To-do lists are often equated with stress and busyness, but this round-up of recommendations is designed to wind you down when your period arrives. Here’s what to watch, read, listen to, buy, and do for some maximized downtime during that time of this month.
The last month of the year is also one of the busiest, it’s true—but taking time to relax and look back on the days of 2021 past is an essential part of moving forward. Fortunately, in addition to the bustle, the holidays bring ample opportunities for all things comfort, from an excuse to shop to seasonal snacks and moody weather primed for a new Adele album. Here, The Pill Club’s picks for December, selected to make your season bright.
Watch
Revisit a Holiday Classic
December is an opportunity to revisit beloved holiday traditions—and movies. In the age of streaming, seasonal classics like Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, The Holiday, and Home Alone (and Home Alone 2!) are all available to rent on Amazon Prime. Bundle up, grab some cider, and gear up for an entirely cheerful marathon.
Read
One of the year’s most inspiring moments came courtesy of #1 New York Times bestselling author and poet Amanda Gorman, whose inaugural poem “The Hill We Climb” stirred emotions and left a lingering feeling of hope. Now, her poetry collection Call Us What We Carry aims to offer the same. Consider giving it to all of your closest gal pals—and, of course, keeping a copy for yourself.
Listen
When Adele releases an album, the world enjoys a collective listen. With her fourth age-eponymous studio album, 30, the singer-songwriter puts her characteristically heart-wrenching spin on fame, romantic separation, and motherhood. Should you need a break from Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas,” we recommend indulging in this diva, as well.
Buy
What better way to countdown to Christmas than with a daily beauty token? Indulge yourself above the neck with a sample-a-day via ASOS’s take on the advent calendar, which contains 24 products including a sculpting gua sha tool, soothing sheet mask, champagne gold eyeliner, and much, much more. Call it the gift that keeps on giving.
Do
Originally shared on Tumblr in 2015, Taylor Swift’s Chai Tea Eggnog Cookie recipe made mouths water, and was eventually picked up by pretty much every major news outlet. Now, the recipe is experiencing a bit of a renaissance on TikTok, as Swifties bake along to a soundtrack of Red (Taylor’s Version). Follow their lead: crank up the 10-minute version of “All Too Well” and get baking!