'Tis the Season for Lists...
So I've a whopper of a list for you. And also, this newsletter is THREE YEARS OLD! 🥳
Well, well, well. Here we are in December, and guess what? I have nary a string of lights strung, zero point zero cookies baked, and a very sad number of gifts purchased. And what about a tree? 🎄 (I think you know the answer to this.)
Nope.
This holiday behavior (or lack thereof) is not my typical December routine.
I’m a gal who grew up assembling and decorating a tree (I thought everyone’s Christmas tree came in a box) while listening to Bing Crosby’s White Christmas by the second of December. Usually, I’m all about the season.
So there’s no need to cue the song; it’s just been a busy season.
And while I’ve yet to get my holiday roll rolling, I have nailed down one seasonal practice.
LISTS.
My golly Miss Holly, have I got lists.
✅ Daily to-do lists.
✅ Weekly would-like-to-do lists.
✅ Get these things done by the end of Q4- lists.
✅ Tax prep lists.
✅ Lists with things I haven’t finished since last year’s lists. (Please tell me you have those too.)
✅ Lists with sub-lists stuck all over them. (My love language is Post-it notes.)
✅ And of course, gift lists and hello, Xmas is almost here lists.
✅ Finally, we can’t forget my list of things to ponder before the Winter Solstice - intentions, things I’m letting go, goals for my future self, and manifestations for the year to come.
📋 'Tis the season for lists, and I’m here for it. 📋
With that in mind, I’m going to go out on a limb and say that everyone reading this is taking time away from some list. As a gift to you (and me), I’m cutting to the chase this week and offering you a very special list that will hopefully help you feel your best so that you’re energized and ready to tackle your lists… whatever they may contain.
I’ve got:
Gift ideas
A salad so good, I’d walk ten miles in a blizzard to get the ingredients.
New ideas for sleep & digestion
Wellness strategies (why wait until 2026 to feel better?)
Travel hot spots that are off the radar and travel gear you need to know about
A whole lot more. (Translation: you’ll need to keep reading to find out.)
But first, did you know? It’s the Bday month of this very newsletter (see the first issues here and here). I haven’t missed a Thursday since December of 2022, and have no intention to stop.
Which leads to a quick question for you, as I plan 2026 content:
And, is it even a three-year newsletter birthday celebration without a treat? Since cupcakes don’t travel well over the web, I’ve got something else.
🍾 I’m offering 30% off annual subscriptions until December 31, 2025.🍾
Get or gift yours today!
But for now … let’s get to the list o’ links!
Enjoy,
Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for the hubster, the mrs, your partner, mom/dad, grandparent, sister, brother, or wellness-obsessed pal, one gift that everyone should think about is a place to preserve your memories ~ check out this deal from Legacy Box Home Videos. (And I know, I forgot kids… but I figured they’ve already told you what you want.)
Speaking of gifts, these healthy and ingredient-conscious skincare kits from Salt & Stone and others from LATHER are on my list, and remind me of the (not so healthy) Love’s Baby Soft gift box I received in third grade, along with the candy cane full of Lip Smackers and Life Savers Storybook. (I had to get a little nostalgic for my 70s and 80s pals.)
Not sure if anyone on your list is asking for a fur coat (fake), but in case they are, you’ve got to see this beauty by Quince. Other gorgeous options include this cashmere camel coat or this lightweight puffer. (I mean, you have to stay warm, right?)
While you’re out shopping, you might stop at Costco to stock up on things, especially if you’re on host/hostess duty.
If you are hosting, chances are you’ll be chopping up veggies, cheese, and other delightful snacks. Very important question - what kind of cutting board(s) are you using? Click here if you think yours might need an upgrade.
Speaking of big box stores and online big box stores… check out these Amazon benefits you might not have heard about.
With all this shopping, you need your rest. Click here to find the secret to falling asleep fast.
Do you know the next best thing to a good night’s sleep? Good digestion. (Am I right?) These digestion cubes might help.
And don’t forget a good breakfast like this one, designed for longevity. YUM.
Next stop, lunch. I saw this salad-like-you ’ve-never-imagined video during a morning snowstorm and literally risked my life (sort of, the roads were plowed by the time I actually left my house) to go to the store for its ingredients. This one gets TWO YUMS.
Of course, now, you’re wondering what to make for dinner. Sheet kabobs, anyone? These look mighty fine.
Then call it a day with this mouth-watering chia chocolate mousse.
While we’re in the kitchen, this YouTube video with Jennifer Gardner and her mom visiting a set made to look like their former kitchen gave me all the feels.
Prevent the hangries between meals with