It feels weird to treat the end of December just like every other month. I think I’ve even skipped the December Highlights before and just did an end of year post, but I think that’s cheating December out of every bit of goodness it brings.

I mean, December is magical.

And I definitely maxed out on the magic this Decmber.

will’s first birthday.

I won’t lie, I had so many moments in the weeks leading up to Will’s birthday. I couldn’t believe it had already been a whole year. He has grown so much and learned a ton of things over the last year, and now that I’ve had time to process, I’m so excited to see how much he learns and grows in his second year!

longwood gardens.

We continued Will’s birthday celebrations with a trip to Longwood Gardens with my best friend and her family. I hadn’t visited Longwood since Elliot and I were dating, and it was a lovely trip enjoying the lights, decorations and all the trees. Will even stayed up the whole time!

christmas baking.

I honestly don’t know if there’s ever been a month that I’ve baked THIS MUCH. I think I baked at least once a week (if not twice), and I’m tired. It’s been delicious though. I did Christmas cooking (of course), with my mom and sister, banana bread, pumpkin latte cupcakes, and more. While it was a lot, I’m glad I got the practice in.

schellville.

This was the first year I’ve ever done Schellville, and I had no idea what to expect. It’s an hour from where I live, and about halfway there, I was hoping it was worth the drive and keeping the baby up a little later. It was AMAZING. Honestly, one of the best Christmas events this year. I can’t wait for next year!

Christmas.

This was one of the best Christmases ever. I don’t know if it was that it was Will’s first where he is an actual human who does small child things, or it was the wonderful breakfast and low-key morning, or the incredible Christmas Eve services we attended. All of it was just perfect. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.

Now that Christmas is over, and we’re looking toward the New Year, take a moment to look back over 2023 and find the happiest moments. I like to scroll through my photos or look at the little videos my iPhone creates of memories, and bask in the love and gratitude of the year. Every year is hard in different ways, but they all have a lot of good in them, too.

I’ve always been one to be a little sad to say goodbye to the “old year”, and while I am - after all, it was Will’s first - I’m really looking forward to this new year and all that it will bring. Most of all, I love the hope a new year brings. I recently read a book, The Christmas Promise, and it had this great quote about hope that really made an impression on me.

Happy New Year!