Kicking off the holiday season, our December began with a beloved tradition: watching “The Santa Clause.” This movie holds such a special place in my heart, reminding me of elementary school days when I truly believed in the magic of Christmas and secretly wished I could become one of Santa’s elves – despite my older brother and sister’s playful teasing! It’s a timeless classic that instantly transports us to the spirit of the season, and it’s a non-negotiable watch for us every single year.

Beyond movie nights, the kitchen was bustling with festive preparations. Capturing photos of my baking adventures has become a bit of a challenge lately, as I’ve shifted most of my baking to daytime hours while Ryan is at work, instead of our usual evening sessions. This month, I was busy crafting these utterly delightful Midnight Kiss Cookies. They’re always a hit, a perfect blend of chocolate and mint, and watching them come together is truly a labor of love. The aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the house is one of my favorite parts of the holidays, adding an extra layer of warmth and coziness to our home.

Our sweet cat, Salsa, continues to bring so much joy and endless amusement into our lives. There’s something incredibly charming about his quirks, like his absolute fondness for sitting on the computer keyboard. Does anyone else have a feline friend who claims the laptop as their personal warming station? He loves to supervise my work, often planting himself right in the middle of the keyboard, making typing quite an acrobatic feat! His purrs and presence, however inconvenient at times, are always a comforting addition to my day.

Mid-month, I had the wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow creatives. My dear friend Emily, a talented designer from Mrs. Emily, and I ventured over to Amy’s house. Amy, the brilliant craft blogger behind Delineate Your Dwelling, invited us to be models for one of her craft shoots. It was such a fun experience, filled with laughter, creativity, and the joy of collaboration. Spending time with other passionate, innovative women is incredibly inspiring. These connections are truly invaluable, and I know I’ll cherish these moments and definitely miss getting together with them once we embark on our next chapter and move.

Salsa, our furry companion, has a unique way of showing affection. There’s nothing quite like the comfort of him snuggling up to me at night, his soft fur a warm presence. However, a common question arises in our household: why does he *always* choose to put his backside near my face? It’s a running joke, a testament to his endearing yet sometimes perplexing feline habits! Despite this hilarious quirk, his nightly cuddles are a source of immense comfort and love, making our evenings feel complete.

Speaking of Salsa’s antics, he proved himself to be quite the clever detective this month! He managed to sniff out where we stash his favorite treats. We discovered the tell-tale signs of his successful mission – bite marks all over the treat package! It was a funny moment that reminded us just how intelligent and persistent cats can be when there’s a desired reward involved. His mischievousness keeps us on our toes and adds endless entertainment to our daily lives.

One of my absolute favorite aspects of the Christmas season is seeing how people transform their yards into dazzling spectacles of lights and decorations. There’s a special kind of magic in driving through neighborhoods lit up like festive fairylands. I’m constantly dreaming of the day Ryan and I can deck out our own home for Christmas. Perhaps not quite as elaborately or, dare I say, “tacky” (said with a chuckle and no offense intended to those who love the maximalist approach!), but certainly with enough sparkle to spread holiday cheer. It’s a vision we both share for our future home – a place where we can truly embrace the joy of holiday decorating.

As December progressed, Ryan and I embarked on a wonderful journey to Minnesota for Christmas. The trip was a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with family and immerse ourselves in festive activities. Our Christmas Eve was packed with excitement: a lively bowling competition, exhilarating arcade games, and an intense session of laser tag! It was a day filled with laughter, friendly rivalry, and the creation of unforgettable memories with my side of the family. These traditions, especially the playful ones, are what truly make the holidays special.

Family is at the heart of our holiday celebrations. It was wonderful to spend quality time with my older brother, Bryan, during our Minnesota trip. We don’t get to see each other as often as we’d like, so these gatherings are incredibly precious. Catching up, sharing stories, and simply being together reminds me of the strong bonds we share. The joy of the season is truly amplified when surrounded by those you love.

Adding to the family merriment were my two delightful nieces! Watching them experience the magic of Christmas, with their boundless energy and infectious excitement, is one of the greatest joys of being an aunt. Their innocent wonder and pure happiness are a beautiful reminder of the true spirit of the holidays, making every moment spent with them absolutely heartwarming and memorable.

Gathering with the younger members of our family is always a highlight. This adorable picture features four out of our five nieces and nephews, all beaming with holiday cheer. Their playful energy and curious minds make every family get-together an adventure. Spending time with them, seeing them grow, and sharing in their laughter is incredibly rewarding. These moments create a tapestry of cherished memories that we hold dear throughout the year.

Christmas Day was spent with Ryan’s wonderful family, a day dedicated to relaxation, delicious food, and exploring new gadgets! We spent hours hanging out, enjoying a festive meal, and having fun experimenting with our new Amazon Echos. It’s always fascinating to see how technology integrates into our holiday traditions, adding a modern twist to classic family gatherings. The day was filled with conversation, comfort, and the simple joy of being surrounded by loved ones.

No post-Christmas December would be complete without a trip to Hobby Lobby for their much-anticipated sale! I made it my personal mission to scour the aisles for amazing deals, and I certainly wasn’t disappointed. I managed to snag several boxes of new lights – perfect for expanding our future outdoor decorations – and a charming hanging sign that cleverly illustrates how to make a peppermint mocha. It was a successful shopping excursion, fueling my excitement for future holiday decorating endeavors.

As the year drew to a close, we gathered for our family New Year’s Eve photo. Getting Salsa to cooperate for a picture is always an adventure in itself! We probably took around fifteen shots before finally capturing one good, albeit slightly chaotic, family photo. Salsa, ever the independent spirit, clearly wasn’t “having it” that evening, but his reluctant participation only adds to the charm and humor of our family memories. It was a perfect way to ring in the New Year, surrounded by love and a touch of feline mischief.

Opening Up: Reflecting on a Transformative Year, 2016

As December wrapped up, marking the end of 2016, I found myself reflecting on what an absolutely incredible and transformative year it had been. It was a year filled with significant milestones and profound personal growth. We achieved the monumental goal of becoming debt-free, a journey that required immense discipline and sacrifice but yielded an unparalleled sense of freedom and accomplishment. This financial liberation has opened so many doors and truly reshaped our perspective on planning for the future.

Professionally, 2016 was pivotal for me. I transitioned into full-time blogging, a dream I had been nurturing for years. This leap of faith allowed me to dedicate myself entirely to my passion, pouring my energy into creating content and connecting with this amazing community. Simultaneously, Ryan received and accepted a job offer for his post-PhD career, marking a significant advancement in his professional journey. These career shifts, both for him and for me, brought exciting changes and new opportunities that we eagerly embraced.

Beyond our individual achievements, 2016 was also a year where our relationships blossomed. We grew closer to our friends, deepening existing bonds and establishing new connections that have become incredibly precious. These friendships, built on shared experiences and unwavering support, are something we will truly miss and find challenging to let go of as we prepare for our upcoming move. The community we’ve cultivated here means the world to us, and the thought of leaving it behind is undoubtedly bittersweet.

Navigating Anxiety and Discovering Inner Strength

Amidst all the exciting changes and successes of 2016, I also walked through a period of paralyzing anxiety. It was a challenging time that felt overwhelming and isolating, a personal struggle that deeply impacted my daily life. However, this experience, as difficult as it was, ultimately became a profound catalyst for self-discovery and growth. Deciding to go to counseling was one of the best decisions I made, providing me with the tools and insights needed to navigate these intense emotions.

Through counseling, I learned invaluable lessons about myself and how to better manage my emotional landscape. I learned the crucial importance of slowing down – physically, mentally, and emotionally. In a world that constantly encourages striving and speed, discovering the power of stillness and intentional pause was revolutionary. I also learned to be okay with not meeting everyone’s expectations, a liberating realization that allowed me to shed the burden of external validation and focus on my own well-being and authentic path.

Perhaps most importantly, I learned that change, even when uncomfortable, isn’t inherently negative. In fact, it’s often a necessary component of growth. Embracing this perspective helped me reframe my anxiety not as a flaw, but as a messenger, prompting me to delve deeper into self-understanding and self-care. I am now in a place where I can genuinely feel thankful for my anxiety, at least on most days. Thankful for how it has reshaped me, teaching me the profound importance of vulnerability and drawing me closer to my faith. It has been a humbling, yet ultimately empowering, journey of transformation.

For more glimpses into our lives “out of the kitchen,” explore our previous posts:

View Our Previous Out of the Kitchen Posts.