Reading: Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot’s Christmas. Definitely a comfort read during these weird, dark days.

Video: The Power of the Dog. (Twice.) Now I’m about to watch SPENCER. One online user complained that it was more like a horror movie than a biopic. Sign me up!

Audio: I’m constantly surprised to learn that so many of my college-era favorite bands have recorded Christmas songs at some point. Cocteau Twins? Siouxsie & The Banshees? Luscious Jackson? Sure, why not.

Art: “Warhol: Revelation” at work.

(Tr)eats: Mostaccioli. Looking forward to some gingerbread cake from the local Polish deli.

Drinks: Chamomile tea. It’s been that kind of month.

Beauty Products: Karma Organics nail polish in Mountain High. Briogeo Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioner.

Garb: The return of work-from-home also means a return to comfy pajamas in the daytime. Again, it’s been that kind of month.

Pleasures: Seeing family again, even for a few hours. Buying new planners and notebooks for 2022.

Plans: Push through the holiday season and Omicron somehow. Take a week off (!) and make some very low-key expeditions into downtown Manhattan.

I hope you’re feeling a little more positive and energetic than I am right now, but if you’re not, that’s fine too. I wish you a peaceful New Year in any case!

Image: Theodorus van Hoytema, December 1902, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 2008.1899.