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There’s something about the holiday season that makes me want to slow down and savor every small, comforting moment. Maybe it’s the way the air feels crisper, or how the first snow seems to hush the world for a while. But more than anything, I think it’s the magic of turning ordinary days into something special — finding joy in small rituals, cozy corners, and quiet evenings with a good book in hand.

Reading is far more than a pastime—it’s nourishment for the mind, a doorway into other worlds, and a grounding practice that can center us during life’s busiest seasons. Books have the power to inspire, comfort, challenge, and expand our perspectives, offering moments of reflection and joy that are increasingly rare in our fast-paced, digitally saturated lives.

Books come in countless forms—whether it’s a sweeping novel that keeps them turning pages late into the night, a whimsical children’s story that sparks laughter, a captivating memoir that inspires reflection, or a beautifully illustrated coffee table book that sparks conversation, each one carries the potential to touch the heart in a deeply personal way.

December has a way of transforming even the most ordinary evenings into little pockets of magic. For me, that magic starts with my holiday TBR jar, a tiny container filled with romances I save just for this month. Some nights, I pull a sweet, heartwarming holiday romance that makes me sigh with contentment… and the next pick is full-on spicy holiday chaos that leaves me laughing, blushing, and wondering how I ended up here.

When the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing I look forward to more than curling up with a good book. Winter reading isn’t just about picking the right story—it’s about creating a cozy little world around you, a small sanctuary where time slows down and the outside world fades into the background. For me, there’s a certain magic in the combination of a soft blanket, the gentle glow of a lamp or candle, and a warm drink in hand.

Turning 30 this year has made me more reflective about many areas of my life, and my reading life was no exception. Over the years, my rituals and bookish journaling have shifted and grown alongside me, often in ways I didn’t fully notice until I paused to look back. What stands out most is the gradual growth — not just in how much I read or the kinds of books I reach for, but in the way I approach reading as a whole.

There’s a thrill in stepping off the plane in a new city—the scent of fresh bread wafting from a bakery, the hum of voices in a bustling market, the unexpected turn of a quiet alley that feels like it belongs in a storybook. Yet, all too often, travelers find themselves swept into crowds at tourist traps: overpriced restaurants, staged attractions, and souvenir shops that look the same from city to city. While these spots promise the “must-see” experiences, they rarely reveal

As we wrap up the Savoring the World series, I’m struck by just how expansive and rewarding culinary travel can be. From the sizzle of street vendors’ grills to the aroma of freshly baked bread drifting through quiet alleyways, every destination offers flavors, stories, and traditions waiting to be discovered. Planning these adventures—whether across continents or in your own kitchen—adds depth and richness to travel that goes far beyond sightseeing.

For book lovers, there’s nothing quite like the bliss of uninterrupted reading time—the kind where hours slip by unnoticed and the outside world fades away. Yet in our busy lives, carving out a full day—or even a few precious hours—can feel impossible. Between work, family responsibilities, and endless notifications, reading often becomes a “squeezed-in” activity rather than the immersive, restorative experience it deserves to be.

Every year on Remembrance Day, we pause to honor the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who served in conflicts past and present. It is a day to remember not only the soldiers who fought bravely on the front lines but also the civilians whose lives were forever changed by war—the families left behind, the communities reshaped, and the generations whose stories are intertwined with the events of history.