The December Dilemma: Team Jingle Bells or Bah Humbug

December comes with glitter and chaos, joy and dread. For some people, the holiday season lights them up like a Christmas tree—cheerful, giving, overflowing with “Ho Ho Ho.” That’s Santa energy. For others, December feels like one long chore list wrapped in fake cheer. That’s Scrooge energy with "No No No". But let's agree most of us swing back and forth between the two.

SANTA MODE:

Santa energy feels magical. It’s the moment you surprise someone you love. The joy of giving (and not just gifts), the laughter that fills the kitchen when baking cookies, the little traditions that make your heart warm. It’s the smile to a stranger and the way you show up for the people you know and love. It’s choosing to soak in the magic—even when life isn’t perfect—because you know moments matter more than material things.

SCROOGE MODE:

Scrooge energy isn’t always bad. Sometimes it’s just exhaustion. The bills, the pressure, the nonstop holiday spirit shoved down your throat. Maybe you’re grieving. Maybe you’re just over it. And that’s okay. Sometimes being a little Scrooge is self-preservation. Scrooge energy sneaks in when you’re stretched too thin. The exhaustion from work parties you don’t even want to attend. The debt looming from 'perfect' gifts. The quiet ache of missing someone who isn’t here this holiday season.

But here’s where the duality comes in. We’re generous one moment—buying gifts, baking cookies, mailing cards—and then grumbling the next—about the traffic, the crowds, the Christmas music (we hear you Maria Carey), and the endless pressure to be 'merry and bright'. December doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You don’t need to buy everyone happiness with gifts like Santa, and you don’t need to slam the door on joy like Scrooge. Maybe this year, it’s about finding your middle ground—giving where you can, protecting your peace where you must.

Living in the in-between means you honor both sides. You can be festive and fed up. You can hang lights but still roll your eyes at your neighbors' VERY elaborate lights and decorations.

So, whatever you are, OWN IT. There’s no right way to 'do' the holidays.

"You'll shoot your eye out, kid!" —Santa, "A Christmas Story" 

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel." —Ebenezer Scrooge

Love, Kate

Now, onto cupcakes.

Cupcakes with Coffee Style:
Cupcakes are tiny acts of joy—soft, sweet reminders that life doesn’t have to be big or perfect to be worth celebrating. They’re the reward after a hard day (mid-day, if necessary), the comfort during a messy one, and pure bliss in edible form. Paired with a good cup of coffee, they’re not just dessert—they’re a moment of pause, a little cheer, and sometimes, the reason you keep going.

For this cupcake, I am sure you are not shocked that I chose Starbuck's Peppermint Mocha - the ultimate holiday beverage. This copycat recipe from The Slow Roasted Italian is really good.

And, here is an interesting article: Starbucks Peppermint Mocha - A Love Story.

A little tidbit:

Peppermint is a hybrid of water mint and spearmint, has a long history of medicinal and culinary use since ancient times, and is a powerful natural remedy with benefits for digestion, nausea, and concentration. The U.S. produces the majority of the world's supply (approximately70%). (Source: hackberrytea.com)

LEGEND:

According to Greek mythology, mint got its name because Hades was having an affair with a nymph named Minthe. When his wife found out about his infidelity, she became enraged and determined to humiliate her. She cursed her and turned her into a common plant that would grow like a weed and would always be stepped on. Hades found the curse to be too harsh, so he changed the curse to soften it. He left her a weed but gave her a sweet scent with cooling and calming effects. These would serve as a reminder to others of her presence while they stepped all over her. (Source: hackberrytea.com)

ENJOY!

Here’s the secret: balance is better than extremes. Santa burns out if he’s always giving. Scrooge misses out if he’s always shutting the door. But the in-between? That’s sustainable. That’s human.

So this December, don’t feel guilty for not being a full-blown Santa—or for slipping into Scrooge mode now and then. Find your middle ground, your mix of sparkle and solitude. That’s where the season becomes real, and maybe even joyful. 

Hot tip: Santa with boundaries is unstoppable. Scrooge with coffee is tolerable. You, in-between, are exactly where you need to be.