Miracles in December: EXO’s Winter Gift

Only a few months after Growl took over everything, EXO suddenly came back with a winter mini-album. It feels like a small gift for fans who stayed with them through this whole crazy year. Miracle in December is completely different from their usual powerful dance songs. Instead of choreography and heavy beats, it leans into slow, emotional ballads. This isn’t the EXO I thought I was getting this winter.

The title track isn’t some corny holiday song. “Miracles in December” is a piano-and-strings ballad with real regret in it. It hits even harder when you’re already missing someone. What really stays with you is the vocals. The song ends up belonging to Baekhyun, Chen, and D.O., with Luhan shining in the Chinese version. Chen’s high notes hit first. Baekhyun sounds quieter than usual here. D.O. is what keeps the song from breaking. Luhan, in the Chinese version, makes it feel even lonelier.

The music video is basically just snow and members looking sad in winter coats. It never really warms up. Seeing them prep gifts for someone who’s clearly not coming is kind of depressing. I like that they brought back the MAMA powers, too. Tao trying to turn back time only to realize he can't fix anything. The ending feels heavy. Not in a dramatic way, just.. quiet. Especially if you’ve been following them since debut.

The album as a whole sticks to the same winter mood. It’s over sooner than I wanted it to be. “The First Snow” is easily my favorite. Just simple, nostalgic track that I can already tell I’ll be replaying every December. "Christmas Day" is smoother and has that R&B vibe, and I’m glad we get to hear the other members' voices for once. But then "My Turn to Cry" starts and it just ruins you again. It’s Baekhyun, Chen, and D.O. sounding like they’re completely drained. "The Star" is kind of the odd one out here. It’s a bit too sleek for the mood, but it’s the one that stays in your head after the album ends.

The focus during this era was clearly on the main vocal line. At first, it felt strange seeing only a few members promoting the title track, but focusing on Baekhyun, Chen, D.O., and Luhan made sense for songs this vocal-driven. The debate over the Korean and Chinese versions is very real. Many listeners feel the Chinese lyrics flow more naturally, and Luhan’s voice carries a softness that fits the album beautifully.

Miracles in December isn’t just a seasonal album. It’s tied to a very specific December in my life. Cold nights, overthinking, and that soft sadness that comes with the end of the year. It showed a side of EXO we didn’t usually get to see. Sometimes, just voices and quiet songs were enough. This album ended up becoming my December soundtrack in 2013. Every time the year starts to slow down, I think I’ll come back to it.

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My 2013 Beauty Favorites

Can’t believe 2013 is ending already. To be honest, I didn’t experiment with a lot of new stuff this year, but I did find some holy grails that I kept repurchasing over and over. Nothing fancy or expensive, just stuff that actually works for my skin and makes my morning routine a bit more fun.

1. Etude House Shini Star Clear BB Lotion

I’ve been using this since 2012 and I’m already on my fourth bottle! I initially bought it because of SHINee (obviously, haha), but it turns out to be so good. The coverage is light and dewy, and it has this subtle sweet scent that I love. It has SPF 20 too, which is perfect for campus. It looks so natural, like I’m not wearing any makeup at all.

2. Etude House Fresh Cherry Lip Tint

The best lip tint I’ve tried so far. My natural lips are pretty pale, so this has been a lifesaver to add some "life" to my face. The texture is a gel and it's so easy to blend. It gives that natural pink flush that doesn't look too much. I always have this in my bag for quick touch-ups after lunch!

3. Etude House Wonder Pore Freshener

My daily toner and a total savior for my pores. It feels so refreshing and really cleans off the gunk after washing my face. It keeps my skin balanced and less oily throughout the day. Plus, the huge pump bottle is so convenient and lasts forever!

4. Innisfree Wine Peeling Jelly Softener

Obsessed! It’s an exfoliating toner but the texture is like a soft jelly. It’s so satisfying to see it lift away dead skin cells on a cotton pad. My face feels so smooth and bouncy afterward. And the smell! It’s like sweet wine, so relaxing to use at night before bed.

5. Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

I reach for this whenever my skin feels "clogged" or extra oily. Unlike other clay masks, this one is creamy and doesn't make my skin feel tight or dry. It’s been a total game-changer for my T-zone and blackheads this year.

6. The Face Shop Herb Day 365 Cleansing Foam (Acerola)

My morning go-to. It lathers up so well and leaves my face feeling squeaky clean but not dry. The tube is huge and super affordable, it feels like it never runs out! Just a simple, honest cleanser that does its job.

7. Secret Key Snail Gel Repairing Cream

My first ever snail product! I know it sounds weird, but I'm a convert. The texture is a clear, lightweight gel that absorbs instantly. It’s so cooling and helps a lot with redness or those annoying small breakouts. I use it as a day moisturizer because it doesn't make me greasy at all. Best budget find of the year, definitely.

So, those are my 2013 favorites! Most are affordable and easy to find. I'm sure I'll try new things in 2014, but these will always have a special place on my vanity. Thanks for reading and hope you guys had an amazing year!

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