Hi, everyone! Welcome back to Tea with a Taurus. As we say goodbye to 2024 and step into a brand-new year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on December — the wins, the challenges, and everything in between.

Wins: The Joy of Family Moments

December was a month of precious memories, and I’m so thankful for the time I spent with my family. Those moments are the heart of the holiday season for me, and I feel so blessed to have shared meals, laughter, and cozy conversations with the people I love most.

One of the standout moments was watching my older son perform in a play. He lives about an hour and a half away, so I don’t see him as often as I’d like. Being able to sit in the audience, watch him shine, and cheer him on was such a proud mom moment. It’s incredible to see your kids follow their passions, and it reminded me how important it is to make the effort to show up for them, no matter the distance.

Another highlight of December was my younger son’s basketball season. His team is currently undefeated, which has been so exciting! Basketball is a newer sport for him, so he doesn’t get as much play time as he’d like, but it’s been amazing to see his growth and determination. Cheering from the sidelines, watching him learn, and being there for every game has been such a rewarding experience. It’s in these little everyday victories that I feel most connected to my kids.

Losses: The Bittersweet Reality of Change

While December had its bright spots, it also came with some challenges that were hard on this mom’s heart. For the first time, we didn’t have all three of our kids together for Christmas. It’s tough when they grow up and their lives pull them in different directions. I missed having everyone under one roof, sharing in our family traditions, and creating those holiday memories together.

One tradition I especially missed was decorating the Christmas tree as a family. It’s usually such a fun and chaotic event — everyone hanging ornaments, laughing at the handmade ones we’ve collected over the years, and reminiscing about past holidays. This year, it felt different and quieter, and while I’m grateful for the moments I did have, it was a poignant reminder of how much life changes as kids grow up.

Books That Kept Me Company

Whenever life feels a little overwhelming, I love escaping into a good book. December gave me some great reads that brought comfort, perspective, and a touch of adventure:

📚 Maybe This Time by Cara Bastone
This Audible Original was an absolute treat! With a full cast of narrators, it was like a mini movie for the ears. This time-travel romance had so much heart, and it felt like a warm hug on a chilly day.

📚 The Cock Down the Block by Amy Award
Quirky, clever, and quick! This friends-to-lovers, fake-dating romance was an entertaining read. While I enjoyed it, I’m not sure I’ll dive into the rest of the series, but it was fun while it lasted.

📚 Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
This middle-grade novel was such a powerful read. It follows Melody, a young girl with cerebral palsy, and offers a firsthand perspective on her life as a non-verbal person navigating a world that often misunderstands her. As a mom, it was both heart-wrenching and inspiring to read how others underestimated her. This is a story everyone should experience — it’s thought-provoking and beautifully written.

📚 Drop Dead by Lily Chu
This Audible Original was a perfect mix of romance, mystery, and humor. The rivals-to-lovers dynamic, combined with the suspenseful plot, kept me hooked from start to finish. It’s a story I highly recommend if you’re looking for something engaging and fun.

If you’ve read any of these, I’d love to hear your thoughts! And if you have any book recommendations for 2025, please share them — I’m always looking for my next great read. 📖

Reflections: Finding Joy in the Little Things

Looking back, December reminded me of the importance of cherishing the little moments and staying present, even when life doesn’t go as planned. Family dynamics and traditions may change, but there’s still so much beauty in adapting and finding new ways to connect.

I’m incredibly grateful for the milestones I got to witness, the games I cheered from the sidelines, and the quiet moments of reflection that helped me recharge. These are the moments that anchor us, reminding us of what truly matters.

What About You?

Now, I want to hear from you! How did your December go? What were your wins, your challenges, and the lessons you’re carrying into 2025? Let’s keep this conversation going in the comments.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Here’s to a new year filled with growth, connection, and plenty of reasons to celebrate. Cheers to 2025! 🥂