A midweek pause for books, vibes, real life chaos & little comforts
This week’s Chapter Check-In is popping up a little earlier than normal because Wednesday is all about the Yearly Wrap-Up — and that one deserves its own moment. 🎉
Between Christmas, birthdays, food comas, and festive chaos, this week has been a lot… but the good kind. So let’s check in, rewind a little, and see where my head (and my TBR) is at as we tiptoe toward the end of 2025.
📚 Current Book:
The Cloisters by Katy Hays
Format: Audiobook & Physical
Progress: ▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░ 68%
Genre & Vibe: Dark academia 🕯️ | Art history 🎨 | Tarot & mystery 🔮 | Quietly unsettling energy
Thoughts So Far: Honestly? I thought I’d get loads of reading time over Christmas… and absolutely did not. 😂
Between family time, food, outings, and just existing in festive mode, I’ve made zero progress so far. I’m still really intrigued by this one though, and I’m hoping to sneak in some chapters this week — even though there’s probably no chance I’ll finish before the New Year. And that’s okay. No pressure reading only around here.
🌙 Midweek Mood
Tired… but content.
It’s been a whirlwind of Christmas, my birthday, family plans, and festive overstimulation — but the good kind that leaves you exhausted and full-hearted.
✅ This Week’s Goals
✔️ Relax
✔️ Reset
✔️ Enjoy my annual New Year’s Eve picky bits tea
No productivity goals. No pressure. Just snacks, comfy clothes, and ringing in the New Year my way. 🧀🍓🥖
🎄 What’s Happening in Real Life
Christmas 2025 was honestly a total hit.
🎁 Christmas Day
The boys loved their 29 gift rule haul — every single gift landed perfectly, which felt like a parenting win of the highest order.
🍽️ Boxing Day
We went out for a meal with my O.H.’s side of the family to an all-you-can-eat buffet, and I was genuinely impressed. Amazing food, great atmosphere, and absolutely one we’ll be going back to.
🎄 Round Two Christmas
Then it was off to my mum’s for present round two. The kids were obsessed (again), Secret Santa gifts went down brilliantly, and the adults (mostly the adults) got very competitive with bingo and Taboo.
🎂 Birthday Time
Me and the boys stayed over, and I woke up the next morning to my birthday — complete with a family brunch, lovely gifts, and money to spend. (Yes, I immediately thought books.)
🚆 Today’s Adventure
Today turned into an impromptu shopping day with my mum and the kids — including a rare train trip to our nearest city. The boys spent their Christmas money, and true to my word… I came home with books.
📚 Book haul post incoming!
📺 What’s Stuck In My Head
I’m genuinely sad that this year there were no classic old musicals on over Christmas.
No Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
No Calamity Jane.
No The King and I.
So… I took matters into my own hands and bought them on Apple TV so I can watch them over and over again, exactly as intended. Problem solved. 🎶💃
🍫 This Week’s Snack & Sip
Snack:
Honestly? After the last few days… I can’t even think about food. 😂
Drink:
Pepsi Max is doing a lot of heavy lifting right now — especially when served in my cute Minnie Mouse mason jar 🥤✨
✨ Wrap It Up
That’s it for this week’s check-in — short, sweet, and very real.
As we head into the final days of 2025, I just want to say Happy New Year to every single one of you who’s read, commented, lurked, or quietly followed along this year. It truly means more than you know. ✨
💬 Join Me
Are you resting, resetting, or snacking your way into the New Year?
Come chat with me — and I’ll see you very soon for the Monthly & Yearly Wrap-Ups 💫📚
The Reading Nook 