rekindling holiday joy and today's internet tea

Good morning. Have you recovered from yesterday?

I hope your Thanksgiving was filled with good food and good company. I’m always curious about how other people celebrate the holidays. Do we share the same traditions? Are you close with your family? Do you also like eggnog? Do you dread this season? Do you also fancy a Nora Ephron Christmas?

I’m normally someone who gets very excited about the holidays. Some years are harder than others, but I’ve found some ways to boost my mood and get into the holiday spirit, even when I don’t feel very merry. I’ll share some ideas here so you can do them, too. (If you’re feeling up to it).

-Watching my favorite holiday movies: (and Christmas TV episodes): A Charlie Brown Christmas (because snoopy forever), When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, You’ve Got Mail, Mixed Nuts, While You Were Sleeping, Metropolitan!!! <3

(notice a trend here?) 

Miracle on 34th Street (1947), It Happened on Fifth Avenue (1947), How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966), Home Alone 2 (1992)

Here’s a few more (feel-good): Winnie the Pooh Christmas, Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas, Eloise at Christmastime!!! <3 Elf, the new cartoon Grinch movie, Love Actually, The Holiday, The Nightmare Before Christmas. 

-Baking: to some, this is a chore. For me, it’s one of my favorite ways to relax. It doesn’t have to be Christmas themed. Bake what sounds good to you. I enjoy making gingerbread and thumbprint cookies.

-Listening to jazzy Christmas music. Or Christmas classics.

-Lighting Christmas candles- either pine scented, or sweet cinnamon and vanilla, or oatmeal cookie. Something cozy.

-Tying your hair back with velvet ribbon

-Building a gingerbread house

-Reading A Christmas Pageant by Donna Tartt

-Going to a Christmas Market 

-Drinking hot cocoa and snacking on cherries dipped in dark chocolate

-Tying bows on your Christmas tree

-Taking walks in the snow

-Hosting an intimate cookie decorating party with your friends: paired with wine, a jazzy Christmas playlist, and good food

Hopefully this list helps. Maybe I’ll dedicate a whole newsletter to Christmas bucket list ideas to do by yourself or with friends? Let me know. 

Let’s get into the news and some interesting articles: 

-This Is Not The Way To Help Depressed Teenagers

Efforts to make mental health resources more accessible to young people, like school programs and social media content, may have unintended negative consequences. Studies have shown that some of these interventions, such as the WISE Teens program and school-based mindfulness programs, have resulted in increased depression, anxiety, and emotional problems in participants. Factors contributing to these adverse outcomes include heightened focus on mental health issues potentially exacerbating problems, misalignment of intervention settings and target audiences, and the lack of depth in these programs compared to traditional therapy. These findings suggest the need for caution and adherence to the principle of "do no harm" in offering mental health guidance to youth.

So many thoughts on this article. Kids just want someone to listen to them. They want to feel heard and understood and accepted and loved. Will there ever be a right way to solve this?

-How to Salvage Your Day After A Bad Night's Sleep

Sleep deprivation can significantly impair cognitive functions like decision-making, attention, and memory, and increase feelings of anxiety and depression. It reduces activity in the brain's prefrontal cortex and enhances activity in the amygdala, heightening feelings of fear and stress. To counteract these effects, experts recommend short naps, moderate caffeine intake, regular exercise, and exposure to natural light. However, these measures only partly offset the impact of sleep loss, and it's advised to adjust daily tasks to avoid serious mistakes, such as avoiding driving or important decisions when sleep-deprived. Ultimately, the best remedy is to get a good night's sleep following a bad one.

-3 Things to Do After an Incredibly Draining Family Visit

After intense family gatherings, it's common to feel emotionally and physically drained, often referred to as "family jet lag." Psychologist Janelle S. Peifer shares tips for recovering, including giving yourself downtime, reestablishing routines, and setting healthy boundaries for future family interactions to preserve your energy and well-being.

I’m still recovering…

-Paige Lorenze is Selling Life in the Suburbs

Paige Lorenze, a 25-year-old influencer and founder of the lifestyle brand Dairy Boy, has transitioned from a fast-paced New York City life to a more relaxed suburban lifestyle in Connecticut, where she documents her daily activities, including riding horses and renovating her home, on social media platforms. Her content has gained a large following, and she has successfully launched the Dairy Boy brand, offering a range of products from jeans to candles, generating substantial income. Despite occasional criticism for her diverse interests and lifestyle, Lorenze continues to share her unique blend of country and city life with her audience.

-Why Do Beauty Brands Post About Politics

In response to a reader's concern about a beauty brand taking a stance on social or political issues, the writer discusses the growing trend of values-based shopping and how companies are increasingly expected to align with consumers' values. While some Americans find it inappropriate for companies to take a stand, younger shoppers believe they should. The writer suggests ways to research a brand's values and advises readers to have grace for themselves as they navigate their purchasing decisions. Additionally, the writer explains that brands may feel compelled to take stances on issues to avoid backlash and attract consumers who share their values. Transparency about values is seen as a positive trend in consumerism.

-A New Book Reveals What It’s Like To Be Winona Ryder’s Best Friend

The article discusses the forthcoming book "Winona," featuring intimate and candid photographs of actress Winona Ryder taken by Robert Rich during the late 1990s and early 2000s. These photographs offer a rare and personal glimpse into the actress's life and friendship with Rich, providing readers with an insider's view of celebrity culture during that era.

Winona forever.

-“I feel like I’ve been catapulted into a different life”: this is what the ‘pandemic skip’ has done to your brain

The article explores the concept of the "pandemic skip," where people feel out of sync with their life plans due to the disruptions caused by COVID-19. Many individuals, especially those in their late 20s and early 30s, are experiencing delays in their careers, relationships, and personal goals, leading to stress and uncertainty. Experts suggest acknowledging challenges, establishing routines, breaking down goals, and celebrating smaller achievements to cope with this feeling. Women have been particularly affected by increased caregiving responsibilities and economic insecurity during the pandemic.

-At 40, J Crew Shakes Off a Midlife Crisis

The article discusses how J. Crew, a well-known American fashion retailer, has faced challenges and changes in recent years. Despite past struggles and a bankruptcy filing, J. Crew is attempting a comeback with new leadership and a focus on adapting to modern consumer habits. The brand aims to blend classic styles with contemporary trends to regain its influence in American fashion.

-Print Is Back 

SAVEUR magazine is making a return to print after a hiatus during the pandemic. The magazine will have a revised print model, focusing on sustainability, limited print runs, and direct-to-reader sales through their website. They will release two premium print issues next year with a renewed dedication to culinary travel writing, photography, and original recipes, while also expanding their online content.

As much as I adore the digital world, it’s so nice to feel a print magazine in my hands, dog ear the pages, circle all the things I love, cut out fun pictures and make collages and mood boards.

Okay, that’s all for now.

Thanksgiving is over, but leftovers are not. Here’s some inspo for recreating your Thanksgiving favorites into something delicious. 

(If you’ve been reading my newsletter you’ll notice that the majority of food recipes are sourced from NYT Cooking. They are my tried and true trustworthy resource for cooking at home. They never disappoint and if you’re in the market to take on a new subscription, I highly recommend them)

On that note, I hope you enjoyed this morning’s news.

See you tomorrow.

Bye <3