Hi there! How’s the festive season treating you so far? I usually keep things low-key, spending time with loved ones, but this past weekend was packed with activities, and I thought I’d share a little update. I received a text from a friend in my book club group chat about a pop-up event in town, and I debated whether or not to go for about 20 minutes. Nobody dislikes outdoor activities more than me during the winter months. But eventually, I decided to go—and I’m so glad I did. The event ended up being more than worth the trip: I got a free coffee, a bookmark, some fun photos, and even a $25 Amazon gift card.
When I got home, I took a few pictures because, honestly, I thought I looked cute (and I got a few compliments, too). I don’t look like that every day, so whenever I have the energy to look my best, I make sure to document it.
I settled in with my current read Ghostroots—a short story collection. I hadn’t even read two pages before I got a call from a friend saying she was coming into town the next day and would love to meet up if I was free. As I said earlier, I’m not a fan of going out in the winter, but I haven’t seen her in a while, and the prospect of catching up with her and a couple of other friends seemed like a great idea.
The rest of the day was spent working on my digital reading journal, watching TV, and reading. I also started & finished All Fours by Miranda July. I’m all for a perimenopausal sexual awakening, but I did find most of it slightly ridiculous. Still, the author’s writing keeps you engaged.
Sunday: A Surprise Adventure
I’m forcing myself to get excited about going out. The weather is gloomy, and it’ll be dark by the time I leave the house. I get a reminder text from my pharmacy to pick up my medication, but I already know I won’t be making that cold, long walk today. Instead, I decided to get ready and plan my trip—making sure the TTC’s usual chaos doesn’t catch me off guard. The key to surviving the TTC’s endless disappointments? Planning ahead.We ended up at The Well, which I hadn’t been to in two years. I was pleasantly surprised to find it completed and buzzing with cool shops/restaurants. We walked around while we waited for our other friends, and I couldn’t help but smile when we passed a pet photoshoot set up. It was adorable to see people taking Christmas photos with their pets. I’m still being realistic about not getting a pet because I can barely take care of myself as it is.I popped into Indigo, but as soon as I walked in, the security guard reminded me that they were closing in 10 minutes. We also passed by a shortbread village and Wellington Market, which I definitely plan to revisit.We grabbed hot dogs and shared a taco—both of which were so spicy, I could feel the heat for minutes after! Afterward, we wandered over to The Stackt Market, but they were closing up, so we didn’t have much time to explore.
A Christmas Bar and Unexpected Festivities
By the time we finished, our friends were ready to meet up, and we decided to head to a Christmas bar. It was my first time at one, and I have to admit, I haven’t been feeling the Christmas spirit this year. Something about this season just feels… off. But stepping into Little Sister in Toronto, with all its festive decor, sparked something inside me. Their drink menu was hilarious and creative, and we ended up drinking and chatting the night away.
We were the last ones to leave the bar, and after a short walk, we all headed home. It was a busy weekend, but it definitely recharged my soul.
Thanks for reading & I definitely recommend a Christmas bar if you’re looking for something festive to do with your friends!
Sounds like a sweet weekend! I wasn’t feeling christmasy myself but I’ve been doing little unexpected things – like seeing a cirque du soleil christmas show- and it def helped put me in more of a christmasy mood.
Stay warm! ❤️
It really was. Yeah I think intentionally doing Christmas activities definitely helps with the mood. Have a wonderful Christmas <3