Breaking curses in the New Year.
The new year has always been a turbulent time for me. I used to joke that I was cursed because, without fail, December transitioning into January would always accompany some personal misfortune. One year I lost my keys, another my bike was stolen, and on one particularly memorable occasion, I fell on my face and broke my nose while trying to rush to make one of my university finals (which I did not end up taking). Two of my relationships ended in January under eerily similar circumstances, and I always get terribly sick during the holidays. Last year I was determined to break my New Year’s curse, so I focused on preserving my peace to the best of my ability. I was partially successful, though the curse sowed chaos by giving me a horrible sinus infection on New Year’s and causing a mysterious lapse in my health insurance when I visited the doctor to treat said sinus infection…
For the above reasons, I used to dread January, but as I’ve gotten older I’ve come to appreciate the season of life it ushers in. Many resent the dark months of the year as oppressive and smothering, rather than taking it as a sign that we need to rest and slow down. The pressure that the new year brings with resolutions, new gym memberships, lofty goals, etc. comes in direct conflict with our bodies’ innate desire for wintering. It sets us up for failure and disappointment. Maybe that is the curse.
In response, I’ve pivoted in my expectations of the New Year, that is to say, I have none. Don’t get me wrong, I love creating lists, goal setting, and building aspirations, but I don’t need the New Year to be the impetus for those goals. I’m more so using this time to rest, engage with the things I love, and cultivate a sustained curiosity, capacity, and compassion for failure as I continue to grow. Even if I do encounter misfortune, I try to keep in mind that growth is often uncomfortable and give myself grace to work through the discomfort and find an appreciation for the lessons seasons of adversity and joy bring me in their own turn.
Because my last two articles focused on heavier topics, I wanted to return to softness for a bit. I thought I would do a round-up of favorites that might serve as welcome companions in your season of wintering.
So here are my favorite books, recipes, and an “ins and outs” list a lá Nora Ephron, along with some reflections on the end of the year. I hope you find something that gets you through the dark hours.
Top Books of 2023
I have a conditioned urge for reading during the winter holidays, likely fueled by book-filled Christmases and long car rides on family trips. This year I found a lot of new favorites and even surpassed my annual reading goal. I hope some of these books help you kick off a great year in reading.
Writers and Lovers by Lily King
A really lovely story about a woman coming of age, reconnecting with her art, and finding herself in her 30s. I feel like there aren’t a lot of stories about people figuring out their lives in the middling decades so this was a refreshing perspective.
A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki
If you love books with multiple, intertwining narratives that are tinged with magical realism, this is for you. Ruth finds a journal of a young girl, Nao, washed ashore from the Pacific. Nao’s journal tells us she has decided to commit suicide, but not before she tells us about incredible life of her grandmother, a Buddhist nun. The past and the present intertwine as Ruth desperately tries to determine the fate of Nao.
Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto
A story about friendship, grief, and found family. This is a great book to read if you’re feeling a little down, while it centers around heavier themes it is not a depressing book in it of itself. It’s comforting in the same way changing out of wet clothes into warm dry pajamas is, a lovely cozy, sentimental read.Taste Makers: Seven Immigrant Women Who Revolutionized Food in America by Mayukh Sen
Thoughtfully-told profiles of women who significantly influenced America’s food culture. I felt like I learned so much about the history of different ethnic cuisines in the United States and the struggles women faced in the culinary media and industry.Unnatural Magic by C.M. Wagoner
Finally a fun fantasy novel that feels unique, has good world building and an innovative magic system, and doesn’t fall into the typical cliches of the genre. Plus some really interesting exploration of gender, magic, and romance. I cannot wait to see how this develops as a series.
Top Recipes of 2023
NYT Cooking Thai Tea Tres Leches Cake
Tender Herb’s Pesto and Tomato Gnocchi
Alexandra Kitchen’s Sourdough Bread Recipe
Abi Balingit’s Adobo Chocolate Chip Cookies
Aimee France’s (@yungkombuchalover420) Seasonal Muffin Recipes
Molly Baz’s Spicy Carrot and Avo Salad with Zhoug Dressing
Things I’m Leaving Behind:
golden milk (turmeric) lattes
grasping
buying cookbooks
mugs that are not microwave or dishwasher safe
microplastics
craft beer
toxic family reunions
flats
early 2000s fashion
microtrends
clean girl aesthetic
cruffins
expensive skincare
potholes
googling internet advice
cottage cheese
saying yes
margarine
Things I’m Holding On To:
homemade hot chocolate
letting go
library cookbooks
well-shaped mug handles
gloves as accessories
brooms
travelling to see friends
mary janes
scene/emo
nostalgia
mocktails
dermatologist
checking your oil
internal processing
toasting your spices
choosing when to say yes
butter
If you made it this far, thanks for landing here for a bit. And thank you for joining me in my exploration of writing this newsletter. I adore the little community we’ve built here, and it touches me deeply each time one of you finds something to enjoy in these posts. I’m excited to continue to explore the delicious and complicated elements of life we consume. Until next time.
Wishing you a lovely year ahead. Full of peace, joy and love.