December 2016 Favorites
I thought it would be fun if I took a moment each month to let you know what things are currently striking my fancy, so here goes the December installment! It's later than usual, but I think it makes more sense to do it at the end of the month instead of in the middle. Current favorites:
Book: I'm really liking my big hardcover copy of The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. My sister gave it to me for my birthday, and it's been fun to read. I envision the characters much like they appear in the BBC show Sherlock, and I think that makes it even better. I'd like to think I can tie the disparate threads together to figure the 
mysteries out alongside Sherlock, but alas, I am more like Watson, struggling just to keep up but enjoying the ride nonetheless.
I also just started reading Lauren Graham's new book called Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls (and Everything in Between), and it's every bit as lovely as she is.
Verse: "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'"- Luke 2:8-14. I don't want to ever cease to be amazed by the Christmas story. For it truly is remarkable and certainly is the Good News.
Food: I made some delicious miso-roasted broccoli that I enjoyed. And my relatives were raving about the stuffing I made for Thanksgiving (okay, so not technically in December, but recent enough). I made it again for Christmas, though, so that counts, right? I also made some delicious 2-Ingredient chocolate truffles that I loved.
Song: All the Christmas songs! Really, though, I can't pick a favorite. Some have fond memories associated with them (like Silent Night and All I Want for Christmas is You), while others are good reminders of what the holiday season is really about (like O Holy Night and O Come Let Us Adore Him). Of course, some other songs are just purely fun (You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch and Jingle Bells).
YouTube Clip: I've been watching Jimmy Fallon and James Corden videos that are holiday-themed, but I've also been enjoying Pentatonix's Christmas videos. They're so talented!
Memories from this month: Christmas! Christmas is my favorite holiday, hands down. I love decorating, making cookies, hanging lights, making hot chocolate, listening to and singing along to the songs, picking out presents, and spending time with my friends and family. It was so good to get to spend the holiday with so many friends and family. I had a 
great time at my church's Christmas Eve service at the Crowne Plaza, and was surprised to see how many people we had! It was also so very good to spend some quality time with my college roommates who were in town for a reunion of sorts. Their friendship is one I truly cherish.
Looking forward to this month: I'm looking to things getting sort of back to normal, honestly. The holidays are great, but they bring a special kind of stress along with them. I also think the beginning of a new year is really refreshing, like an opportunity to start over in a way and refocus.
Now it's your turn. What are some of your favorite things? I'd love to hear them!