counting Christmas trees.
wull hay! can I come in?
Last year, we were going on daily walks after dinner. We had a new-ish baby that we would strap on one of us and take off up the steep streets in our Seattle neighborhood. It was our (and many others’) pandemic ritual. They were the weirdest times. And the Pacific Northwest in the winter during a pandemic feels like the darkest times—inside and out. (today is literally the darkest day—outside.)
Around the holidays last year, we would count Christmas trees on walks—the ones lit up in houses. (being creepers.) We started defining the walks this way:
“Wow, that was a 45 Tree Walk! Almost a new record!”
Though we’re going on less walks this holiday season (have you ever tried to go on a walk with a toddler??), we are still counting Christmas trees when we do. Sometimes even counting lit-up trees on stupidly cold family bike rides.
I’m such a goal-oriented person and Christmas Tree Walks have put me in my place a bit. Of course I don’t remember how many trees we counted on the “best walk.” I’m guessing our best walk was one where we lost count and found a good conversational clip. I only remember that feeling of being with my husband and my daughter. Catching up and decompressing and counting in between it all.
I produced 10 podcast episode features for KEXP this year. But I had to go back and count those, because the numbers aren’t what I remember. The connection I had with a woman while talking about our postpartum depression is what I remember. I remember the connections I made with people.
I ran a lot of miles this year. How many? No idea. I went on 63 Peloton rides this year. (and it would’ve been more if I had known the bike was gonna kill-off such a toxic person’s Sex and the City character. BELIEVE WOMEN.) Anywho, those miles and rides kept me sane. That movement was needed for me to connect with myself. (did they make me super fit? you would’ve thought so, right?? but not so much. WHATEVER.)
All this to say, looking forward, I want to count more Christmas trees. I want to run more miles. I want to make more radio. I want to write more. I need to do all of this stuff to find that light in the darkness of STILL being in a pandemic. (seriously, wtf.) But I don’t want to forget to enjoy the actual act of it all—the steps in between and the connections along the way. So here’s to counting, but making it count.
A Little Woo:
Happy Winter Solstice! The darkest day of the year. I always breathe in deep on this day and tell myself, “It only gets lighter. It only gets better.” This day, this time, is when I draw in and think about what I want. I’ll do a tarot reading tonight and work a bit more on my 2022 vision board and read what Teen Vogue and Glamour say I should be doing this eve. (seriously.) If you celebrate today, cheers! If not, omg thank you jesus the days are getting longer.
Quick Hits:
Jam of the Week: Confidence Man - Holiday
(alright, admittedly, I’m a month late on this jam, but I currently can’t stop dancing to it and love the warm vibes of the video.)
Jingle Jangle: My Holiday Playlist
(on Drive Time, ever since December, I get to choose one Christmas song to play on the show. if you celebrate Christmas and like music of the sorts—this one’s for you!)Read About My Fave Album of the Year: Little Simz – I Might Be Introvert
(next week, I’ll have a playlist with my 2021 faves. but for now, listen to it in full on Spotify.)
Oh Damn: This is My New Favorite Show
(please let me know if you are also watching/giving all your money to HBO.)
Thanks so much for letting me in. This is exciting for me and I just so appreciate your support. I’ll see you next week!
xxo,
rachel.