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Seasonal Notes — Episode 2
The Beauty of Doing Less
Welcome back to Seasonal Notes.In today’s episode, we’re talking about the quiet magic of doing less as we move towards December — choosing gently, slowing down, protecting our energy, and making space for the moments that matter.
I’m sharing how our own family shifted from an overwhelming December to one filled with small, meaningful traditions, and how our beloved “24 Days of December” activity jar became the inspiration behind this year’s 31 Ways to Slow Down & Savour December calendar.
You’ll also hear this week’s personal reflection from our home — storms, power cuts, attic chaos and all — and how the small, steadying moments have been my anchor once again.
🌿 In This Episode
Why December fills itself so quickly
Learning to choose less, more intentionally
How our family created a simple advent calendar of cosy activities
Why small, meaningful rituals bring more joy than doing everything
A gentle invitation to simplify your December
“One Thing I’m Learning This Week” — a personal note
Seasonal resources to support your winter
🕯 Seasonal Resources Mentioned
✨ How to Winter Well — November Calendar
Your free, gentle guide to grounding and slowing down this month.👉 https://ourlittlehouseinthecountry.com/2025/10/28/30-ways-to-winter-well-november-calendar/
**🎄 Coming November 25th:
31 Ways to Slow Down & Savour December — Advent & Beyond Calendar**A gentle collection of tiny seasonal moments to carry you from December 1st to New Year’s Day.
🔗 Stay Connected
✨ InstagramBehind-the-scenes, daily seasonal living, slow-living reflections, home life & candle stories👉 https://instagram.com/ourlittlehouseinthecountry
✨ The Blog — Our Little House in the CountrySeasonal living, cosy rhythms, recipes, homemaking, calendars, and more👉 https://ourlittlehouseinthecountry.com
✨ How to Winter Well Calendar (direct link)👉 https://ourlittlehouseinthecountry.com/2025/10/28/30-ways-to-winter-well-november-calendar/
📅 New Episodes Every Sunday Morning
Seasonal Notes is now a weekly Sunday podcast — a gentle space to ease into the week with cosy conversations about slow, intentional, seasonal living.
💛 Thank you
Thank you so much for listening. If this episode brought you comfort, clarity, or a moment to breathe, I’d love if you shared it with someone who might enjoy a softer December too.
📖Winter Reading & Seasonal Inspiration
If you’re drawn to the quieter, slower rhythms of the colder months, these are some of the books I return to again and again during winter. They explore themes of seasonal living, rest, reflection, hygge, and finding joy in simpler days. I’ll leave the links below if you’d like to explore any of them further.
Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work.
📚 Winter & Seasonal Reading
The Christmas Chronicles – Nigel Slater
The Almanac: A Seasonal Guide to 2026 – Lia Leendertz
The Joy of Wintering – Erin Niimi Longhurst
How to Winter – Kari Leibowitz
Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year – Beth Kempton
My Hygge Home – Meik Wiking
The Art of Danish Living – Meik Wiking
The Little Book of Hygge – Meik Wiking
The Little Book of Lykke – Meik Wiking
Wintering – Katherine May
The Self‑Care Year – Alison Davies
The Happiness Year – Tara Ward
The Wheel of the Year – Fiona Cook & Jessica Roux
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ciarawinters.substack.com