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Can you believe it? Christmas is just around the corner! Time seems to have flown by this year – how are we already at the end of 2024? It took me a few days to fully embrace the holiday season, but now I'm officially in the Christmas spirit.

A highlight of my week was seeing John Legend's Christmas Tour at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta with my mom. It was an incredible experience and a bucket list item for both of us. John's performance was magical, and his personal stories about Christmas made the evening even more special. This concert truly ignited my holiday cheer. 

I also finally finished my Christmas shopping yesterday. To stay within budget, I kept the gift list minimal this year. Next year, I plan to save a little each month for holiday gifts and birthdays.

I'm excited to have a week and a few days off work before the new year. These past few months have been incredibly busy, and I need some time to recalibrate. I'm looking forward to resting, spending time with loved ones, watching holiday movies, and preparing for the year ahead. There's so much more to come on the blog in the new year and I appreciate your patience as I rediscover balance and my love for writing. To ease into the new year, I’m taking a week-long social media sabbatical. Wishing you peace, love, and happiness this holiday season! XOXO, Jewel."

Enjoy five things I’m loving, liking and am excited to try:

Five things I enjoyed reading and listening to: 

1. Book Clubs, Book Bars, and BookTok: Examining Why Everyone Wants to Be Perceived as Well Read via Architectural Digest

2. The best places to visit in the US in 2025 via Conde Nast Traveler

3. Wellness Trends to watch in 2025 via Well + Good

4. Five North American Wilderness Walking Trips for 2025 via Forbes

5. Podcast Interview with Melissa Wood Health and Kendall Toole. (This is an old episode but one that I keep circling back to listen to. I’ve listened to it at least three times. Finally decided God wanted me to relisten to it today to confirm my Word of the Year. More on that later.)

Five things I'm enjoying:

• I'm loving this sweater from Zara that just arrived in the mail yesterday. I wore it to church this morning and determined it's perfect for the cooler months ahead. Surprisingly, it's from Zara Kids. I bought the largest size available, and it fits perfectly on me.

• Making over the holiday break: Gluten-Free Focaccia. I've been craving Focaccia and am determined to try this recipe while I'm off work.

• I just finished reading the book Worthy by Jamie Kern Lima. This is an amazing read for anyone in a self-discovery season of life and needing a boost of confidence.

• This red lip tint from Trish McEvoy is the perfect red for the holidays and Valentine's Day. I love it because it is long-lasting.

• Watching: Sold on SLC on Peacock and all things Hallmark.

5 Questions and Answers from Jewel

What is something you are looking forward to trying in 2025?

I'm looking forward to getting back into a regular rhythm of journaling and documenting my everyday life through photos. I've been seeing cool things on Pinterest about how creative people get with journaling and capturing life through photos. It reminds me of the journals we used to create during high school with standard composition books. This brings me so much joy, so I'm looking forward to starting this practice again.

Does your family have any holiday traditions?

My family has a holiday tradition of gathering on Christmas Eve to enjoy appetizers and open a few presents while listening to our favorite Christmas music.

What's your favorite Christmas movie?

My favorite Christmas movie is The Holiday with Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz.

Have any tips for finding joy during the winter months?

I've suffered from seasonal depression in the past and I get having winter blues. This winter, I'm making it a habit to connect with a friend over the phone at least once a day and see them in person at least once a week. I'm also continuing to workout regularly and walk indoors.

What's your favorite holiday cookie recipe?

I love a good Snickerdoodle and a Gingersnap. I just picked up a gluten-free Snickerdoodle one from my favorite coffee shop after church today.