Hey there,
We had a late evening watching a local stage production of Itβs a Wonderful Life βΒ and it was indeed wonderful. Itβs a movie I know backwards and forwards (itβs in my top ten of all-time films, not just Christmas ones), and it was delightful to go do something festive out in the community with others. All five of us met my parents, and we had a lovely evening.
And now... This morning I'm a bit on the sick side. Womp-womp. This tends to happen right after a semester of teaching, so alas, Iβm going to keep this letter short and sweet. After I send this, Iβm recording a podcast for the new year, and then Iβm off to studying the back of my eyelids with the express goal of defeating this bug before the start of Christmas and the start of the best week of the year: the βunweekβ1, when time has no meaning and youβre not expected to do anything but wear cozy clothes, read books, and eat delicious things.
Onward!

5 Quick Things βοΈ
1. In case you missed it, I shared a short story this week. I was going to record it audibly for you today for a final podcast episode of the season, but well βΒ sick. Alas. Hopefully reading it visually is just as enjoyable for you.
2. Two nights ago we went to trivia night at our local coffee shop, and it was, of course, Christmas-themed. Did you know that Thomas Edison invented Christmas lights? That the annoying elf who wants to be a dentist in Rudolph is named Hermie? That Die Hard came out two years before Home Alone? Well, now I do, and you do too. Also, the host of our evening wore a sweater emblazoned with βI Don't Know, Margotβ across the front, and later that evening I saw his wife with a sweater that said, βWhy Is The Carpet All Wet, Todd?β If you know, you know.
3. I recognize myself in this essay, as a fellow coffee connoisseur slash caffeine appreciator: βPerhaps, instead of offering an illusion of power and the ability to overcome my bodyβs need for rest, though, my dependence on caffeine now makes me realize how weak I am, how ordinary.β Though Iβll admit that more and more Iβm weaning off the stimulant and switching to decaf by late morning, and that I have a sneaky suspicion already that Jesus may want me to fast from caffeine for Lent. (But that's a future-me problem.)
4. Speaking of coffee, and back to our local coffee shop βΒ a few days ago we actually got a Christmas card from them βΒ signed by the baristas and managers and everything β to thank us for being loyal regulars. That was super cool. ...And after the barista dropped off the card at my table where I was working, I saw her drop off a card to Jodi, Chris, Jules, and Barbara and Peter, all doing their things at their tables. Itβs just that kind of place.
5. And finally, Iβm happy to report that the best storyteller on Substack has finally published again. I read every one of her installments. So good.
Currently Reading, Watching, Listening πΊ
Re-watching The Chosen βΒ because why not? Itβs lovely this time of year.
Quotable π¬
βThe world might have expected the Son of God to be bornβif He was to be born at allβin an inn. A stable would be the last place in the world where one would have looked for Him. Divinity is always where one least expects to find it.β
β Ven. Fulton Sheen
It doesn't feel like the holiday season until I watchβ¦ πΏ
I purposely worded it like this and not βWhat's the best Christmas movie?β because I find it fascinating how we all have our different little rhythms and traditions that make total sense to us and our household. For instance, as I mentioned above, Itβs a Wonderful Life is, in my opinion, easily the best Christmas movie because itβs also one of the best movies overall βΒ but we donβt watch that until Christmas Eve around here.
Iβm team Christmas Carol over here. Specifically the Muppets version (good for simultaneous tree decorating), though Iβm a fan of the George C. Scott version as well.
A Charlie Brown Christmas: 19%
Itβs a Wonderful Life: 18%
White Christmas: 15.60%
A Christmas Carol: 12%
Home Alone: 11%
Elf: 10%
The Grinch: 8.3%
A Christmas Story: 4.8%
Die Hard: 2%
Find next weekβs poll here.
Quick Links π
π Read my books
Question(s) For You to Ponderβ¦ π€
How could you spend your βunweekβ well (no matter how long it lasts for you)?
Heads up that thereβs no 5QT next week so that I can enjoy a screen-free unweek myselfβ¦ Paying subscribers, look for a fun treat from me sometime early next week; otherwise βΒ Iβll see you all the following week, where Iβll publish your annual End of the Year Reflection Questions before I delightedly close my screen again to keep the time of year going. Iβm grateful for you all!
Have a great holiday season,
- Tsh
p.s. - Getting Hallmarkedβ¦ A legitimate concern this time of year (especially if youβre a Big Shot in the Big City).
My sonβs name (and therefore our familyβs name) for the week between Christmas Day and New Yearβs Day, when it seems like time functions differently and life moves more peaceably. No one expects you to answer emails, itβs during a feasting season, and itβs generally acceptable to wear pajama pants long after youβve woken. Itβs arguably the best week of the year.
I told my midwife Iβm having this baby Dec 26th (she laughed at me but told me it worked for her) so my plan is to snuggle a newborn and eat fudge π Call me crazy, but I just really want to go to Christmas Eve mass and have Christmas morning before I go to newborn land. (We all know babies do what they want so weβll see π)
Have you watched, βThe Star?β Itβs a must add to your list!! It will quickly become a family favorite and itβs written by a faithful Catholic π€©ππ»