A restful advent

a daily guide to inspire delight and feel grounded

I absolutely love Christmas and also really dislike the busyness and pressure to make this time of the year something spectacular. Inspired by a post I saw from last year, I wanted to make my own restful advent list and share it with you too. These things feel slow, intentional and meaningful as so much of Christmas has become about buying more and doing more. I hope this list inspires you to create some sweet moments to connect with yourself and others and do little activities that spark delight.

Dec 1 - Make mincemeat for mince pies

Dec 2 - Pick up a Christmas themed book from the library (I’ll grab a romance and a mystery)

Dec 3 - Drive around your town/city to see some Christmas lights. Make a hot chocolate to go, if you feel like it

Dec 4 - Check in with yourself. How are you feeling? Is there some grief under the surface or a longing that’s needing to be held? Take time to process through what’s coming up for you

Dec 5 - Write and send out Christmas cards to friends and family

Dec 6 - Dry orange slices in the oven and make a garland or tree decorations

Dec 7 - Watch an episode (or a few) of Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen

Dec 8 - Make mulled wine or mulled apple cider/juice

Dec 9 - Make a big pot of soup for dinner and share with friends

Dec 10 - Make a playlist of your favourite Christmas music

Dec 11 - Clear out some of the clothes you’ve been meaning to take to the thrift store, drop them off and while you’re there, see if they have any cute Christmas mugs or old vinyls

Dec 12 - Rest and watch a movie you love

Dec 13 - Wrap any presents you’ve bought while listening to the playlist you made

Dec 14 - Make mince pies

Dec 15 - Share mince pies with friends, family, coworkers

Dec 16 - Curl up on the sofa with good book and a peppermint hot chocolate

Dec 17 - Light a fire and make s’mores

Dec 18 - Go for a walk in a pretty neighbourhood where the houses are decorated. Take delight in bundling up for the cold, or in our case, soaking up the sunshine

Dec 19 - Make a cranberry orange sourdough loaf

Dec 20 - Stock up on items you’ll need for Christmas meals, freeze things if you need to so you don’t have to go to the store in next few days

Dec 21 - Light a candle and say some prayers for loved ones who might be going through a difficult time this holiday season

Dec 22 - Make a cozy, comforting meal in candlelight

Dec 23 - Spend time with someone you love

Dec 24 - Rest and watch your favourite Christmas movies

Dec 25 - Rest, dine, delight, gather, celebrate, laugh, cry, give, receive ❤️

I hope your December feels nourishing and comforting and that there’s room for all of the things you love the most about this time of year. Sending love,

Em x