Filling My December

(Don't forget I'm offering a Christmas novel, Hello From The Gillespies, as a giveaway. Comment on Monday's post for your chance to win!)

 

Last weekend I included this photo in my post about the month of November. I am sad to say I could not take this photo again because there are now things written in those pristine white blocks. That's life. It has a way of filling up. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

I think the best months are the ones where we have plans and goals, things in mind we'd like to do. So today I'm sharing what I'd like to fill my December with.

 I want to make these. And these. And these. And then, quickly, give them all away.

I'm going to (hopefully) show this Ted talk to the classes I'm teaching. It so perfectly elaborates on my theme for this year-- that story is important. Then the students and I will all start our Christmas break, and be very happy about it indeed.

I'd also like to spend some time contemplating what My One Word will be. And talking to Ariel about what our word for She Reads will be this year. We choose one every year! I loved this post on setting goals for writing, and I love the idea of creating vision boards for our goals. This month is a perfect time for that as we reflect on a year ending and another one on the horizon.

I plan to listen to A Man Called Ove on audio thanks to my public library. I was already interested in the story based on the premise but when I found out George Newbern (the groom in Father of the Bride) narrates I knew I had to put on my list. I enjoy having a book going in the car as I drive around (without kids). I can usually add a book a month to my list of books I've read, which is nice. I've also got Jodi Picoult's newest on my nightstand, as well as a re-reading of The Pilot's Wife by Anita Shreve.

Here's the summary of A Man Called Ove, in case you're interested:

Meet Ove. He’s a curmudgeon—the kind of man who points at people he dislikes as if they were burglars caught outside his bedroom window. He has staunch principles, strict routines, and a short fuse. People call him “the bitter neighbor from hell.” But must Ove be bitter just because he doesn’t walk around with a smile plastered to his face all the time?

Behind the cranky exterior there is a story and a sadness. So when one November morning a chatty young couple with two chatty young daughters move in next door and accidentally flatten Ove’s mailbox, it is the lead-in to a comical and heartwarming tale of unkempt cats, unexpected friendship, and the ancient art of backing up a U-Haul. All of which will change one cranky old man and a local residents’ association to their very foundations.

A feel-good story in the spirit of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry and Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand, Fredrik Backman’s novel about the angry old man next door is a thoughtful and charming exploration of the profound impact one life has on countless others.

I'd also like to do some fun Christmas things with the kids. Things like the Leonard Bearstein Symphony, and a trip to the Ballantyne Resort to see their (smaller and newer) gingerbread contest display. They are very interested in this whole thing ever since mom went to the one at the Grove Park Inn. And of course there are also fun things to do at home like this.

And finally I know I will be shopping, shopping, shopping. I've got some fun friend gifts planned and am helping my daughters pull together some inexpensive, creative little things they can give to friends.

Remember my empty December?? Like I said, it's not gonna stay empty for long! What are you filling your December with?