2. I spent the month of December going through bouts of reflection on the past year. Sometimes, we can get stuck thinking of only the bad days, and for me, reflecting on both the good and the bad was such a good thing. After much reflection, I realized that 2024 was a good year overall. A decent year. Sure, politics is insane and scary right now, but at least there are so many positive things happening outside of that. Yes, I'm still figuring out things in my professional life, but I'm much closer to what I want and have clearer goals.
3. December was the month of lights. There's just something about holiday lights and decor that makes my heart so happy. We went to our city's Christmas tree lighting, and as usual, I was in awe of the massive tree with its thousands of lights. Speaking of lights, I absolutely loved my new dining room centerpiece. It brought me so much joy when I would turn on the tiny lights in my tiny home decorations.
4. Gabriel turned 13! I have another teenager now! We had a blast celebrating his birthday. We went to Urban Air for a pre-birthday celebration and then celebrated the day of his birthday with cakes, balloons, and Gabriel's choice for dinner.
5. Holiday shopping was so much fun this year. My favorite gift I gave was some pictures I printed for Mami. I ordered the prints from Persnickety Prints and got some nice picture frames from Michaels. She loved the photos.
6. We spent Christmas Eve at Mami's house. It was nice catching up with my siblings. I also got to cuddle and spoil my baby niece. I absolutely love the newborn stage. My heart was so full.
7. Christmas Day was a low-key day. The boys woke John and me up so we could open gifts. I made breakfast, and we all wore our pajamas all day long. Side note: Unfortunately, John and I got sick. Michael had been sick a few weeks before, and Raphael got sick right before our holiday break started. Thankfully, we are all recovering, and it looks like we just had a nasty cold.
8. 2024 was a big year of change. My sons are getting older and becoming more independent. I'm in a new stage of motherhood, and I'm adjusting to it.
9. We explored new places, and I fell in love with Savannah, Georgia, and Tybee Island. Oh, Savannah is an artist and historian's dream.
10. I read so many good books in December and realized that I accomplished my yearly reading goal for 2024. I aimed to read 200 books in 2024, and I read 211 books. To be fair, I read many short stories and novellas.
11. I tried many more new recipes than in previous years. I'm also happy I prioritized self-care and healthy lifestyle habits/choices this year. I'm satisfied with my progress in limiting my soda intake. I can already feel the difference, and it's a great feeling.
12. I've taken a few steps in my professional life, and although it's a little scary, I'm proud. I can't wait to see what happens next in 2025. I'm hopeful.
13. I'm looking forward to celebrating my birthday in a couple of days, and I'm also looking forward to 2025.
14. So long, December. You were a great month. So long, 2024. You were a year full of adventure, lessons, and gifts—a year of good and bad days.
15. Hello, 2025. I welcome you with open arms. May this new year be even better, even kinder, and full of unexpected but welcomed surprises.