What This Season Is Teaching Me!

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Hi friends,

This week, I’ve been thinking about something that has nothing to do with recipes, ingredients, or grocery lists… and everything to do with the way December feels.

There’s a certain glow this time of year — a quiet magic that settles into the corners of our days.
Not the big grand moments, but the small, almost-overlooked ones:

The soft hum of Christmas music playing while you clean up the kitchen.
The way the house feels warmer when the tree is lit.
The laughter echoing a little louder because everyone is in just a slightly better mood.
Even the way evenings feel slower, softer, more intentional.

December has this beautiful way of reminding us what matters.

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Slowing Down (Even When Life Speeds Up)

I don’t know about you, but every year I tell myself I’m going to slow down in December… and then December looks at me and says, “Really? You sure?”

There are gifts to wrap, photos to take, events to attend, cookies to bake, family to visit —
And somehow the days seem to get shorter as the list gets longer

But this week, I made a promise to myself to pause more often.
To notice more.
To let the season soak in instead of rushing through it.

And you know what?
It has made the biggest difference.

I’ve caught myself smiling at moments I might have missed before:
The grandkids’ excitement, Ron making me laugh when I’m stressed, the quiet in the morning before the world wakes up.

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The Heart of the Season

More than anything, December reminds me why Sunday Supper began in the first place.

It wasn’t about food —
It was about connection.

It was about gathering the people you love, however imperfectly, and saying:
“Come as you are. Sit with me. Let’s share this moment.”

That spirit feels especially powerful right now.

We spend so much time preparing for “the big days,” but in truth, it’s the little ones we remember most:

A conversation you didn’t expect.
A laugh-until-you-cry moment.
A peaceful afternoon.
A late-night kitchen talk.
Someone saying exactly what your heart needed to hear.

These are the things we hold onto.
And these are the moments I am leaning into this month.

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A Tiny Confession…

Okay… full disclosure.
I said I wasn’t thinking about recipes this week, and I truly meant it — until last night when inspiration struck in the most delicious way.

I’ve officially decided: I’m making a beef tenderloin.
And not just any tenderloin… I’m challenging myself to wow everyone with a spectacular sauce.

So yes, maybe I did think about recipes just a tad.
(You know me — I can’t help it!)

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A Gentle Reminder (From Me to You)

If the season feels busy, take a breath.
If it feels emotional, let it.
If it feels joyful, soak in every second.

And if it feels a bit messy and imperfect… welcome to the club. That’s where all the best memories happen.

I hope this week brings you light, warmth, and a few moments that make your heart feel full — the kind you’ll look back on long after the decorations are packed away.

With so much love,

Isabel

P.S. Tell me — Are you thinking about recipes “just a tad” too? I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up for your holiday table, leave a comment below!

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Top 10 Christmas Recipes

1. Make Ahead Scalloped Potatoes
2. Beef Tenderloin
3. Slow Roasted Prime Rib
4. Prime Rib Rub
5. Candied Bacon
6. Au Jus
7. Standing Rib Roast
8. Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole
9. Pineapple Glaze for Ham
10. Creamed Spinach

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Missed a week? Check out my last blog post, too!