Slow Living in December: Cherishing the Magic of the Season

December, the last and most beautiful chapter of the year, when the long, dark nights are illuminated by twinkling lights, and cold winds usher us into our warm homes. The last leaves may still cling to the trees, but Autumn is gone for good. Here in my beautiful Somerset, the landscape is wintry and quiet.

December is somehow both an end and a beginning. On the 21st of this month, we will celebrate the Winter Solstice - the longest night and shortest day of the year. We will reach the depths of Winter darkness, and yet... the light will be born. After the solstice, the days will gradually grow longer. It will be a tiny increment, just a few minutes each day, and it will take a while before our human eyes notice the difference. But the wheel of the year never stands still and things are always in motion. From the end of this month, we slowly begin returning to the light.

The buildup to Christmas often leaves us exhausted, and the weeks after are filled with silence and contemplation. With the New Year, many of us will set intentions and resolutions (more on that in January’s to-do list). Late December walks in the forest are some of my favorites - the peace among the trees at this time of year is unmatched and really puts into perspective the chaos of the human world.

December is a month for celebrating family, close friends, and the warmth of our homes. But it can also be demanding, leaving us feeling rushed and stressed. I hope my Slow Living To-Do List for this month inspires you to slow down and cherish this special time, rather than rushing through it.

1. Listen to Festive Music and Ambience

In December, we’re attacked with festive music in every shop and on every radio station. But I invite you to mindfully play festive music that sparks joy in your heart, perhaps bringing back memories and nostalgic feelings.

Research shows that music-evoked nostalgia can enhance psychological well-being by fostering positive emotions, alleviate stress and improve mood, contributing to overall mental health.

My favourite festive music for work is this Harry Potter Ambience. It’s just 4 songs on repeat (lol!), but I’ve been listening to it every year since Christmas 2020, and I never get bored. I grew up with Harry Potter, so the books, movies, and music feel like home.

If you enjoy choir music, you might also like Carols From King's (performed by the Choir of King’s College in Cambridge). I love listening to it closer to Christmas - it truly elevates the atmosphere at home (you can also find performances from different years, including some really vintage ones!)

2. Decorate Your Home

I’m a huge fan of decorating my home for the seasons. It helps me feel in tune with nature. I know most people decorate in December anyway, but I wanted to remind you that your home decor doesn’t have to be over the top, expensive, or flashy.

Of course, if you enjoy going all out - go for it, good for you! But for many, December becomes a month of rushing, stressing, and overusing credit cards. Let me tell you, there’s nothing less festive than feeling overwhelmed and pressured to make things “perfect.”

Choose decorations that truly spark joy - maybe a handmade garland or vintage finds will help you notice the magic in the small details.

Decorating a Christmas tree is simply a pleasure, but there is also a deep meaning to it—celebrating resilience and abundance. In my family, we say that a well-decorated tree is a good sign for the coming year, as the baubles, twinkling lights, and garlands symbolise prosperity and blessings ahead.

3. Embrace the Darkness

December’s shorter days remind us that even Mother Nature needs to slow down and rest. Make the most of the early nights by lighting YR Studio festive candles, catching up on books and TV shows, or simply having an early night (just don’t forget to extinguish your candles before bed!). Long evenings make us feel like we have nowhere to be, turning our homes into warm, cosy havens in the cold, dark world.

4. Practice Gratitude for Your Home

Take a moment this December to pause and reflect on the comfort of your home during Winter. In the rush of everyday life - often filled with frustrations - it’s easy to forget what a privilege it is to have a place to call home.

Christmas is a wonderful time to practice gratitude for what we have: a safe, cosy house that shelters our loved ones and us from the discomforts and dangers of the outside world.

5. Prioritise Quality Time Over Quantity

During the holiday season, have the courage to say no to anything that feels like too much of a chore. December often comes with social obligations, but practicing slow living means focusing on meaningful connections. It’s okay to skip some gatherings and choose to stay home. Don’t worry - you’re not missing out; you’ll likely hear all the juicy details from friends or colleagues later anyway haha!

That said, try spending quality time with the people who truly matter - those whose presence feels like a warm hug. Even if you’re a homebody or a bit of a loner, December is a time to open up heart, connect with others and appreciate their presence in your life.

6. Take Rest When Needed

Amidst the festivities, allow yourself to pause and recharge. Don’t wait until Christmas is over to slow down and catch a breather - your battery might run out faster than expected! Juggling work, home, children, social media, hobbies, sports, and more is a lot at any time of year. In December, with the added layer of pre-Christmas busyness, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and burned out.

Light a candle, curl up with a book, enjoy a quiet cup of tea, or even spend an afternoon doing nothing (I know—it’s hard!). Rest is essential, especially in this season of giving, to ensure you have the energy to give others your love and attention. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty jug! 

7. Go for a Walk

Yup, this point makes it onto every monthly list, but a walk in nature is truly a must for every season and every week of the year. Right now, we can notice the Winter calm settling over the woodlands and fields. Some trees still cling to their leaves, while others have already let go and entered hibernation mode. The atmosphere at this time of year is so peaceful and beautiful. Dress warmly, layer up, put on your wellies, and go! Breathe in the fresh, crisp air of Winter.

For the first time in this cycle, I also encourage you to visit a town—especially if you’re lucky enough to live near any historic places decorated for Christmas. If, like me, you’re not a fan of crowds, try going close to shop closing times or just after. Town centers become much quieter as people settle in their homes, and you’ll get to admire the beauty of festive decorations and shop displays undisturbed. It’s kind of a Lorelai Gilmore moment. :)

8. Simply enjoy the season

Lastly - just enjoy the season. Eat the mince pie(s :D), drink hot chocolate, watch Home Alone for the 100th time - after all, there is a limited number of Christmases we are given on this earth. Let's celebrate and make the most of every single year.

A Few Closing Words

December is one of the most contrasting months. On one hand it's cosiness, family, and joy. On the other, it comes with longer to-do lists, short days that make us feel pressed for time, and busy shops and streets. It’s a lot to balance, and one of the best ways to manage is by slowing down.

Whenever I feel overwhelmed and like a hot mess, my husband always tells me to pause, take a deep breath, and calmly analyse the situation. After all these years, it still surprises me every time how well it works! So if you find yourself feeling that way in the coming weeks, do the same - pause and breathe. You’ve got this!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas. I’m truly grateful to have you here.

Adriana x