Monthly Musings: Holidays and Ringing in the New Year

It's the last Monthly Musings of 2025. I'm excited to see what Holly, who blogs at Pink Lady, and Patty, who blogs at Good, Better, Best, come up with for the 2026 Monthly Musings because I really do love this link up. Thanks for hosting such a fun blog party each month Holly and Patty!

1) What holidays do you celebrate?

We celebrate both Channukah and Christmas. It makes for a lot going on this time of year. For instance, this weekend we have Rachel's dance holiday showing, our Christmas celebration with our besties, two Channukah parties, three of us are involved in the Sunday morning church service, and then Rachel and I are cookie baking with Janice and Tessa. So yes, we celebrate ALL THE THINGS!

 

2) Scale of 1-10 -- how into the holidays are you this year. Be honest.

I have to admit, I'm at about a 2. Between the renos, the shooting in Australia during a Channukah event, and the weather, I am just not feeling the holidays this year. I'm sure it will get better but right now I'm tired, a little stressed, and feeling displaced in our house, while also trying to remember that life is a gift.

3) Favourite things to make/bake during the holidays?

My favourite things to make is Holly's Applesauce Jumbles. You can find the recipe here. Seriously you all -- I've made about five batches already this year. Rachel made them as part of a cookie bake she did earlier this week and we'll for sure be baking them on Sunday with Janice and Tessa. I haven't given these to a single person who hasn't loved them!

 

We also make a lot of cranberry tea and I almost always have my Christmas potpourri simmering on the stove. Yes, even this year! Our house smells like cinnamon and sawdust -- hahaha!

And I LOVE when Dave makes latkes, We have a tradition of him frying them outside which won't happen this year, as we don't have an outdoor outlet right now. Dave's latkes are the best!

 

4) Favourite holiday movies?

Hallmark ones. We love The Santa Summit, On the 12th Date of Christmas, and the Channukah ones.

 

5) Most random holiday tradition?

Probably Jólabókaflóð, the Icelandic tradition of reading books on Christmas Eve. We all get a new book on Christmas Eve, put on our pajamas, eat snacks, and read. It's so much fun!

 

6) Are you hosting for the holidays? New Year's Eve or Day?

We're "kind of" hosting in that my parents are arriving on Christmas Eve but will be living at our neighbours' house! So we have to buy all the groceries, and decorate at our neighbours, but then Mom & Dad will be in charge! Hahaha!

7) Favourite way to ring in the New Year?

I used to love a big party but now I like a quiet evening with good food and a good book. New Years just isn't that exciting anymore.

8) Any New Year's Resolutions or Word of the Year?

I never do a "word of the year." My resolution is to blog more consistently (including getting into a better blog reading habit). My blog friends have been so amazing as my blogging, and blog reading habits, have really declined this year. I really want to get into more consistent blogging (both writing and reading and commenting) in 2026. I love this space, and the friendships I've made through blogging, and I don't want to lose any of that. 

9) Favourite holiday songs?

The whole Nana Mouskouri Christmas album. I love the whole thing!

10) Favourite holiday memory?

I can't think of a favourite. I just love spending time with some of my favourite people.

Turkey dinner with our best friends (left) and my cousins and aunt (right).

We love celebrating being together with my parents with prosecco for everyone! I love that tradition!!!

 

Also, see above about Dave frying latkes outdoors. I love that memory too! 

I hope whichever holidays you celebrate, and whatever space you are in this year, you find meaningful ways to mark this time of year with friends, family, and loved ones.