Another item from the December checklist is finally done: Spotify Wrapped arrived today! As someone who listens to an insane amount of music—not just while running, but also while working and even when relaxing at home—this is always a highly anticipated event. Music plays a huge role in my life, so I look forward to the annual summary every year.
It’s practically a tradition now that my most-listened-to songs and artists are a wild mix. My top 10 includes pop, J-pop, electronic, rock, country, industrial, and even game soundtracks. I’ll admit, I’m once again a bit disappointed by how few new songs make it onto my playlists. But perhaps it’s natural to gravitate toward the music that was popular during one’s youth, so I’m not fighting it too much.
Beyond music, I’ve also been thinking about what new things I should try this year. While I’m a very spontaneous person in many ways, I can be surprisingly strict about sticking to traditions when it comes to Christmas. Still, I’ve made it a point to try something new each year. For instance, last year I baked Austrian Linzer cookies, and I’m so glad I did—they were fun to make and absolutely delicious!
This year, I haven’t decided what to try yet. I’d love to bake something new again, but finding an interesting and reliable recipe can be surprisingly challenging. A small idea has started to take shape, though. While searching for Christmas music, I stumbled upon traditional carols, which led me to the thought of baking a traditional British fruitcake. I’ve never had the chance to try one, and it feels like the perfect festive challenge.
I must admit, my family and I aren’t huge fans of coffee cakes, so a fruitcake probably won’t make it to the Christmas Eve table. However, its longevity is a big plus—it’s known for keeping well, so if I bake it ahead of the holidays, I’ll have plenty of time to enjoy it!
Oddly enough, I found myself thinking about cakes during my run today. It was freezing outside, so for the first time this year, I pulled out my merino scarf. It might look a bit funny, but it’s an excellent face warmer! After several days of running in a row, though, I’m relieved that tomorrow is a rest day. Maybe I’ll use the time after work to check out some options for kitchen curtains—or perhaps pick up ingredients for a fruitcake!
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