cozying up

there is something so magical about the end of the year to me. the new crisp in the air outside, cozy nights filled with twinkle lights, winter candles, warm drinks and rich red wines, and feel good movies that make my heart so happy.

with our rapidly growing family, i am constantly thinking of new and exciting things to make the season special. christmas markets and events we can go to, zoo lights to see the festivity in the city, and tracking a list of the classic holiday movies that i refuse to miss on an annual basis.

because sometimes the end of the year seems to just speed by, i’ve been really intentional about trying to slow down, and remember each of the things that brings me, wade and our family joy through the end of the year, and actually doing them. on our list this year…
watching all of the harry potter movies
decorating the house
zoolights at the smithsonian’s national zoo
crawling into the couch with a few good books
dc christmas markets
quiet nights on the couch watching chrismas movies
watching and trying to emulate cameron diaz in the holiday
bringing maya to see santa
baking christmas cookies
traveling to see family
spending a quiet week between christmas and new years home
cooking cozy italian meals for winter

this time of year can be both so magical and so hard; i try to prioritize the quiet moments to not get too mixed up in the chaos. i’m even more excited this year to see it all through maya’s eyes and her sense of wonder amidst all of the magic.