won’t even have noticed that the fixation disappeared until something reminds me of it later. You know what I mean? I started keeping a list of things that I’m obsessed with right now that I think will someday remind me of December 2025.
West End Girl // Lily Allen. I listen to the album from start to finish most days. It’ll wear itself out eventually and someday I’ll hear Pussy Palace and it’ll take me straight back to right now in the same way that Smile takes me to 2006 in my old green Jetta with the cassette to CD converter sitting in my passenger seat.
Jo Malone Ginger Biscuit. Scent memories! Now there’s a way to magically transport oneself back decades. I picked this up in October, thinking it’d be the perfect gourmand, spicy scent for the holidays and it is. After work, when I change out of my office clothes into ugly clothes - you know - I’ll catch just a hint of what’s left of the scent after the day, and it’s just barely sugar cookies and vanilla. Very very on brand for the holiday season. Someday this will remind me of when my kids still believed in Santa and the year we were snowed in the weekend after Thanksgiving.
Kale salads with Fly by Jing and cottage cheese. Sometimes with a chunk of smoked gouda cheese. A completely not special meal that I eat at least once a day. Often twice. I toss in whatever protein is leftover from last night’s dinner and call it a day.
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Stay the course. On Monday, I was feeling boo-hoo-y probably because I had to go to work after a week of vacation and honestly, that inbox gave me anxiety. It spiraled from there because my mind wasn’t right. I felt so discouraged and then jealous and also like I hate my hair and my body and my house and I don’t know how I snapped myself out of it, but by the end of the day I was fine. Small steps add up. My hair will grow out and I won’t hate it forever. My house gets better with every small project I complete. The wheels turn slowly but as long as they keep turning, everything is fine
Related:
In My Cart -
+Trimming the tree! I fell for these color star ornaments and this aperol spritz beaded ornament. I don’t even love an aperol spritz but you cannot deny that they’re beautiful in bead format!
+I will get this bag for myself and wrap it up and act surprised when I tear into it. That blue!
+Seasonal outerwear, non?
+Old Navy finds because it’s not a Recently Enjoyed Things round-up without them, now is it? I am presently wearing these high-waisted fleece pants that were made for WFH days. Fixated on this sherpa pullover hoodie in hot hot hot pink.
+Festive finds over at J Crew Factory, where there is always a sale going on.
+How good are these festive red pajamas for $35!?
+An actual radio (but with bluetooth capabilities ofc) is number one on my personal wishlist.
+I’m not sure why this Sephora sale isn’t getting the same hype, but your entire purchase is 20% off until Dec. 14. This is my watch-list.
Other Things -
+Friendly reminder for the moms.
+Related: I have Oh What Fun (prime) on my list to watch this weekend. A mom going on strike in the middle of the Christmas season? Yeah, I get that.
+Currently reading. I’m on a subject matter binge. I just finished this quick read and this related number is on my immediate TBR list.
+Related: NPR’s 2025 list of Books We Love
+Really trying to incorporate some hobbies to keep me busy this winter. I bought some markers and a sketchbook with the intentions of journaling like this! Whispering “stay the course” to myself already!
+Related: Romanticizing your life for winter. I’ll try anything. ANYTHING!
+Taking this recipe for a test drive. If it works out, they could be such a nice holiday gift!
