Issue #33: The week between Christmas and the new year

A dose of comfort and curated recommendations in your inbox to start the week.

Can you believe it’s the last week of 2025? It comes with both relief and a little disbelief that the year is already wrapping up.

We had a nice Christmas with just the two of us since Stephen’s schedule only allows for the 25th off, and we also made it to an annual party we were looking forward to. I brought a double batch of the brown butter sourdough chocolate chip cookies I shared in the last issue and everyone raved about them. I’m glad I made extra because people were happily taking them home.

This stretch at the very end of December can bring on a kind of melancholy once the holiday energy fades, and I’ve felt it more than usual this year. Instead of pushing through it, I decided to take the week off work to reset, spend some time with hobbies I’ve neglected, and set up my planner system.

Image source: Cléa Grenêche

I’m keeping this issue relatively short since I’ll be sharing what’s on my anticipated reading list for 2026, so keep an eye out for that later this week!

TO TRY: It’s easy to jump straight into planning and goal-setting, but this week, consider giving yourself permission to slow things down. Instead of overhauling routines or making big plans, focus on one small thing that helps you feel a little more steady. Maybe it’s stepping away from your phone, spending time with a book, or taking a few minutes to reflect on what this past year held.

TO WATCH: Hal & Harper — Starring Mark Ruffalo and Lili Reinhart, the series follows two siblings caught between who they were and who they’re becoming, shaped by grief, family dynamics, and the space left by an emotionally distant parent. It’s quiet and thoughtful in the way it explores love, identity, and growing up without clear answers.

TO LISTEN: Jasmine Shah shared 26 ways to get ready for 2026 on her See You Sunday podcast, and it’s a great listen if you’re craving a reset but not sure where to start. It’s reflective without being overwhelming and offers a way to approach the year ahead with intention.

TO EAT: It’s a family tradition to have seafood on Christmas Eve, and since it was just the two of us we made shrimp and crabmeat spaghetti with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and chili. Even with simple ingredients, it was flavorful and easy to make within an hour.

TO DRINK: We tried Hailee Catalano’s viral Earl Grey hot chocolate earlier this month, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. It’s a great way to change up your usual hot chocolate and add some depth from the floral notes of the Earl Grey.

This isn’t one specific book, but a small publisher worth checking out. 831 Stories focuses on romantic novellas and builds a full experience around each release. So far they’ve published six stories, each with its own world, characters, and extras like merch, events, and fan-created content.

I’ve read a few so far, including Hardly Strangers, Comedic Timing, and Set Piece, and found them all engaging with well-developed characters and strong emotional arcs. If you’re in the mood for romance that feels immersive without requiring a huge time commitment, these are worth a look.