Because late December and early January are for unapologetically eating, chilling, and pretending you’ve got your life together.. with extra servings of sparkle, sarcasm, and second helpings. I have added few personal touches in this blog just experimenting what people might like or not. Hope you will enjoy ☺️ ( Obviously am forcing you to read till end )

1. Eat Mindfully, but Mostly Mindlessly Deliciously

Who are we kidding? December is a cheat month. Food is not just life—it’s religion in our home.

Let’s celebrate accordingly.

Breakfast Goals

Start the day like royalty (or someone filming a food commercial).

• Desi Queen Edition:

Fluffy idlis dipped in piping-hot sambhar or crispy aloo parathas slathered with butter so golden you feel rich eating them.

• Fancy Instagram Morning: Avocado toast with chilli flakes or a peanut butter smoothie bowl that screams, “I work out… sometimes.” Or even hot oats with some peanut butter and all sorts of dry fruits.

• For the Extra Hungry: Saffron-infused kesar badam milk paired with masala poha or upma that’s definitely topped with crunchy peanuts (because texture matters as you know I love clicking FOOD PICS )

Lunch Extravaganza

If breakfast is a warm hug, lunch is the full spa experience.

• Desi Classics:

Rajma-chawal, because it’s soul food that cures existential crises. Pav bhaji with buttery buns that will make you tear up, or a creamy paneer butter masala with jeera rice that screams “extra.”

• Global Glam: Spinach ricotta ravioli (we don’t care what pasta shape you use, we’re not Michelin star certified restaurants ), or Tomato or Broccoli soup with crispy garlic bread on the side.( They are easily available too 😜)

Snack Attack

When hunger strikes between meals, you strike back.

• Savory Bites: Butter-laced popcorn sprinkled with peri-peri, roasted masala chana for guilt-free crunching, or good old bhel puri for a chaotic, chatpata kick.

• Sweet Indulgences: Dark chocolate that makes you feel classy. ( I act all this Classy woman some days as you see how much croissant is important for me for my insta worthy pics)

Dinner Bliss

The grand finale to your day of overindulgence.

• Indian Royalty: Vegetable biryani with cooling raita, or parathas stuffed with spinach, corn, and love.

• Global Star: Mushroom lasagna( we can switch with pasta too ) that’s as cheesy as your humor and this makes you feel like you’ve traveled without leaving your couch.

Dessert (the Real MVP)

End every meal on a sweet note—because life is too short not to.

• Gooey brownies fresh out of the oven.

• Hot gulab jamun that melts in your mouth.

Gajar ka halwa—the ultimate Indian winter dessert, rich with ghee, nuts, and nostalgia.

• A festive hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, cinnamon, and if you are able to afford enjoy those Starbucks or Tim Hortons or even Nik Bakers because extra is the vibe.

2. Walk Like Dessert Depends on It

Your 12,000 steps are more about justifying dessert than fitness.

• Morning Zen Walks:

Wander through foggy parks with a coffee/ tea cup in hand and pretend you’re in an indie Netflix series. If you are bit lazy the terrace will do the work too .. but move that Butts.

• Evening Strolls:

Walk through neighbor hoods or cafes or malls lit with fairy lights, critiquing everyone’s décor like the unofficial HOA you are.( Sadly people don’t decorate their homes until it’s Diwali so you need to be lucky to see the beautiful neighbourhoods )

• Pro Tip: Create the perfect playlist with Taylor Swift’s Midnights, Harry Styles’ hits, and Michael Bublé’s festive magic. Bonus points for pretending you’re in a music video.

3. Binge-Watch Bliss

There’s only one rule: If it’s not cozy, thrilling, or festive, skip it.

• Feel-Good Classics: The Holiday, Love Actually, and Home Alone (because chaos + nostalgia = perfection).

• Rom-Com Newbies: Our Little Secret, Your Christmas or Mine?, Red, White & Royal Blue, or Lindsay Lohan’s Falling for Christmas. ( Lindsay Lohan comeback in Netflix is like sooo warm and fresh reminds me of Mary Kate & Ashley Movies )

( I have many in my list and can’t stop talking about it .. orels this blog might exceed few pages 😂)

• Festive Series: The Crown, Bridgerton, or Emily in Paris (yes, it’s cheesy; no, we don’t care).

• Personal Note: I’m still trying to survive Gilmore Girls. It’s too girly, but one day I’ll get through it—or die trying.

4. Bake or Fake It

The kitchen smells festive, but your effort doesn’t have to be.

• Whip up banana bread, chocolate lava cake, or even a BREAD (embrace the “Pinterest fail” aesthetic).

5. Deck the Halls (Effortlessly)

Who has time for elaborate decorations? Not us as we don’t celebrate Christmas obviously but we love the coziness and warmth it gives to our house.

• Scatter scented candles everywhere—vanilla, cinnamon, or pine. ( though I use every month but December feels bit festive )

• Hang fairy lights like you’re channeling your inner Pinterest goddess. Voilà, instant festive chic.( same goes for my fairy lights 365 days my house is full of fairy lights even I added in my kitchen last month 😂)

6. Ditch Productivity for Comfort

It’s not the season for to-do lists; it’s the season for to-not-do lists.

• Tea Marathons: Endless ginger-cardamom chai, pakoras, and your favorite book (Jane Austen’s Letters for me).

• Journaling: Write down your 2024 hopes—or just vent about your fairy lights not working.

( Optional Reading: Pick a fun read like The Unhoneymooners or The Rosie Project or Jane Austen or Colleen Hoover books)

7. Channel Your Inner Pop Star

Turn up those Tay Tay songs Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, or Selena or nowadays Rose and Sabrina are giving good vibes , and have a family dance-off – this sound a bit clingy or cringy or eeew but still try in the living room. ( I can’t do such stuffs as I have son who finds all these things mushy and girly) But people with lovely aesthetic taste can do it 😂

8. Old-School Joy

• Play Scrabble or Monopoly (I play with my son, which is chaos disguised as bonding).

• Visit Christmas markets for churros and people-watching.

9. Cook Something New

Try a fancy recipe—quiche, tiramisu, or enchiladas. ( well I can’t pronounce them right so you know the drill how can I even cook ) but I might in future 😜

Worst-case scenario: You order pizza instead and call it a day.

10. Be in the Moment

Hot chocolate in hand( we are into Hershey’s hot chocolate and syrup thanks to my Son who is show off can’t enjoy Cadbury Hot chocolate stuffs ), oversized sweater on, and zero guilt about that third dessert. This season, you’re living your best lazy life.

Cheers to slow living, fast Wi-Fi, and always having room for dessert.

Love, Dolly