I saw a meme earlier this week that said, “Don’t ask me to do anything between now and Jan. 2.” It’s a feeling many of us can relate to as we enter the throes of the holiday season. With so much going on in December – parties, shopping, family get-togethers – finding room for anything extra feels nearly impossible.

Between moving, starting a new job and the usual chaos of the holidays, I’ve reached the point of “Oh gosh, I cannot fit another thing on my plate.” It’s easy to get bogged down by all the tasks I have to complete and the errands I need to run. (Anyone else still have a lot of gifts to buy?) 

Much like Mariah Carey’s 1994 Christmas album, holiday anxiety is here to stay–at least until the new year. And while we can’t get rid of it completely, we can find ways to ease those anxious feelings. For me, that means taking time to remind myself why I love this time of year: over-the-top Christmas lights, homemade cookies, games of rummy with my mom, “White Christmas” and “Miracle on 34th Street.” It’s small, but it’s nice. Call it my moment of December zen.

Whether your month has been smooth sailing or full of rocky waves, I hope you take a minute to find your moment of December zen, too.

☕A good cup of joe

Kaylee Thomas, a third-year medical student at NEOMED, studies in The Compass coffee shop
Compass coffee shop is one of the programs at The Well CDC in Akron’s Middlebury neighborhood. Credit: Susan Zake

Thanks to all of you who sent coffee shop recommendations in response to last week’s newsletter. I’m adding Nervous Dog, Artisan Coffee, Compass and Porchlight Coffee to my list.

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An uplifting read

Around town with Signal Akron: What’s your favorite local spot?

I’m a fan of Akron Family Restaurant because it opens early, it’s close to downtown and on my way to work, there’s never been a problem getting a table, the food is good, and they’re always very quick with the coffee refills.”

Doug Brown, Signal Akron government reporter

Have other suggestions for the Culture & Arts team? Submit them here.  

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Culture & Arts Reporter (she/her)
Brittany is an accomplished journalist who’s passionate about the arts, civic engagement and great storytelling. She has more than a decade of experience covering culture and arts, both in Ohio and nationally. She previously served as the associate editor of Columbus Monthly, where she wrote community-focused stories about Central Ohio’s movers and shakers. A lifelong Ohioan, she grew up in Springfield and graduated from Kent State University.