What's Up Wednesday, December 2024 Edition

 

Merry Christmas! And, welcome to the final What's Up Wednesday post of 2024! How is that even possible? I hope next year slows down enough to let us appreciate life because I feel like I barely had time to do that in 2024.

Sheaffer and Shay don't host a link-up in December, but I've made it a point to continue with these posts since I first started participating, so I'm continuing that tradition. This year, however, I'm going to put a new spin on my answers; I'm going to respond exclusively from a Christmas perspective.

What I'm Eating

Christmas cookies!

What I'm Reminiscing About

I'm reminiscing about Christmas past when Dad was with us and my grandparents were all alive. I remember the Christmas dinners that we spent with a house full of aunts, uncles, and cousins and the Christmas Eves that my sisters and I lay awake, too excited to fall asleep. Those were very good days. 

What I'm Loving

My vintage stuffed Santas!

This year's Christmas card!

Queen B in her Auntie Era!

What I've Been Up To

Staff and Board member Christmas luncheon!

Parade of Lights!

"Winning" an honorable mention in Petticoat Junction's holiday lights contest!

Finally placing in our annual Christmas Cocktail Contest!

The Garden of Lights at the botanic gardens!

What I'm Working On

I am probably cleaning up wrapping paper and bows right now after the family has plowed through the gifts under the tree. I could also be basting a turkey or stirring the eggnog. Depending on when you are reading this, it could go either way.

What I'm Dreading

I'm dreading the process of taking down all of the decorations currently adorning my home. But that's a future me problem.

What I'm Excited About

I'm not really excited about anything; I am content. Content is a good way to be.

What I'm Watching

All the holiday classics!

The annual Christmas special at the local community theater!

The annual parade  of lights!

Queen B and I have ben wanting to watch the adaptation of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, but were really worried that they would spoil it. I discovered the book during my teacher intern days at college and had also seen the play when the college produced it for one of the holiday offerings, and I loved both. When I had the kids, I started reading the book to them each year before Christmas, so they are both fans. I am happy to report that the film adaptation stayed true to the book, was perfectly cast, and brought laughter and tears to me and Queen B. My only regret is that we rented it on Prime, rather than buying it.

What I'm Reading

My old, well-loved cookbook; where all my holiday recipes reside.

What I'm Listening To

Christmas records on vinyl!

Victorian carolers!

What I'm Wearing

Christmas pajamas and cozy slippers have been my evening uniform since the beginning of the month. I'm not mad about it.

What I'm Doing This Weekend

I will fight the impulse to start putting away the decorations and will instead get in as much quality relaxation time as possible. 2025 will be a stressful year at Not So New Job (it's time to submit our five-year application for reaccreditation, and the process is lengthy and difficult).

What I'm Looking Forward To Next Month

I look forward to getting back on track with my diet and exercise. I haven't done a terrible job lately, but there is plenty of room for improvement, and like most people, I will use the New Year as my motivation.

Favorite Purchase This Month

This food torch! I used it to toast the marshmallow fluff on my Christmas Cocktail Contest entry, which I'm sure played a big part in my placing in the top three (for the first time ever!).