My Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date
Sunday Salon is hosted by Deb at Readerbuzz
Whee! We are getting into the holiday season big time now! I find myself in this weird emotional limbo about it – I am so very excited to share the holidays with Wyatt this year, he is really getting into them for the first time this year and it is so cool. We put up our tree on Friday night, and the smiles on this child! So big and full of joy. Which frankly, I need for many reasons, partly because this year the season is a bit harder as I am still grieving for those I have lost. But, despite some sadness, this family has been bitten by the Christmas spirit and we are throwing ourselves into the season, if a teeny bit early. I feel like Santa, making my lists of food and gifts and different things I want to do.
Friday was fun – Billy took a surprise day off and we had my mom babysit while we went shopping and had coffee and cake. It was so nice to be able to have that unexpected time. Later that evening, we put up Christmas! Saturday we bopped around, then went to an owl prowl, something I look forward to every year. Then Sunday we had an early holiday winter lunch with my dad and stepmom and bonus family. It is always so laid back and relaxed and I love it. We had a warming tortellini and bean soup, bread, and other little nibbles, while we sat around and chatted while the kiddos played.
On to the books!
Read Last Week:

I finished 21st-Century Yokel and I loved it. I love his voice, and the stories and adventures he shared about his family and his rambles. I will definitely be reading more by him.
Reading This Week:
I am starting Wild Things which looks well, magical, and finishing up The Owl Papers. I also finally started Alone in the Wild and am hooked already. I just love this series!
Posted:
Nonfiction November – Nonfiction Favorites
Watching:
Shakespeare and Hathaway on Britbox, Criminal Minds on Netflix (so many seasons!), lots of different things on Disney +. Lol. I couldn’t resist the nostalgia! Plus all the Winnie the Pooh for Wyatt! Billy is watching The Mandalorian and loves it. Boba Fett is on my Star Wars favorites list but I haven’t started that show yet.
What about you all? What is going on in your world?
Our baby panther is tracking something as she keeps lookin around; I know something is flying around in the house; I saw it while I was baking.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now I am curious as to what it is! Lol.
LikeLike
So many lovely events ahead for you and your family. Enjoy! I am probably not putting up anything for Christmas…well, maybe a wreath on the door. The staff here decorate like crazy.
Have a wonderful week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Let them do the decorating! Lol. I am a minimalist with holiday decorations, so we don’t do a lot but Wyatt is loving the tree. 🙂
LikeLike
I’m excited for my niece to be old enough to care about the holidays. They’re more fun when kids are involved. Have a great week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my gosh yes! It is so nice to revisit through a child’s eyes, isn’t it?
LikeLike
We plan to decorate the office this week.
I like your books which are all new to me.
I hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving week!
And maybe some Happy Reading too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!! I hope you have a lovely holiday and get some reading in too!
LikeLike
I love the holiday season too and am totally into it this year, including wanting to get the tree up (probably this weekend)! Hope you guys have a great Christmas season. Alone in the Wild looks awesome, and I can’t wait to start watching The Mandalorian.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We jumped the gun for us a bit, but I am glad we did this year. We needed it, and Wyatt is loving it. And thanks Greg.
Alone in the Wild is SOOOO good so far. And my husband is hooked on The Mandalorian. Lol.
LikeLike
Wild Things looks great! 📚✨
The holidays are so much better with kids! I miss those days. Enjoy your extended holiday season. 💟
Have a wonderful new week! 🌞
LikeLiked by 1 person
So much more fun with Wyatt! His joy and excitement is so infectious. 🙂 And thanks Lala!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m a bit of a Scrooge, our decorations don’t go up until the week before Christmas
I just finished binging on Criminal Minds, I’m all caught up now.
Wishing you a great reading week
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol! Everyone has their own timing. This is the earliest we have ever done it. We all have to enjoy the holidays in our ways! 🙂
We are still maybe halfway through Criminal Minds. I can’t believe how many seasons there are. Lol.
LikeLike
A first Christmas after loss can be especially hard. Be very gentle with yourself and remind friends and family that if you seem to be having a more-than-usual off-key seasonal day that there may be something behind it other than long lines and melting credit cards. I still have trouble, and it has been many moons later but it will ease. Find ways to incorporate and share your happy memories of those you lost with those you love and include them in some way, private or public (a special tree ornament, a candle are more private if you like; a place at the table more public). Whatever works for you. Just be kind to yourself. I’m so sorry.
LikeLike
Thank you so much Jeannie. It sneaks up on you! I was putting up the tree and the first ornament I pulled out was one my stepdad made for my son, and I of course had a little cry. But then I put it up near the top, in front, in a place of honor. And those are great suggestions. We probably do need to do something. 🙂 Thanks again for all your kind words.
LikeLike
I’m so glad you enjoyed 21st Century Yoke! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was so good! Although I had a bit of anxiety in the middle there about Roscoe!! His dad cracks me up. I hope his dad is in other books. LOL.
LikeLike
I know poor Roscoe!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’ll bring the tree in this Saturday. My weekly update
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you have a wonderful holiday!
LikeLike
Just trying to get through the shortened work week! Started Nothing to See Here and I’m loving it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! I am so excited for my husband to be home two extra days this week. And my son can’t wait either, to be out of school. Lol. We are all ready for the holiday. I will have to look that one up!
LikeLike
Christmas is always fun when there are young children. See what I’ve been reading at Girl Who Reads
LikeLiked by 1 person
He is so excited this year for it! I can’t wait to do all the things this year. 🙂
LikeLike