Welcome back to another week of Joy and Tell-where I show and tell 5-ish things from the week gone that have really brought a smile to my face and hope they do the same for you.

This week we had a nice December snowstorm hit, I’m getting into the festive season mood, and feeling a bit “wicked”.

Here’s Joy and Tell for the week!

#1: Snowed In

Woke up to a little bit of snow earlier in the week which was just wonderful to get me into the December spirit!

Then… on Thursday woke up to a LOT of snow. Snow days were galore. The driveway needed plowing, and it was a true snowed in feeling.

What a fun experience the first holiday snow is-I wrote about in my 10 joyful things for December post because there is just something about that first snow in December that really makes people smile and feel the season’s good cheer!

#2: The Bells Ring Again

I’ve been following along Notre Dame’s rebuilding process after their devastating fire in 2019. From the spire outside to the interiors, it’s been amazing to see the French people (and the world!) unite to rebuild one of the globe’s most famous churches.

As such, it was such a joy to see Notre Dame prepare to open its doors once again and honor the 2,000 people who have worked to restore Notre Dame back its original beauty once again.

#3: Dried Oranges Season

One of the best parts of growing up is how you learn more and more about yourself. What you like, what you don’t. What’s your style, what’s not.

These past two years, I have really put words to my Christmas decorating favorite style, and it’s Scandinavian.

I love the simplicity that radiates such beauty.

My favorite decorations are dried oranges, and I’m currently waiting on my oranges to finish drying so I can make an orange wreath out of them. This is my inspiration.

#4: Feeling Wicked

While I am waiting for schedules to align to go see Wicked, I’ve been watching the social media reels-and it’s getting me even more excited to see it!

I remember going to see Wicked downtown when I was in high school-my mom even took me out of school early to go see it (double the excitement!). And I was blown away when the song “Defying Gravity” was sung right before intermission. It’s still ranked as one of my all-time favorite Broadway songs.

I found this reel of over a bunch of strangers singing “Defying Gravity”, and it makes you feel like you are in Oz if you close your eyes!

Other honorable Wicked reel mentions: this NFL player dancing to Wicked, Irish dancing to Wicked, how the ensemble recorded the vocals for Wicked, this sloth making its Wicked debut, and Hamilton meets Wicked.

#5: Rick Steves Takes on Christmas

Traveling? Christmas? Rick Steves? This documentary has it all!

I always enjoy the chance to watch Rick Steves’ European Christmas special. Covering Christmas in England, Norway, France, Germany and Austria, Italy and Switzerland, Rick takes us on a trip of the holidays around Europe.

It’s a great documentary to watch in December with a warm cup of tea and a fire crackling in the fireplace, and start planning where you want to spend Christmas next year.

My choice?: All of them!

Hope you enjoyed Joy and Tell this week! Till next Friday!