Welcome to Favorite Things, December 2023!
December is a month filled with entertainment, exploration, inspiration, and fun. The evenings grow shorter as darkness falls as early as 3:30 pm, making it even more appealing to snuggle up in a warm blanket and indulge in a captivating book or movie that transports you from this world to another.
During the period between Christmas and the New Yew there’s an opportunity for reflection on what has and hasn’t been achieved during the year. So often we are impatient to move forward, we don’t look back at what HAS worked, and what we HAVE achieved. It’s important to acknowledge ourselves for our “wins” however big or small.
Why not take a moment, light a candle, brew a cup of tea, and reflect on the year. Give thanks, feel love. Of course, there may well have been heartbreak within the year, Some things we have to face and heal from will take far longer than a year. Please be soft with yourself, show love and patience. Broken hearts take time.
After reflection comes a pivot and a deep dive into goal setting for the coming year. This is fun! Let your mind run wild! What do you REALLY want? If there was nothing holding you back what would you love to achieve? This is a time to think big, plan big, and reach for the stars 🙂
In the meantime take a look around and enjoy some Favorite Things, December 2023. I’ve added TV, movies, books, recipes, crafts, favorite treats, and a favorite blanket. Enjoy!
TV and Movies.
The Crown
The Crown came to its end in December. While I didn’t enjoy every aspect of the series, I found the ending to be beautifully handled. I’ve always been a Royalist, and continue to be so!
Boys In The Boat
Boys In The Boat is an incredible story of determination and the human spirit. I read it back in 2013 when it was published, loved it, and immediately gave it to my husband to read, he was hooked too. I can’t wait to watch the movie.
Slow Horses
Buckle up! Season 3 is the best yet. I’m a huge Mick Herron (the writer) fan. I love his sense of humor, the plots, and characters. Gary Oldman is grotesquely brilliant as Jackson Lamb.
Archie
Archie is a moving story of a complicated man who, despite his extraordinary success, never fully recovered from a traumatic childhood. This is the story of a man who needed love and ultimately found it with his last wife, Barbara Harris, and his daughter Jennifer.
Jason Issac’s portrayal was fantastic.
Maestro
What extraordinary acting from Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan! This is surely Oscar-worthy. Intriguing and beautiful. A must-see.
The Holdovers
What a joy it is to watch a movie with no guns, explosions, or violence! This movie is a gem. Paul Giamatti is a genius actor; he makes us laugh, think, and cry. Really lovely.
Shetland, Season 8
I discovered Shetland late in the day, then watched seven seasons with Douglas Henshall as the main character. I wasn’t sure how Ashley Jenson was going to measure up, but she absolutely does. The Isle of Shetland is haunting and beautiful. My favorite character will always be Tosh.
The Great British Bake Off Holidays
The Great British Bake Off team always cooks up some magic. It’s a delight from start to finish. Don’t miss it.
Favorite Books of December 2023
For the full list of favorite reading please head over to the Book Club, December 2023 post 🙂
Favorite Recipes, December 2023
Feeling peckish? Here are some super healthy options (yes, even the hot chocolate!) to keep you fueled and energized. The shepherd’s pie is always a crowd-pleaser 🙂
- Delightful Parisian Hot Chocolate
- Healthy Winter Power Bowl
- Shepherd’s Pie
- Quick and Easy Overnight Oats
- Amazing Peanut Stew
- Super Healthy 15-Minute Cauliflower Rice
Cozy, Delicious, and Useful Favorite Things, December 2023
A beautiful British Wool blanket These blankets come in so handy during the winter months. There’s all sorts of gorgeous colors to choose from. So cozy!
Louis Sherry Chocolates are simply exquisite. They come in 2, 12, and 24-piece tins. The tins are a work of art that last forever, and the chocolates are decadent and disappear quickly. I’m thankful for the 2 piece tin!
A lovely organic candle from Neom because when it gets dark at 3:30 pm you need a gorgeous candle.
A REALLY good cup of tea from In Pursuit of Tea. I first had their tea at The Crosby Street Hotel (which is a favorite thing in itself) and had to ask the brand – I particularly love the Black Gold. I find my tea drinking habit soars during December 🙂
I’ve recently embarked on a tapestry cushion from Ehrman Tapestry it’s great fun 🙂 It’s like occupational therapy with the advantage of not leaving your sofa. I highly recommend it.
We hope that you have relished Favorite Things, December 2023, and discovered lots of items that will prove practical, delightful, or offer a moment of tranquility.
What about you? What are your favorite things, the things that make life that little bit better, the things you come to rely on and love? Please do leave a message below, I’d love to know 🙂