As the year comes to an end, this magical week between Christmas and New Year’s always feels like a deep breath. It’s a chance to rest, to think and reflect, and prepare for the change of the calendar.
One way I love to mark the end of the year is by noticing and naming the good things. It helps me look back on the last 365 days and find the things that brought joy, growth, entertainment, convenience, surprising delight.
Here is my list:
BOOKS
When I look back at my kindle library for 2020, I notice a theme: feel-good fiction. This was the year of easy reads, nothing that made me feel too much emotion, and, oddly enough, few books that were all that remarkable π There were a couple of standouts worth mentioning, though far fewer novels than in year’s past.
Love Walked In by Marisa De Los Santos
Save Me The Plums by Ruth Reichl (this is a memoir that I enjoyed thoroughly)
Feels Like Falling by Kristy Woodson Harvey
As for non-fiction, there are a handful of important books I read in 2020.
The Freedom of Self Forgetfulness by Tim Keller (a must-read that is absolutely transformational)
Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allen
Your Blue Flame by Jennifer Fulwiler
Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man by Emmanuel Acho (I received this on Christmas morning and it was finished by Christmas night)
The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel (we read and discussed this in our women’s bible study group and it was so good)
New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp (the devotional I used all year)
SHOWS + MOVIES
Here are the shows and movies that brought entertainment, thoughtfulness, mindlessness and creative inspiration.
The Chosen. This series is available to watch on the app and is absolutely beautiful. Season One covers the beginning of the ministry of Jesus (if I were not sitting with my family I could have let myself hyperventilate cry during episode one. It is beautiful).
Cheer (I loved this one)
Into the Unknown: the making of Frozen II (I know, such a weird pick, but it is fascinating to see how the film comes together. Such brilliant artists!).
Hamilton. Of course.
Hart of Dixie (watched season one while packaging orders and found it so charming)
Survivor season 40 (can’t stop, won’t stop)
PODCASTS
Annie and Eddie Keep Talking was a happy listen all year long.
Bridgetown Church HOPE episode (a must-listen)
The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey interviewing Alli Worthington and Annie F. Downs interviewing Alli Worthington
Never Believe Anything Bad About God (Next Right Thing Podcast)
MUSIC
The Blessing by Kari Jobe
Protector by Kim Walker Smith
The Hymns 1 album by Shane & Shane
It’s Quiet Uptown from Hamilton (this one makes me cry hard)
Lover by Taylor Swift ft. Shawn Mendes
Cinderella Soundtrack (this is what I listened to while I wrote and edited my book. I will always love it)
Most listened to Spotify playlist: Chill Hits.
HOME
Lots of time was spent at home this year. Like, pretty much all the time. These are the things that made it homier:
Ferpie & Fray Reed Diffuser in Grapefruit Pine.
Lilia Rug (we bought this for our family room and I could not love it more)
Kitchen Backsplash Tile in white (did I mention we remodeled our kitchen this year?!)
New Floors (did I mention we redid all the downstairs floors?!)
SCHOOL + KIDS
What an odd year it has been for the kids and school. The spring was spent doing online school through our school district and the fall brought a new experience for all of us: Homeschool. It’s been good, challenging, tiring, freeing. We are grateful for adaptable kids and a mother-in-law who stepped in to help when overwhelm kicked in hard for me.
Abeka Online Academy (this is what we’re using. We mostly like it, but it is more intense than any of us expected).
Noise Canceling Wireless Ear Buds (a must)
Cute Binder (to hold all the grades)
Plastic Magazine Holder (for all the workbooks)
Polymer Clay (so many hours of clay creating)
Duct Tape (the perfect source of endless creation)
ART + WORK
2020 was the year of finishing up Freely and Lightly and starting on Twirl, two books that I am so proud of and so grateful to be part of. It was also a year of jumping back in the product creation world with Truth for Today cards and Watercolor Workbooks. What an incredible year it’s been for my business and finally feeling like I’m moving in the right direction. These are the art and work things that I reached for most this year:
Watercolor Paints (I use tubes of paint in assorted colors)
Size 6 Round Brush (this is my favorite)
Size 1 Round Brush (also my go-to)
Scanner (I scan all watercolor art and bring it into Photoshop to remove background and make slight edits)
Day Planner (such a cute cover)
WEAR
Slippers (all day every day)
Skinny Jeans (Sometimes you find a pair of jeans that are just right. This is my pair.)
Wideleg Jeans (also worn on rotation)
EAT
I cooked my way through so many recipes from my two favorite cookbooks: Half Baked Harvest Cookbook (the Thai coconut curry with chickpeas is delish!) and Half Baked Harvest Super Simple (especially the Everything Bagel Salad!).
How many batches of Chocolate Chip Cookies did I make? Countless …
Sea Salt Caramels were a hit again this Christmas
Cinnamon Rolls are always good.
What a year. Strange, yes, but also full of God’s goodness found in so many places. I hope you can take a few minutes to reflect on all that was good, true and beautiful about your year.
with much love,
Emily
Hi Emily,
What a beautiful list you created! Thank you! I also loved the Scripture cards and hope you make more for spring. Congratulations on your book. That is on my to-do list.
Happy 2021! Keep up the great work.
Thank you Michelle!
I ALWAYS love your lists!! & your posts always feel like Iβm cozying up with tea & a good friend. Definitely bookmarking these links & checking out a few of your recommended books from the library. Wishing you & yours a Happy New Year!!
Looks like the link to your floors goes instead to your tile again… I’d love to see the floor link
Just fixed it! They are Vesdura Vinyl Plank in Cottage Oak. We’re so happy with them!
Hey Emily! I really enjoyed this post! Such a fun way to review your year! Unfortunately none of the links under artwork are correct. Hope this is helpful for you!
They should all be correct now. I’m not sure what happened!
Thank you for everything you do. Canβt wait for your book to come out. Wondering if the cards you made for Christmas will be available. It says sold out. Happy New Year!
Great list! Not all Lines are going to the correct items. Is it Just my end?
Sorry! Not sure what happened! What item are you looking for?
The slippers link is taking me back to the 1Canoe2 planner…
I just fixed it!
Hi Emily, I’ve been a follower of JDC for years and I always love your content. Thank you so much for the “Best of 2020” post…some of the links don’t correspond with the items, though.
I just fixed a few … I’m not sure what happened! What item are you looking for?
I was looking for the slippers you mentioned you wear “all day every day” because mine have seen better days. Turns out, I have those exact same slippers. You helped me make up my mind to order another pair! π
They just do the trick!
I looooooove your lists! β€οΈ
Love the list and am so excited for your book. Could you fix the weighted blanket link? Thank you and Happy New Year!
All of the links should be fixed now π
Love this list! Thank you so much for all that you do. You inspire and encourage. I always love reading your emails! Health, and continued showers of blessings for 2021 and beyond!
Blessings!!! Looking forward to your book and LOVE your watercolor scripture cards. We have been reading one a day for Christmas and we linger over each one!! Sent your info to so many. And over this week , my grandson and I each have a watercolor book for some learning!! Thankful for you!!!
from Woodland Park Colorado
Of the two HBH cookbooks, which would you get first if on a budget?
Gave several of the scripture cards for gifts and everyone loved them…. looking forward to the book that I re ordered! Been following for years! Love it
Love the list. Leggings are linking to wide leg jeans π
I always love your end of year lists! Let’s just be honest, I love everything you write! π
Thanks for giving me a few new things to try!
Blessings in 2021!!!
Emily, I am inspired by your courage to home school. I am desiring the same for my kids, but a bit intimidated… is your oldest son in high school and if so, how is the Abeka program going for him (and you)?! I would really like to make a change from private to home school this next semester but wanting to find the right program for my 11th grade daughter. Thanks!
I always love your lists – thank you! Just ordered the Pottery Barn rug…
Happy new year and blessings to you and your whole family!
Happy 2021! Long-time reader…so nice to see all of your success. I was happy to see the comments about your home reno, would love to see pictures/updates! I know you have pivoted away from content about your home, but I would LOVE to see one blog post update!