A Busy December Reflection: From Paris Travels to New Year 2026
As the clock struck midnight on December 31, 2025, I officially welcomed the year 2026. Looking back at December, it was a month packed with emotional milestones, international travels, and the warmth of reconnecting with loved ones. From the romantic streets of Paris to festive family weddings and casual hangouts in Suwon and Seoul, this past month has been a whirlwind of beautiful memories.
In this diary entry, I reflect on the heavy snowfall that almost clouded a family wedding, the struggle of jet lag after a dream trip to France, and the simple joy of sharing a bowl of spicy Jjapaguri with friends. It’s a record of a year well-spent and a hopeful transition into a new chapter.
Family Milestones and Winter Snowstorms
The month began with a mix of excitement and anxiety. My sibling’s wedding was scheduled right during the season's first heavy snowstorm. We were all worried about the guests' travel, but fortunately, the snow melted quickly enough for a beautiful, fun ceremony. I visited a salon with my mother and "Tori" to get professional makeup done—a rare treat that made us feel extra special for the big day.
Not wanting to let the expensive makeup go to waste, we spent the afternoon taking group and solo photos, preserving the glow of the celebration. It was a day filled with laughter, cute moments, and the heartfelt wish for the newlyweds to live a long and happy life together.
Parisian Dreams and Post-Travel Reality
From December 12 to 22, I found myself in Paris. Walking through the city during the holiday season felt like living in a movie, and I've been diligently documenting every moment in my travel diary on the blog. However, returning to Korea brought a swift reality check in the form of intense jet lag. I found myself eating "three meals a day" at 4 AM, craving Korean soul foods like kimchi soup and rice to settle my bloated stomach.
Seasonal Flavors: Yellowtail and Warm Soups
December is the peak season for yellowtail (Bangeo) sashimi. Despite the skyrocketing wholesale prices and the slightly thinner cuts this year, the first bite of the season was still a delight. I enjoyed it twice—once as a personal treat and again with colleagues. Later in the month, a trip to Suwon led me to 'Daehan Kongguk,' where a warm bowl of soybean soup provided the perfect antidote to the biting winter wind.
Weekend Adventures: Suwon Starfield and Hwaseong
Reuniting with friends in Suwon involved a mix of window shopping at the massive Starfield and exploring the historic Hwaseong Fortress. We hopped on the Hwaseong Train for 3,000 won, which offered a comfortable way to see the sights, though the winter chill was definitely felt! For dinner, we indulged in spicy fried chicken and Sulbing—the cold dessert surprisingly tastes even better during the winter months.
Celebrating the Final Moments of 2025
The last few days of the year were spent in a blur of "early leaves" from work and cozy dinner meetings. From browsing the new Kakao Friends shop in Pangyo to finding the perfect lock screen meme on Pinterest, it was the small things that brought joy. On the very last night, I enjoyed spicy fish cakes and rice cakes at a local spot, raising a glass to the time spent with long-time friends who have been by my side through it all.
Conclusion: Hello, 2026!
Reflecting on the year-end questions shared by a friend, I realized how much I cherish these consistent bonds. While I "earn a lot and spend just as much," the experiences—the travels, the weddings, and the simple late-night meals—are worth every penny. I am deeply grateful to have ended 2025 surrounded by love and to have stepped into 2026 with a full heart.
The transition between years is always a time for both nostalgia and anticipation. What was the highlight of your December? Did you travel somewhere far away like Paris, or did you find the most joy in a quiet bowl of soup at a local favorite? Let’s make 2026 a year of even more meaningful connections!
Would you like me to help you draft your own year-end reflection post or summarize your Paris travel highlights for your blog?No comments yet.
