Winter rituals I’m dreaming up

Nov 4

The last of the fall leaves are falling as the first snow came today in Denver. Yesterday, we celebrated an extra hour and morning with the end of Daylight Savings. When the sun starts setting earlier, it makes me want to curl up under a blanket, light a candle, and cook a stew.

I LOVE a season change. Growing up in California we felt the season change a bit, but nothing like in Colorado, where we get four distinct seasons, each with something special to offer.

Spring brings a newness with budding flowers, longer days, and excitement for the months ahead.

Summer brings warmth and brightness, making me want to make the most of every minute of every long day.

Fall brings the crisp air and beautiful colors, inviting me to run to the mountains and soak up nature.

And now, here comes winter—A time to hunker down and slow down. A time to be intentional and present. A time to spend time with family and celebratory traditions.

With this season's change, in particular, I’ve been thinking a lot about rituals and traditions. My husband and I have recently added the ritual of cooking together on Sundays, which is a treasured time to wrap up the weekend and connect before the busyness of the week is upon us.

When I think about holiday traditions, much of my holiday traditions have been passed down by my family. But as you get older, you have the opportunity to blend old traditions with new ones. We don’t have kids, so we haven’t created many holiday-specific traditions or rituals of our own.

While I watch friends celebrate with family PJs photos and Elf of the Shelf, I’m afraid my husband would not put on matching PJs with me, and our pup, Bentley, may just eat that little Elf.

“Rituals mark the passing of time and create something to look forward to.”

Rituals mark the passing of time and create something to look forward to. They need not be grand—even the most simple rituals can be impactful. While I’m honored to be a part of holiday celebrations of my family, my in-laws and husband’s family, and friends, I find myself reflecting on what I want my season to include.

Here are a few rituals I’m considering adding this year…

Hosting

Hosting is my love language, so I’d like to add more rituals around hosting in general. I’m thinking of hosting dinners once a month with a mix of family and friends and hosting a regular brunch for the amazing women in my life. We host often, but not on a schedule, so I think prioritizing this would fill me up.

Showing gratitude.

With Thanksgiving near, I’m looking into little ways I can be intentional about showing my gratitude to my friends and family for their love, support, and friendship.

Handmade greetings.

This one seems like I may regret it halfway through the project, but I miss the old-school holiday cards! I think it would be so fun to make something special to send to people this year.

Winter Solstice.

This year, Dec. 21 will mark the shortest day of the year. In ancient times, Solstice was seen as the symbolic death and rebirth of the Sun. There is some powerful energy on a Solstice, and I’m all about a little woo. I see a Solstice ceremony in my future.

What are your holiday traditions and rituals?

On a separate but related note. If you’re looking for some books to snuggle up with this season, here are two that continue the conversation from this post: