WEDNESDAY, DEC. 25

Whether your family is made up of a few furry friends warming themselves on your lap or the 15 people making their way to your home to celebrate Christmas (and even if you don’t celebrate the holiday) today is a day worth cherishing. It’s likely you don’t have to clock in, so perhaps take this time to clock in with yourself, or “check-in,” as they say, take stock. Feel your feelings, make a list of things you’re grateful for and check it twice to feel nice.

I’ll take the hour or so I have to write this “Today, you should” to make my own list, something I’d like to do more often starting now and with 2020 just around the corner. I’ll keep it short to just three things, so you have some time to make your own.

1. The big one is my mom’s hair. It’s grown back in thick, floppy brown curls after a hard-fought battle with cancer. I have an image of her in the back of my mind wearing this funny, lopsided, around-the-house hat she always throws on to keep it contained. Even though she looks better without it, it’s simply her, living another day in functional Julee Morris fashion.

2. My colleagues at the Long Beach Post… I was scrolling through images on my phone and found myself in the year 2015 staring at a photo of reporter Stephanie Rivera, snoozing in that pose reserved for long flights and exams you don’t feel like taking, her head resting on her crossed arms next to her desktop. It had been a long night—Stephanie and I agreed it must have been when we were covering an election—and honestly, not too much has changed. I’m beyond grateful to be a part of a team that’s so hardworking and willing to go the extra mile, all with a healthy sense of humor.

3. My dad’s unwavering love for See’s Candies Key Lime Truffles makes Christmas shopping… well, easy. I get him a half-pound for just about every occasion, among other gifts, and his joy at receiving the rich lime-flavored, white chocolate morsels of deliciousness is palpably genuine every single time.

Another great thing(s): Oh, you were looking for something to do were you?

The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach is throwing a Christmas Day brunch for LGBTQ family and friends at 12 p.m.; 2017 E. 4th St. Click here for all the details.

Don’t miss this local tradition of dancing with Good Foot’s own DJ Dennis Owens, and guest DJs Lili Bird, Scott Weaver, Angelina & Las Chicas Tristes. Doors open at 8 p.m. at Alex’s Bar; 2913 E. Anaheim St. Click here for more info.

Lastly, Trademark Brewing will be playing movies from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Stop in for a beer and some Christmas classics, including “Die Hard?” Click here for more info.

Giving us a moment’s pause: Hoping we don’t get roped into a “Is ‘Die Hard’ really a Christmas movie” discussion/debate. Life’s too short.