Holiday Pauses
Rituals, reflections, memories, visualization.
Hello friends!
As the year begins to soften and the days grow quieter, I find myself craving fewer plans and more presence.
Less rushing.
More noticing.
There’s something about this season that invites reflection. I’ve been catching myself in small moments lately: standing at the window watching snow fall, lighting a candle early in the morning, reaching for old photographs that only come out this time of year.
These small rituals feel like anchors.
This-or-That Reflection
If you paused for a moment and checked in with yourself, what would you choose right now?
• Candlelight or twinkle lights
• Handwritten cards or voice notes
• Quiet mornings or cozy evenings
• Fresh snowfall or crackling fire
• Baking something familiar or trying a new recipe
• Staying close to home or taking a long winter walk
• A full table or a quiet corner
There are no right answers—only gentle clues to what your season is asking for.
Memories
One small memory that returns to me each Christmas: at the end of my bed sat my stocking, waiting quietly while my parents slept a little longer. At the toe, without fail, was a mandarin orange. In those days, mandarin oranges were only available at Christmas time. I still remember the simple joy of discovering each small surprise, one by one, in that quiet morning light.
Perhaps there is a memory waiting for you, too - something small, familiar, and tender. If so, you might let it come gently, without searching.
A Snow Globe Pause
There are moments - especially during the holiday season, and the few days leading up to your celebrations - when the world can feel loud, fast, or overstimulating.
This simple visualization is an invitation to pause within the moment, rather than step away from it.
Inspired by a story shared by Beth Kempton in her book Calm Christmas, this Snow Globe Pause offers a way to feel gently held and protected - whether you’re in the middle of a crowd, a gathering, or a full day.
You might return to it:
• before a holiday event
• while waiting in line
• during a busy afternoon
• or anytime you need a few quiet breaths
There’s no right way to experience this. You don’t need to feel calm. Simply listening is enough.
How to use this pause:
Find a comfortable seat if you can, or listen wherever you are.
Close your eyes—or soften your gaze.
Allow yourself to move slowly through the visualization, taking pauses wherever you need them.
If it feels right, you’re welcome to share:
• where you were when you tried it
• what you noticed
• or simply a word that describes how you feel now
And if you prefer to experience it quietly, that’s perfect too.
This space is here to hold you—gently.
Wishing you moments of calm, quiet joy, and gentle noticing—
however this season meets you.
Alone.
With a move looming large and the first rejection for a lovely one bedroom in the morning emails.
My dining table the only space reflecting this Winter’s Solstice and Christmas.
The Pause, stretched out on my new-to-me vintage mid-century modern recliner, lap blanket, warm. I notice a tingling coolness, and lots of random thoughts that just won’t stop. I am watching those thoughts from a distance. I smile. I write this to share. And the random thoughts
gently settle in a snow globe somewhere else.
Thanks for this beautiful visualisation Kathy. I’m currently alone in my hotel room in the morning, but in my visualisation found myself snuggled on my sofa with my kitties, boyfriend, brother and sister-in-law (never mind that in reality my sofa barely fits me! 🤣) it was a calm and cosy feeling of slow, quiet togetherness. Thanks for such a lovely start to my day!