I'm currently alternating between the normal holiday stress, the anxiety that comes with watching the world going to hell, and being grateful for having it so good.

A while ago I have picked up the habit of regularly reminding myself how privileged I am in many aspects, and this has made me an immensely more grateful (and also more humble) person. I've also found new ways to be more mindful both towards myself and others in the process.

At the same time the whole world seems to go crazy around us. This week another European country close to us has recommended that people stock up on cash in case of 'infrastructure failure' due to hybrid warfare or other acts of sabotage.

We're Swiss so by law our basement has a small shelter made of 35cm (a foot and a bit) of reinforced concrete. Ours is filled with food and water, medical supplies, uninterruptible power (it's also used as a server room) and camping supplies. Funny enough that's less of a prepper thing and more of a "there's enough space down here and stuff doesn't get in the way" situation, but I find myself spending more time down there lately because it's oddly comforting.

My rescue dog has been dreaming a lot lately, and I suspect many of these dreams are nightmares; she used to have these regularly when she moved in with us three years ago. I wonder if she's picking up unusual vibes from me or it's something entirely in her own head.

On a more positive note: the holidays ahead promise to be mostly peaceful, and so far most people in my extended family seem to remember our mutual no-presents pact. What more could one ask for?