Oh man -- this is something I didn't even know I desperately needed to read 😭😭 thank you for writing it!! It's so easy (maybe especially as a type A person) to feel like not yet having a village means I've failed / am not working hard enough.

We had one that I loved, I think it was a 2016 or 2017? (When we had 2d kid, husband preferred a minivan so there we are.) Felt very good about its safety features: AWD worked well, the eyesight / adaptive cruise control was great. Solid, no major issues for the 6+ years we had it.

On the left: roast chicken & turkey salad made with diced apple, pear, and dried cherry. Lightly dressed with mayo & apple cider vinegar.

Two guys on the right: layers of mashed potato, stuffing, shredded turkey lightly tossed in gravy, topped with one crispy skin piece.

pine tree scented candles. mulled wine (+ other drinks with cinnamon, nutmeg, etc.).