We don’t really have seasons in Southern California but it gets dark awfully early these days. I’m excited for the Winter Solstice because that means the sun will start going down later from now on. It is a little chilly too (lol 60s) so I’m digging the cozy mood.

I wouldn’t mind some actual winter. This is the first Christmas I won’t be spending in Hawaii in a loooong time. Since I won’t have a tropical holiday I’m now craving snowy vibes. I thought maybe we could drive up to Big Bear or Idyllwild and rent a cabin but I googled it and apparently, there’s no snow yet. Plus I have to be in the clinic basically every day for the next two weeks getting chemo so I guess I’m staying put. Maybe later in the season, I’ll go seek a winter wonderland. Idk how my numb feet would handle snow anyway.

I whipped up this “winter” inspired mood board with the energy support of a white chocolate mocha – my current obsession (thanks steroids) since I’m still not sleeping much (again, thanks steroids). Speaking of, my Secret Santa at work sent me some white chocolate truffles and I have to pace myself. I’d like to eat them all in one sitting. One family tradition we’re missing this year is a large batch of pizzelles. My mum forgot the pizzelle maker in Hawaii (ugh). If anyone wants to send some my way I wouldn’t object. I’m usually not much of a sweets person but cancer has changed that. These days I’m a hangry sugar-craving monster.

Christmas looks a little different this year. I hope you get to spend it with loved ones (safely) and can still participate in some of your traditions. Mine are garlic shrimp for brunch, a day at the beach and a ride on the Sugar Cane Train. Guess we’ll have to raincheck on the latter two.

We plan to watch Elf on Christmas Eve. It’s our family’s favorite holiday movie. It won’t be the same without my nephew, who knows every word and is the funniest person I know. Maybe we’ll FaceTime that cotton-headed ninny-muggins so he can watch with us.

My world is v small at the moment and my creative outlets are limited due to mobility issues and crazy numb fingers so putting together this mood board was a mini pick-me-up on the (almost – I know it’s tomorrow but I’m impatient) shortest day of the year. Yay for getting a smidgen more daylight from here on out.

Happy Winter Solstice Ya’ll

*None of the photos in the mood board collage are mine. I found all of them on Pinterest.