Tools for the optimist-ish: December edition

Simple delights for dreary days

Welcome to Tools for the optimist-ish: December edition. I’m so happy you’re here—my sincere thanks for hanging out in my little corner of the internet.

This week, I’m writing about the little things that are bringing joy to my life.

I always get homesick this time of year.

Sure, LA’s December sunshine is lovely, but it doesn’t quite match the cosy feel of a British winter with oversized jumpers, wood-burning fireplaces and toasty pubs packed to bursting.

In England, Christmas is very much the family holiday to end all holidays. As such, I long to be in rural Sussex with my parents, brothers, their partners and my adorable nephews. But my husband’s work as a composer for TV and film is—oddly—always busiest over Christmas. Not only are we unable to travel home, but his long hours mean I’m alone a lot of the time, too.

I’m prone to depression, and since combining homesickness with isolation is basically the perfect recipe for the black dog, I’ve been making an effort to take better care of myself.

Here’s a list of all the little things I’m doing to cheer myself up.

Getting festive in small ways

As you’ll know, if you’ve been keeping up with this newsletter, my husband and I are currently living in a temporary Airbnb. As such, all our decorations are in storage, and we’ve no room for a Christmas tree. Instead, I’ve made a German Advent wreath, lighting it every day at dusk. (Many thanks to my wonderful German Sister-in-law for the inspiration!)