My morning started like almost every autumn day here in Portland: soft rain tapping on the studio window, a fresh pour-over in my favourite mug, and Biscuit low-key refusing to come out from under his warm blanket.

While I was waking up with my sketchbook, I suddenly saw posts about the Sinterklaasjournaal popping up all over WuP. As an American I find this phenomenon SO fascinating and endearing. A whole country collectively following a daily, slightly chaotic mini-drama about a boat, presents and horse footsteps? Honestly, it is such a tiny joy getting all that cosiness and pure nostalgia from the other side of the world.

It reminded me of how I used to sit glued to the tv as a kid every november, breathless for those old stop-motion holiday specials. Hot chocolate on the side and a belly full of good anticipation. As you get older you lose some of that uncomplicated, expectant magic between freelance deadlines and grocery lists. Even if I am probably missing half the cultural inside jokes, the atmosphere around it feels like a giant woollen jumper.

Do any of you secretly still watch, purely for the comfort and nostalgia? Or what is a tradition that instantly brings back that ultimate cosy childhood feeling for you?