Have you ever seen the movie Desk Set? It’s got Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy in it, and Hepburn is a reference librarian! It’s snappy and cute. Anyway, toward the end of the movie the librarians are having a little Christmas party and the only question they’re getting all day is what the names of the reindeer are. As this is my last work day of the year, I thought this scene was fitting. I hope I don’t have to answer anything more difficult than “Dasher, Prancer, Dancer and Vixen, Cupid, Comet, Donner and Blitzen.”

1. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, History. I didn’t really know this origin story till this year! My favorite bit: “Seeking an alliterative name, May scribbled possibilities on a scrap of paper—Rollo, Reginald, Rodney and Romeo were among the choices—before circling his favorite. Rudolph.” Imagine Reginald the Red-Nosed Reindeer!
2. Is it Christmas? Well? Keep checking back!
3. Study with Me YouTube Videos. I’m actually really into this trend! It started in Japan, with these real-time study sessions, sometimes set to music or just the sound effects of turning pages, typing on a computer, and clicking your pen. If I were a college student right now, I would definitely see if this helps me stay focused. I was a big user of ambient noise websites like RainyMood and Coffivity as well. Purrli is one that’s just cat purring, and it’s surprisingly comforting even if you are not a cat owner!
4. Christmas at the White House Through the Years, Town and Country. So many great photos in here. What did it look like the year you were born? For me (1991): “The 1991 Blue Room tree was decorated with 1,200 needlepoint ornaments, three of which First Lady Barbara Bush herself made by hand.”
5. Martha Stewart Christmas (17 minutes) and Martha Stewart Living: Holidays (2 hours). Vintage episodes of Martha Stewart on Youtube have been virtually my constant companion this month. Here are two great ones to watch while you cook, snuggle your pets, and generally get cozy.