Hello Reader,

As the holidays approach, I find myself feeling especially grateful for this community, for your presence here, your curiosity, and your willingness to pause and reflect in a world that so often asks us to rush.

This season tends to stir up a mix of emotions. Joy and gratitude, yes — but also nostalgia, reflection, and a quiet awareness of how much has changed over the years.

I recently shared a longer reflection on this very idea over on my Substack, where I’ve been writing more personally — about traditions, change, and how we might carry what we love about this season with us all year long.

If you’d like to read it, you can find it here:

👉 When Traditions Change, What Do We Hold Onto?

And because this season is also about simple pleasures, I wanted to share something sweet. One of my favorite holiday cookies is Russian Tea Cookies — tender, buttery, dusted in powdered sugar.

Interestingly, I never had them growing up. I only started baking them a few years ago, and somehow they’ve become a quiet favorite. A new tradition, perhaps. What I love most about them is that they don’t actually feel tied to one time of year. They’re just as lovely with afternoon tea in February or shared with a friend “just because.” Maybe that’s the real gift — letting good things spill beyond the holidays and into everyday life.

Here’s my simple go-to recipe if you’d like to try them:

Russian Tea Cookies

• 1 cup butter, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla • 2¼ cups flour

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¾ cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

• Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla.

Add flour, salt, and nuts. Roll into small balls, bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes (just until set).

Cool slightly, then roll gently in powdered sugar. That’s it.

As you move through the days ahead, my hope for you is simple: that you find moments of ease, warmth, and connection — not just during the holidays, but sprinkled throughout the year. Thank you for being here. I’m so glad we’re connected.

With much love and gratitude,

Nancy 💛