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A look back at stories, walks, creativity & winter warmth
December arrived with cold mornings, glowing lights, and that unmistakable end-of-year energy. Throughout the month on alisonlittle.blog, the focus was on warmth ā in humour, reflection, creativity, and community spirit. Hereās a look back at everything December brought.
šāāļø Winter Running Essentials
December opened with a practical guide to winter running, sharing the 10 essential items every runner needed in their kit bag. From waterproof gloves and high-visibility gear to eco-friendly deodorant and the right pair of running shoes, the piece focused on staying safe, warm, and motivated through cold-weather miles.
š A Gentler, More Meaningful Christmas
For those who usually found themselves knee-deep in wrapping paper and festive chaos, December offered a calmer alternative. Readers explored easy ways to make Christmas more meaningful through homemade touches, thoughtful gifting, peaceful gatherings, and cosy winter outings that worked for the whole family.
š Santa Finally Snapped
December also brought a darkly comic twist on Christmas with a brutally honest monologue from Santa himself. After global gift drops, runaway reindeer, tech-hungry children, astronomical vet bills, and a whisky nearly stolen in New York, the man in red reached breaking point. Reindeer versus. diesel, elves vs. sanity, magic vs. reality ā Santa had well and truly had enough.
š Community & Celebration: Labour Christmas Party
Community spirit was on full display at the annual Labour Christmas Party, hosted by Councillors Billy Marrat and Lena Simic at the Sandonās Acorn Suite. The night featured glittering outfits, festive bingo, lively entertainment from Steve Jones, raffle prizes, dancing, Scouse humour ā and even a cheeky Anfield stray cat who made an unexpected appearance.
š§© The Quiet Joy of Jigsaw Puzzles
December slowed things down with a reflective guide to jigsaw puzzles as a mindful, low-carbon hobby. Readers learned how to choose the right puzzle, organise pieces, avoid common pitfalls (including the dreaded missing piece), and create a calm, screen-free puzzling setup.
š¦” Flash Fiction: Mrs Badger
A winter flash fiction piece introduced Mrs Badger, a fiercely stubborn and irritable character battling cold weather, smart meters, and the frustrations of modern life. Set in a smoky rural cottage, the story blended humour, grit, and a sharp sense of isolation.
š² Festive Craft: Logginā
Creativity took centre stage with logginā, a calm and sustainable festive craft. Using a simple branch, paint, and a hint of gold leaf, readers were shown how to create a stylish Christmas log centrepiece ā a hands-on pause before festive excess took over.
š· Recovery at Christmas
December also acknowledged that the festive season could be especially challenging for those in alcohol recovery. Through real-life stories, faith-based reflections, and practical coping strategies, the article offered support, honesty, and reassurance during a difficult time of year.
šæ Flash Fiction from Crosby Beach
One of Antony Gormleyās Iron Men finally found a voice in a piece of flash fiction set on Crosby Beach. The story blended humour and reflection while questioning public art, tourism, and cultural legacy.
š¦ Tea-ology & the Robin
Another flash fiction piece followed a robin balancing a tea bag on its head like a graduation cap. What appeared whimsical unfolded into a meditation on education, employability, empire, terrorism, and the fragile systems underpinning global tourism.
Tony Gebely.
š¶āāļø Winter Walk: Chirk to Pontcysyllte
December also ventured outdoors with a scenic, dog-friendly canal walk starting from Chirk railway station. The route took in Chirk Aqueduct, a dark canal tunnel, and the breathtaking Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, blending industrial heritage with Welsh valley views and practical walking tips.
š® Looking Ahead to January
As December closed, attention turned to what January would bring to alisonlittle.blog ā including beginner running advice for New Year starters, a creative exploration of a Yellow Submarineāthemed play park for Liverpool, and a return to familiar themes of art, recovery, hiking, environmentalism, and reading.
Thank you for reading, walking, reflecting, and creating throughout December.
The month may have ended, but its warmth, stories, and quiet moments lingered into the New Year. āØ
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