Starting the week by writing the Happy List is something I’ve been doing for the last few years. It’s my chance to sit down and reflect on the little or big things that made me smile in the previous week, as well as to record some of our family adventures.
Five Happy Things {Week 1/2026}
I love the week after Christmas. I had the whole week off, as did the teens, so we planned a few trips. Our first event was for me Lil’ Sis to go and watch Elf the Musical at the Aldwych Theatre. We didn’t manage to watch the film version this year but the musical was great. Beforehand we went and spotted the new Banksy at Tottenham Court Road (before it gets covered up) and did some shopping and had lunch.
We took both the teens to Simply Race in Milton Keynes. Big Brother loves to race and this place was recommended to him by a friend. They had a couple of races and then we went for a yummy lunch at Wagamama, one of our favourite places.
The weather has been cold and icy but that didn’t stop us having a few more days out. Strawberry Hill House and Garden in Twickenham had been on my list for a while and we visited it whilst it was decorated for a Georgian Christmas. We also went to Dennis Severs House in Spitalfields (which was a Christmas present from my husband).
I set my 2026 Goodreads Reading Challenge with a goal of 24 books to read, so hopefully that makes two a month. I love to read so I’m hoping this target will encourage me to keep reading but not put too much pressure on me.
We usually do something to our house over the Christmas holidays. We have been busy moving furniture around and found a 1960s drink cabinet at the recycling centre which we will be using soon.
I hope this inspired you to look for your own five things this week. See you back here next Sunday!
Congrats on hitting your reading mark! 24 books is an impressive feat. I wish I’d read that many.
I didn’t realise there was a new Banksy! I always wonder how they know it’s him and not someone pretending!
Corinne x
I hope you reach your target of reading 24 books by the end of this year! I desperately need to get back into reading again! It’s good to read what your happy things have been in the first week of 2026!
Lucy
I heard about the new Banksy work, it is amazing, just like all of his other works. Do you know why it got covered?
It sounds like you really made the most of your time off! I find it so hard to find activities for teens – these are some good suggestions.
Oh wow, I would love to go see Elf the musical. It sounds like you had a really great time.
This is a really fun post. I am glad to hear that you have been having lots of positives in life. I am excited to hear about what 2 books you read each month, that’s quite the goal. Good luck!
finding small joys every week helps me stay positive and I love how these moments brighten my day.
It all sound so lovely to have time off together. I have also been looking at Strawberry Hill House for a while. The architecture inside looks amazing.
Elf is our favourite, I would love to watch the elf the musical ! Will definitely look out for this next Xmas
Ooo how fabulous Elf the Musical I bet that was wonderful to watch x
I love the week after Christmas too and it sounds like you had a great one with your sister and kids 😉 I love this post idea BTW….. gives me some inspiration for myself 🙂