I heart this, so much... thank you for making us single girlies feel seen. Also, a gift guide would be SO welcome! Big, bug hugs from across the pond. <3
I loved reading this and I appreciate the reminder to add the metaphorical sparkles, even if life does not necessarily slow down to make that easy or convenient.
Also, appreciate the reading list so much and so excited to see you recommend 'American Wife' which is wonderful and unforgettable. I read it so many years ago and still remember a line about Laura being so impatient to see George that she plucked her eyebrows just to occupy herself. Sittenfeld is one of my most favorite writers and I think she is shockingly underrated.
I've already bought all my gifts - I spend months planning for them and collect ideas throughout the year and add to my 'gift ideas' notes page on my phone but I love nothing more at Christmas than hearing what people are planning for their loved ones!
For my Taylor Swift obsessed sister who went to the Eras tour with me and who spent an HOUR trying to make a 1989 themed drink at my Taylor Swift Cocktail party (and ended up serving blue wkd!) I've bought Shake It Up - a book of Taylor swift themed cocktails! She also adores gin and so I bought her a bottle of cherry bon bon flavoured gin from an independent gin Company and it's called Miss Mollie's Gin (my sister is called Mollie!)
For my other sister, a goth and an avid reader who has spent the year training to be a nurse and so is a poor student who hadn't bought a new item of clothing for herself in over 18 months, I've bought a bag shaped like a book of spells and a new book she'll no doubt devour by new years, and comfy socks and a personalised book embosser.
I love gifting - it is also my love language. I love to see their faces when they open a gift I've spent months planning. It's the best part of Christmas for me 🙂🎁
We are the same person! Gift giving is my love language and I plans be collect them throughout the year, keeping notes and ideas on my phone. It's my favourite time of year! Will definitely pick up a copy of Shake It Up for my bestie, who is a die-hard swiftie xx
Ah, I've been looking forward to this newsletter in romanticizing this month. These notes have been my guiding light since I came across them a few months ago. Thanks for putting this together, Hannah!
Maybe you could give us some recommendations for if you're spending Christmas on your own? I've got a surgery on the 23rd so will be unable to join my friends for any Christmas parties or new year celebrations and having some ideas of fun things I could do to fill the time would or ways to romanticise the little moments would be lovely
Always looking forward to the next letter from you 😊
Honestly sitting here misty eyed by your words. Thanks for all your writing that reminds me to see the beauty in the slow and the mundane. I need this reminder constantly and to get the outward validation that its ok and good to appreciate the small and see the beauty, is so valuable.
"We are all making it up, writing the script as we go, filing tax returns and sweeping coffee grinds into the bin and weeping over old texts and shouting I LOVE YOUs to friends in the early hours of the morning and waking up wondering if we’re doing it right. Remind yourself that there’s no such thing."
I had a "Statement Blouse" party last year (that was also a favorite things gift exchange). People understood the assignment. I am busy with work early this December but may whip up a "Statement Bottoms" party instead. :o)
You are my favorite 🥹
omg, I have no words for this (thank you thank you thank you)xx
I heart this, so much... thank you for making us single girlies feel seen. Also, a gift guide would be SO welcome! Big, bug hugs from across the pond. <3
I loved reading this and I appreciate the reminder to add the metaphorical sparkles, even if life does not necessarily slow down to make that easy or convenient.
Also, appreciate the reading list so much and so excited to see you recommend 'American Wife' which is wonderful and unforgettable. I read it so many years ago and still remember a line about Laura being so impatient to see George that she plucked her eyebrows just to occupy herself. Sittenfeld is one of my most favorite writers and I think she is shockingly underrated.
Ok I would LOVE to see a Hannah's Guide to Gifts!
I've already bought all my gifts - I spend months planning for them and collect ideas throughout the year and add to my 'gift ideas' notes page on my phone but I love nothing more at Christmas than hearing what people are planning for their loved ones!
For my Taylor Swift obsessed sister who went to the Eras tour with me and who spent an HOUR trying to make a 1989 themed drink at my Taylor Swift Cocktail party (and ended up serving blue wkd!) I've bought Shake It Up - a book of Taylor swift themed cocktails! She also adores gin and so I bought her a bottle of cherry bon bon flavoured gin from an independent gin Company and it's called Miss Mollie's Gin (my sister is called Mollie!)
For my other sister, a goth and an avid reader who has spent the year training to be a nurse and so is a poor student who hadn't bought a new item of clothing for herself in over 18 months, I've bought a bag shaped like a book of spells and a new book she'll no doubt devour by new years, and comfy socks and a personalised book embosser.
I love gifting - it is also my love language. I love to see their faces when they open a gift I've spent months planning. It's the best part of Christmas for me 🙂🎁
We are the same person! Gift giving is my love language and I plans be collect them throughout the year, keeping notes and ideas on my phone. It's my favourite time of year! Will definitely pick up a copy of Shake It Up for my bestie, who is a die-hard swiftie xx
Ah, I've been looking forward to this newsletter in romanticizing this month. These notes have been my guiding light since I came across them a few months ago. Thanks for putting this together, Hannah!
I love this post so much! I'm definitely going to subscribe now. You have included everything!!
Is it possible to make this a mini series? It would so great if you could do this for every month of 2025, I would 100% look forward to it.
This was beautiful and much needed, thank you!
I agree! I'm coming back to this post very often!!
this is glorious! more recipes please!
This was a lovely read as always!
Maybe you could give us some recommendations for if you're spending Christmas on your own? I've got a surgery on the 23rd so will be unable to join my friends for any Christmas parties or new year celebrations and having some ideas of fun things I could do to fill the time would or ways to romanticise the little moments would be lovely
Always looking forward to the next letter from you 😊
Honestly sitting here misty eyed by your words. Thanks for all your writing that reminds me to see the beauty in the slow and the mundane. I need this reminder constantly and to get the outward validation that its ok and good to appreciate the small and see the beauty, is so valuable.
"We are all making it up, writing the script as we go, filing tax returns and sweeping coffee grinds into the bin and weeping over old texts and shouting I LOVE YOUs to friends in the early hours of the morning and waking up wondering if we’re doing it right. Remind yourself that there’s no such thing."
naaaailed it <3 thank you
Loved it, needed it. Sparkle for my soul. ✨️Thank you✨️
The sparkle night omg thank you for this!!
I had a "Statement Blouse" party last year (that was also a favorite things gift exchange). People understood the assignment. I am busy with work early this December but may whip up a "Statement Bottoms" party instead. :o)
This felt like such a hug Hannah. Your words truly mean something - the way you string them together feels fresh and makes me feel seen. Thank you. ❤️
one of my fav pieces you've written so far. would love a gift guide recommendation post as well! ❤️