The December Gather

The Joyful Hospitality Newsletter

from Amber Dawn at The Host Notes

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The Monthly Gather brings intentional, joyful living tips straight to your inbox: a new seasonal recipe, hospitality insights, upcoming events, and current notable media obsessions.

Happy (thank goodness they're almost over) Holidays, friends.

I've been living in January since October. I'm ready for a new start and while I love the holidays for the most part, this year has felt a little too hustle and bustle and is lacking the ease I crave - my grief feels as heavy as my joy is light. Is this relatable?

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However you're feeling this season, I hope you find something meaningful, useful, or at the very least humorous here. Also, one thing I try to remember - salt cures most things: a good sweat, a hard cry, or the sea.

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Let's Get Into It...

I've always loved the turn of the year - the deep reflection and celebration followed quickly by a fresh start. In my twenties and thirties, I was known for hosting an annual New Year's Eve Party with all the trimmings. There were only three criteria for success: Killer appetizers, bubbly, and a view. Also cocktail attire, because why not? We made some incredible memories toasting on rooftops and singing along to indie renditions of Auld Lang Syne. Somehow people still talk about these parties (shucks, you guys!) and while I may return to this tradition at some point, life - and hosting - looks a bit different right now.

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Last year, my little family started a new tradition. After a hellish six months of bloodwork, new medications, and a whole lot of fear (I need to catch you up) - wading into a bone-chilling body of water felt like nothing. In fact, a reset felt very much in order. There’s nothing like a shift in our health to wake us up to the fragility of life and to reignite our gumption. A season of uncertainty can also be an invitation - to realign, channel courage, and start something new.

On the first day of 2025, we parked at Davie’s Beach, wrapped in our beach towels, and hobbled over to the edge of the lake. We yipped and hollered as our toes, then knees, torsos, and eventually noggins, met the icy water - very summer camp "polar bear" circa 2002. We paused just long enough to snap a few photos, then bundled up, and hit the heat seats for the short drive home.

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Hot showers, cocoa, coffee, brunch followed… and a sense that we had accomplished something big. A quick plunge set the tone for the year ahead and created a core memory - and a reminder - to do uncomfortable things.

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Starting something new is for every season and traditions have to start somewhere. As life speeds by, I feel pulled to stop doing things that take more than they give and to start new things that invigorate me. Is it a stretch to see this as showing ourselves care and hospitality? I don’t think it is.

We will always remember and laugh about the handful of January firsts we’ve had as a family, walking dripping wet to the car, feeling fully alive. Bring on the newness of January and all the challenging adventures that await.

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Joyful Living: NYE Tunes, Sparkling Cranberries, and a Hospitality Shout Out

Currently Listening: I've always loved Auld Lang Syne. It's nostalgic, heavy, yet hopeful. Here's my favorite version - the one we'll be playing to toast the new year. Also, I made you 'A Very Chill NYE' playlist in case you need it. I hope it brings you joy.

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Auld Lang Syne The Hotel Café Medley PREVIEW   ​

Latest THN Recipe: If you haven't made my Sparkling Cranberries, they're the perfect addition to your cocktail or mocktail of choice. Especially delightful as a garnish for a simple glass of something fizzy.

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Hospitality Highlight: I popped into my favorite Seattle bakery last week for a croissant and a flat white (outrageously good everything here). After spilling my coffee within a block or two of the cafe, I returned to buy a replacement. The sweet gal behind the counter wouldn't let me pay for it - she said, "Let's turn your day around." And she did. Just like that.

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Happy Almost New Year - and Until Next Time...

Keep the recipe reviews coming! I read and respond to each and every one and all reviews submitted - and they really help get the recipe into more kitchens. Every review *through the month of December* will be entered into a drawing to win 'The Host Notes Favorite Things' mystery delivery. Can't wait to see what you create!

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I hope you’re making space to do more of what you love!

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cheers & gratitude,

amber dawn

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*Tag @thehostnotes in your latest creations so I can see what you’re cookin’ and hosting!

Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links included in this newsletter may be affiliate or partner links and I may earn a small commission if you purchase through those links. Anything featured in this newsletter is intentional, because I believe in them. Please let me know if you have any questions!