This December

has been filled with my mom’s adorable handmade ornaments.

And her never-ending Christmas cookies. (These are of the chocolate-covered cherry variety.)

This December has been brimming with good cheer and my favorite champagne.

Oh, and a beautiful buche de Noel.

We also had a party this December.

Where we documented every hour that passed, every friend who walked through our humble threshold–a pictorial representation of the festivities enjoyed and the drinks imbibed.

A new party tradition was born.

Oh, and this December, I realized that I have no clue what I’ll be doing next December.

I’ve never wondered that before, mostly because a) I’ve been in school for 17 years and b) I’m a headcase who has to plan everything at least three years in advance. Turns out that entering adulthood “in this economy” allows for a lot more surprises than I’d anticipated.

It’s part promising, part terrifying, entirely exhilarating.

Luckily, I have assembled the most superb collection of family and friends to see me through whatever is in store.

How have you been celebrating your December?