In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.—William Blake
Dearest, I hope my latest Love Note just landed in your inbox and that you were transported on a virtual tea date. Nurturing our senses, getting real, and connecting is Survival 101 this time of the year.
I’m knee deep in editing the new project I announced last week and am so excited about it that I’m having trouble sleeping. Ever get that feeling of being so alive and engaged in something that it colors your world?
Sometimes it’s a new love interest, that coveted job you’ve been after, or, for me, a project that you’re delighted to birth (or a pug I want to adopt—it’s been a whole year since I got a new rescue!). I can’t wait to share this with you in the new year!
Tomorrow is the Winter Solstice, the shortest and darkest day of the year. The good news? Moving forward, the days get longer and brighter!
As we transition into this new time of the year, winter seems to give us permission to go within. You know, hibernate. To slow down and quiet, just like the natural world around us.
Looking for wintery activities to try over the holidays? Consider some of these below.
Enjoy a long afternoon walk. Stargaze. Snowshoe. Notice the moon (it’s full on 12/21). Put up bird feeders and keep them stocked. Make a pot of soup. Create warmth during the longest night by cuddling on the couch. Build a snowman. Ice skate. Collect pine cones to make scented pine cones. Volunteer. Sip vegan lavender hot cocoa.
Catch up on Tranquility du Jour podcasts. Schedule down time. Light candles. Try a 24-hour digital detox. Soak in the tub with sweet almond oil. Write. Practice kindness. Choose your charities for end of year giving (ahem, Pigs & Pugs Project is amazing!). Get crafty and create handmade gifts.
Watch this 1-hour video on ways to make your holidays less harried. Begin to wind down the year with deep reflection and a long nap by the fire. Rinse and repeat. Or, watch this 1-hour video on doing an end of year review.
Pause for a view of the full moon and set an intention. Wishing you a joyful celebration of the Solstice and a smooth transition into this season of slowing down. Bisous. x
