bits of December
closing in on 2025
Hi friends! I was going to publish something about how I feel about Christmas during late-stage capitalism, but then I got really busy and never finished it. Sorry about that. After reading this post you will understand why I didn’t have the time. Enjoy!
December, you crazy son of a bitch. There are so many celebrations this month it is almost stressful. My husband’s birthday is the 14th, mine is the 18th, and my sister’s is the 24th. Then there’s Christmas and all the festivities that occur prior. And to round it all out is New Years Eve. So much to celebrate, so little time!
The first festivity of the month was my office Christmas party. I didn’t have anything to wear so my hubs and I went to the Haight in SF to find something. Shopping in the Haight is fabulous if you love Vintage. I didn’t end up with a vintage dress, but it is equally as fabulous. Ruffles and polka dots. When I wear it I feel like a cutie clown. And that is exactly what was needed.
I tried to do DIY decorations but then I never finished them. Which is like, so on brand for me. I made those cool 3D paper star thingys but only one turned out well, which is now hung above my desk. Got to christen my new hot glue gun which was very exciting. Also wanted to make a paper star garland which is currently in progress. Hopefully I’ve finished it by the time you read this.
So much last minute Christmas shopping! I wish I was one of those people who was really good at giving a thoughtful gift but December always comes by so fast and then I panic. Thank god for Christmas lists!
Hubs birthday was spent shopping for him and then we went to a ceramic painting studio. I painted a trinket dish and him a bowl. They have yet to be picked up but I bet they look beautiful.
Turned 27. I am officially in my late twenties. If youre into astrology, I am pretty sure this means I have entered my saturn return? Which is supposedly super transformative or something. I shall look into it further. Anyway, had to go to work which was lame but also I got so much attention and that is always so fun for me. Had a fabulous sushi dinner with my friends and everyone made me feel so spoiled and loved!!!
OH also my hubs got me a freaking quill for my birthday. Like the feather that you write with. And it’s purple which is my favorite color. I am going to write the next greatest American novel from it. Or a banger poem. Or learn to write calligraphy. The opportunities are endless. Stay tuned to find out!
Went to book club and we had a book exchange and I somehow ended up with 3 books. And then I got books for my birthday. And then I got more for Christmas. I have so much to read I am stressed.
Started saying the phrase ‘coo-coo crazy’ or ‘coo-coo bananas’. I have no idea where it came from but all the sudden I was saying it. Isn’t it funny how suddenly you have a new phrase or word that you use? Like where did that even come from? I think it is kind of coo-coo bananas.
I made a logo for this publication! I would like to improve it but I have the general idea down. Going through old magazines and creating collages is one of my favorite things to do. I thought doing the letter cut-outs was quite on-brand. Tell me I did a good job!
Got this really awesome new habit where I pull out my hair!!!! I go for the wirey hairs on the crown of my head and yank them out and for some reason it tickles something in my brain. It is so stupid and I need to stop but it is so satisfying.
Drove down to San Diego for Christmas. Got to enjoy my niece’s first Christmas. She is quite literally the cutest baby I have ever seen, and I don’t even think I’m being biased about it. Was spoiled by my family and enjoyed spending time with them all.
December Media Round Up
READING
The Strange Library by Haruki Murakami ~ this was indeed, very strange. A short lil read to get my books read up for the year.
Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl ~ another short one to try to meet my goal lol. This book is exactly like the movie which I watched recently so it was kinda annoying. I should’ve gone for a different Dahl.
The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley ~ I was gifted this book for the Christmas Eve Book Exchange last year, so I figured I should probably read it. It was very cute and sweet.
WATCHING
Hubs and I have been strictly watching Ozark. No Christmas movies or anything. Just Ozark. I love Jason Bateman.
Also saw the second Wicked movie. As a former theatre kid, I have to say it was fabulous, however, I am extremely concerned for Ariana Grande’s health.
LISTENING
Spotify wrapped came out!
My top artists: Charli xcx, Magdelena Bay, Madonna, Turnstile, and Amy Winehouse. No matter what, Amy always makes the list. She is everything to me.
Top songs: Ray of Light by Madonna, Killing Time by Magdelena Bay, Swim by Madonna, Wristwatch by MJ Lenderman, and Drowned World by Madonna. If you couldn’t tell, this year Madonna’s 1998 album, Ray of Light was on heavy rotation.
Road trips are the perfect opportunity for listening to music uninterrupted, especially a full album all the way through. We listened to a lot of albums including the Rent soundtrack (my fav musical), At Last! by Etta James, Preacher’s Daughter by Ethel Cain, Are You Experienced by Jimi Hendrix, Getting Killed by Geese, The Ride and The Balance by Catfish and the Bottlemen, and Lotus by Little Simz.
Okay that’s all for 2025! My goal for this year was to post once a month on here, and I did 14 posts! How exciting! And gained a few subs/followers! Hello! For 2026 we are going to aim for 2 posts per month, but allow grace as I am a person and not a machine.
May 2026 bring you everything you want and more!!!! Happy New Year!
xo,
Ashlee
Enjoyable read!