It is the end of the year! Many blogs are focused on helping you outline your goals for the upcoming year and providing you strategies to achieve them. Others may help you examine the things you didn't accomplish and how you can finally do it in 2026. Well this is not one of those blogs. In my December 2025 blog, I am going to use my blog to spread joy and share a few of my favorite things that became my favorite things in 2025.
Beverages
I have two new favorite beverages: Chai Latte & Mocha Frappe.
This year I stopped making tea at work. Yes, making my own tea saved me money; but was killing my waistline as I was ingesting a pound (yes a pound) of sugar in 4 days. This resulted in me going to the coffee shop and ordering a Chai Latte. It took a few visits to get the flavor to perfection with extra cinnamon and vanilla. Most recently, December 2025, I tried a Mocha Frappe and was hooked instantly. I have never been a coffee drinker; but the Mocha Frappe tasted like a chocolate milkshake (my second favorite drink after southern iced sweet tea).
In addition to trying new beverages this year, I also enjoyed the sense of community going to the same coffee shop gave me. The baristas know your name and your order. Although I am typically not a morning person (heavy on no one speaks to me before 10am) I have come to enjoy random chit chat while I wait for my drink and a good day departure greeting. I never realized how much a coffee shop can provide a sense of community.
My Own Personal Office
I have a new space in my home; a personal office with a door!
In March 2025, I moved to a bigger place that allowed me to use one of my bedrooms as an office. I have had my own place since I was 18 years old. In each place I have lived there were not enough bedrooms for me to have my own office. My office was in a corner in the living room or my bedroom. I was elated to find a place in my desired neighborhood, in budget and enough bedrooms for each kiddo to have their own room PLUS an extra bedroom for my office.
I have reorganized my office at least 5 times since moving in March 2025, it was early December 2025 when I reconfigured it and it was perfect! I absolutely love my office space. I only need two things: get my degrees framed and a big comfy chair for lounging (my office also serves as a she-cave)
Music
I love finding new mood music.
One of my favorite things about social media is discovering new artists and songs across genres and history. There is not one new song or artist that is my favorite; I enjoyed the journey of scrolling and discovering a new song or artist. Some songs by artists were new and others were 10-40 years old. Although it was old, it was new to me. My playlists have grown so much.
Speaking of playlists, I often take my time to curate playlists for moods. This year I shared those playlists with friends and family. I enjoyed watching them vibe in person and the kudos I would receive when I sent them a playlist through text message.
New Experiences in 2026
As 2025 comes to a close, I’m reflecting on the things that brought me joy, the drinks that became rituals, the space that gave me focus and peace and the music that carried me through different moods and moments. None of these things were on a vision board, yet each one added texture, comfort and sense of presence to my year. As I move into 2026, I’m less interested in chasing what’s next and more committed to carrying forward what already feels good. Sometimes reflection isn’t about measuring progress; it’s about recognizing what made life feel a little sweeter and giving yourself permission to keep it.
