The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

On My Shelf: Books I Read in December 2025

Happy New Year!!!!!

Today seemed like a fitting time to recap the books I finished in December (I’ll be back next week with a roundup of my Top Ten fiction and non-fiction picks for 2025).

January. February. March. April. May. June. July. August. September. October….

Reading
Jan, 01, 2026
35 Comments

Ideas for a Frugal-Friendly Christmas (It Can Still Feel Abundant!)

While things are decidedly more comfortable for us financially these days, we’ve had many Christmases—both in childhood and as a married couple—when money was tight.

And yet we’ve always tried to make Christmas feel abundant….

Christmas Recap 2025: Gift Edition

I know gift guides can be polarizing. Feel free to skip this post entirely if they’re not your thing. I happen to love looking at gift ideas—even if I never buy a single item…

Christmas, Holidays
Dec, 30, 2025
26 Comments

We Had Ourselves a Merry Little Christmas (2025 Recap)

Another Christmas season is behind us. The lead up seems long and wonderful (and mildly stressful!) and then it feels like I blink and it’s all behind us. I think that’s why I struggle…

A Few Christmas Reflections + My Goals for 2026

Is anyone else feeling discombobulated? When we headed to church this morning, my life did not compute. It’s Sunday?? What? How? When?

We’ve had a fantastic holiday, which I will eventually get around to recapping….

Goals, Habits, Personality Insights, Planning
Dec, 28, 2025
47 Comments

Christmas Treasure Hunt: 2025

I’m soaking up the laid-back, cheery vibes of a wonderful, relaxed Christmas. I had no intention of posting anything today. But something magical happens when your kids get older. THEY START TO ENTERTAIN THEMSELVES.

Aside…

For the Lowest of Lows…

Happy Christmas, friends.

First, my sincere thanks to everyone who shows up in this space—those who encourage me (and each other) through everyday life, help crowdsource wisdom and advice, and play a role in fostering…