Musing Mondays

Over at Should Be Reading blog they give suggested topics to write about.  The last suggestion for today was "maybe you just want to ramble about something else pertaining to books."  That is the one I picked. 

December 2011 I wrote about Holiday Themed mysteries (click here.)   November 2011 I wrote about giving books as gifts, something I love to do (click here.)  

This year I am wondering if reading helps you manage the stress of the hectic holiday season, or does it add to the it.  Reading is what helps me unwind and de-stress, which is why I read before bedtime usually.  If I go a day or two without getting much bedtime reading in, everything feels discombobulated.  When I have less time to read I feel a pressure to somehow get that reading time in so I can meet the deadline of posting a review.  Then I am not unwinding with the reading, but rather completing yet another task on my list.  

Does that happen to you?  Does this time of year impact your reading at all?  Or, does reading remain your mini-retreat and oasis through the season?

Reindeer Hot-Cocoa Cones

Ingredients: 
*Hot cocoa (powdered)
*Mini marshmallows
*Piping bags (can be purchased at your local craft store)
*Red Pom Poms (can be purchased at your local craft store)
*Brown Pipe Cleaners (can be purchased at your local craft store)
*Googoo eyes (can be purchased at your local craft store)

Directions
1. Fill your Piping bags with the hot cocoa mix (2 cups worth per bag)
2. Top with mini marshmallows.
3. Tie them off it a knot.
4. Wrap your pipe cleaner around the knot to make them look like antlers. 5. Using double-sided tape, tape the goo-goo eyes, and red pom poms to your bags