During this last month of 2016, there have been quite a few fun things to enjoy. Here are my top five:

1. Snow!

Walla Walla, along with much of Washington State, has received snow in the past two weeks. The best part is that the snow has stuck around instead of melting within a day of falling. Rather than having to travel to the mountains to admire the beauty of snow, I get to see it right at home!

2. Tea

I love a cup of tea when it’s cold out. Lately I’ve been favoring herbal peppermint, organic green from Uncle Lee’s Tea (this one doesn’t go bitter after steeping), and Celestial Seasonings’ Tension Tamer.

3. Coffee dates

In the past couple of weeks, I’ve felt lucky to meet with friends to chat and drink coffee or cocoa. Walla Walla’s own Hot Mama’s Espresso has a great environment for visiting, and I like the Hot Tamales candy that comes on the lid of hot drinks. Smokin’!

4. Christmas Music

From Diana Krall’s “Christmas Songs” to “Cool Christmas” by Bobby Zee & Zoe to “Christmas” by Michael Bublé, Christmas music is one of my favorite parts of the season. I love putting on an album for a little festive background music.

5. Reading

Somehow, reading is extra cozy once the temperature drops. I’ve been reading Mass Effect: Revelation, a book recommended to me by a gamer who asked if I was into video games or science fiction books. When I told him I hadn’t spent much time on either, he suggested I read Mass Effect. I’m over halfway through and it’s been a fun read so far. I’m also reading Isaiah and Luke in The Message translation. Though it’s pure coincidence that my daily readings feature these books during December, they couldn’t have come at a better time!

That’s my top five things currently. How about you—what do you love this time of year?