Open your hearts ere I am gone,
And hear my old, old story;
For I am the month that first looked down
On the beautiful Babe of glory.
You never must call me lone and drear
Because no birds are singing;
Open your hearts, and you shall hear
The song of the angels ringing.
— “What December Says,” by Mary B. C. Slade
Hello, final month of 2024; I’m so glad you’re here. You usher in my favorite season of reflection, peace, necessary endings, and new beginnings.
My word for 2024 was new; it has been a year of a lot of new thus far. New dreams, new grief, new health, new challenges, new healing, new core memories, new tasks, and new paths ahead. I’m ready to settle into our living room for a few quiet moments to reflect on the last few months and listen in to what God wants for our next seasons.
After my double post in November, here’s a short update for December. More to come when I share my 2024 year-in-review and 2025 goals soon!
November highlights:
— We went to Nassau. After our trip was stolen, this was a bittersweet experience.
— I went to Charleston to serve in my new part-time role. I also got to go to my favorite gym.
— Grace turned 13!
— Ari and I started a broadcast channel to share our health journey.
— We baked. 🍫 (<- This recipe is the number 1 question I get lately. I’m glad to finally get this in your hands!)
— We enjoyed Thanksgiving with my mom and dear friends. A few bright zinnias—the last of the season in our garden—made it to our Thanksgiving table.
Ahead in December:
— I didn’t write this on my Tending List because it’s too much to grasp. How has it been a year? How is she gone?? I still don’t want to accept it. I’m days away from the one-year anniversary of Jessie’s homegoing, and I feel the grief welling up to hold me still and accept it just a little more. I’ll honor her this Saturday and with all the love she deserves. I miss her so. Lord, come quickly.
— Our annual Christmas dinner with some of the Cultivate and Southern Weddings ladies is always a highlight of our year. This sweet and meaningful tradition started with our first dinner in 2013, I believe. Emily, you’ll have to tell me if I have that date correct!
— Also, this month: I turn 45. ❤️ This age milestone feels significant, and I plan to use its weight with intention and wonder.
— Our advent reading has been refreshing the last few days. Our stack:
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: A Liturgy of Daily Worship – Our main reading each night — I love this book.
Hallelujah: Cultivating Advent Traditions with Handel’s Messiah
A Vintage Christmas
Come, Let Us Adore Him
Then Sings My Soul: Holiday Special Edition
— We broke out ALL the Christmas books with the kids; see my favorites list here. We have such a special collection—many that Jessie gave us over the years.
— I look forward to digging into my 2025 PowerSheets. It’s going to be a little tricky to get quiet time with all the kids home, but I plan to break out a few stickers and fun things for them to get creative with, too!
My December PowerSheets goals grew from my 2024 Goals here.
Your turn! What are you looking forward to this month as we close the year? I’d love to hear.