Hello friends, and welcome back to Nevertheless, Shlee Persisted. This week we’re leaning fully into the Christmas spirit — snow days, the Charlie Brown Christmas album on repeat, nesting while Snoopy bakes in the background, and a whole lot of gratitude.

I’m sharing my current reads, a few holiday favorites, and what’s been filling my cup lately, before diving into a reflection on 2025 — a year that somehow felt like both a blur and one of the most emotionally full seasons of my life. We’re talking vision boards (what worked, what didn’t, and why specificity matters), BINGO 2025 and why this past year truly became the year of decision. 

2025 was really hard… and also really beautiful. From job pivots and learning new boundaries to planning a wedding long distance while life stayed consistently inconsistent, this episode is a reminder that opposite feelings can exist at the same time — and that joy can still live alongside the mess.

Grab something cozy, light a candle, and let’s look back, give thanks, and gently start dreaming ahead. xoxo