I seriously cannot believe it’s mid-December, and that Christmas is less than 10 days away. This month has really flown, and yet I’m really, really ready for the holiday break. I think that Thanksgiving being so late this year has really made the rest of the holiday season seem rushed. So the last month is a bit of a blur for me, but here’s what I’ve been up to!

Before Thanksgiving, I saw Wicked on opening weekend! I actually hadn’t been to the movie theater for about three years before this, but I knew that I needed to see Wicked on the big screen. Not only do I love the musical – it was actually the first I ever saw on real Broadway in NYC – but this movie would be the first time in the show’s history that Nessarose would actually be played by a disabled actress. It’s a huge deal! My expectations were already high, but the movie not only lived up to them, but actually exceeded them. I can’t wait to see the show again! And of course, I took the opportunity to dress up and wear my Elphaba Nap Dress and some green lipstick. Why not?!

Our Thanksgiving dinner spread! It was just me, my parents, my sister, and one of my uncles, and to make it easier on us, we actually got the meal catered from a local restaurant and from Whole Foods. Everything was honestly great, and it made the day so much less stressful for us. I got to sleep in, watch the parade, and really enjoy the day off.

And a laid-back Thanksgiving also meant that I could do what I love the rest of the break – namely, eating pumpkin pie for breakfast while reading and enjoying my coffee. Honestly, it’s my dream for time off, and pumpkin pie for breakfast is my favorite thing about Thanksgiving.

I looked out my window one day and couldn’t believe how many deer were out there at once! It was actually hard to get them all in the picture at the same time. I love the one laying down, just hanging out. It just feels so magical to go outside and watch them.

I waited until after Thanksgiving was over to light this candle, and it did not disappoint. It’s the perfect pine scent… but like you’re smelling pine trees while sitting by the fireplace in a cozy cabin. It’s so wintery without being too overwhelming; it just sets the mood! It’s limited edition, so you can’t find it anymore this year, but I’ll definitely be picking up another next year.

I had tickets for Mariah Carey’s Christmas concert here in Pittsburgh, and my PCA unexpectedly had to take a day off, so I made an emergency Drybar appointment to make sure I had clean (and cute!) hair for the concert. There was a slight twist when Mariah ended up having to cancel her concert only a few hours before she was supposed to start, but at least I got to see Drybar decorated for the holidays! I take any excuse to go there, to be honest. It’s always a nice little treat!