December always sneaks up on me even though every year I convince myself I’m going to be organized (I’m not). So I’ve been collecting these simple outings and local spots that feel like unwrapped gifts. If you’re looking for a way to escape or lean in, here are some recommendations.

A sip of history

You could start with a prohibition-era whiskey flight up in Everett. It’s exactly the right amount of mischief for this time of year. Owned by a first-generation Chinese-American entrepreneur, The Muse Whiskey & Coffee sits inside a restored 1920s Weyerhaeuser building and pours actual pre-Prohibition bottles—spirits distilled before 1920 and aged through the ban. Be sure to order the dark walnut, a rich, roasty espresso martini made with Irish whiskey, nocino, pistachio liqueur, and agave syrup. The Muse is a coffee shop by day and a speakeasy-style bar by night, which is pretty hard to beat.

A small good deed

Take a minute and nominate a local hero. The State Hotel’s Holiday Hero campaign spotlights someone whose everyday kindness made a difference this year. One person will be selected on January 5 and thanked with a night at the hotel and dinner for two at Ben Paris. Nominate someone here.

For the book people

Third Place Books released its top ten list, which you can hold up against your own stack to see what you missed, or grab something to disappear into during the short spurts you’ll inevitably spend hiding in your room for a little quiet. If you’ve got out-of-towners staying with you, this counts as self-care.

Lovely things

Marigold & Mint Botanicals recently opened a new flower shop in Pioneer Square, filled with locally grown blooms and those loose, pretty bouquets Katherine Anderson and Isvald Klingels have been making since their early days working together. They also released The London Plane Flower & Cook Book, which feels like the easiest gift on earth if you need one. And if you’re still hunting for presents, this acorn vase from Woodland Mod or the baguette bag from Celine Waldmann both hit that charming-and-unexpected note.

Behind the pages

The new documentary about The New Yorker on Netflix is a delight. It follows the making of the magazine’s 100th anniversary issue and shows how it comes together—fact-checking the word “is,” overthinking everything, and tricks for getting the editor to do what you want. We watched it at Seattle magazine and loved it. It’s satisfying for newsroom nerds, but open to anyone who likes watching people care this much about their work.

On stage this month

There are plenty of shows worth seeing right now, but I recently caught Come From Away at Seattle Rep, where the whole room gets pulled into that strange, generous week in Gander. If you’re craving something big-hearted, this is it.

Experience this instead

If you’d rather give experiences to someone on your list, take them to the listening bar in Ballard or hand them Les Mis tickets for April. Or, pick up a gift card to a favorite coffee, ice cream, boba, or pizza spot.

And if you need some January optimism, Washington State Parks released its lineup of First Day Hikes. Pick one and call it a new-year reset.

If you’ve found something good, please tell me—I’m still building my list.