What little things have you been enjoying/eating/watching/reading lately? As the days get darker (I’m looking at you, 4:15 p.m.), I’ve been on the lookout for extra glimmers. First up is this Thanksgiving crew, which included both my parents, my two kids, and a smattering of friends. Since I’m usually behind the camera, I tried to take a group shot, Oscars style. It sort of worked?

My dad and Toby are looking more and more alike as the years go by. They’re each the firstborn child in their respective generation!

After we ate the big feast, I was tidying up, and my mom was doing the more urgent dishes, when our friend Aaron walked over. “Could I have a turn?” he asked. “I like doing dishes.” It was such a gracious offer, and seeing our friends helping with their sleeves rolled up made it feel like a big family.

The following weekend, we picked out a tall, narrow Christmas tree that looks like it’s standing with perfect posture.

And if you’re looking for a great read, the novel Long Island has me gripped.

Plus, three more small things: My boyfriend’s dog, who is forever flipping over for belly rubs…

A cheese-forward snack plate…

And this beautiful paragraph from Gilead. I’ve long thought that boys get a bad rap in media and society — they’re loud, they’re stinky, they skulk around. But in real life, I’ve found them to be funny, eager, kind, chatty, contemplative, all the things. So, the phrase “decent rascally young fellows” made my heart swell. Yes, John Ames, you get it!

What about you? What little things have you enjoyed lately? I’d love to hear…

P.S. Framing kids’ artwork, and what’s your pro tip?