Where the Quiet Things Live | Choosing a Gentler Holiday Season

As the holiday season begins, the world often asks us to move faster—buy more, do more, rush through it all. In this gentle reflection, I share why I’m choosing a slower, more intentional holiday season this year, and how a simple list of quiet joys became a reminder of what truly feels like home.

Slowing Down The Holiday Season

Dear Friends and colorful humans—

As one holiday folds itself away and another waits just around the corner, I find myself returning to the same question I ask every year: How do I move through this season gently?

Not as an almost, soon to be shop owner.

Not as a consumer.

Just as a person trying to breathe, to notice, to belong.

Choosing A Softer Way To Celebrate

Because every year, the world seems to turn its dial a little faster—brighter banners, louder countdowns, endless encouragement to buy and rush and do. I understand the rhythm of it, especially for those of us running small businesses. But still, my heart has always longed for something quieter. Something slower. Something true. This year, life pushed us into a different situation and one we didn't ask to be in.  But here we are anyway, and the Christmas Season is upon us.  

Letting Go Of The Rush

So this time, instead of trying to match the pace, I made a different choice.

Making Space For What Matters

I wrote a small list—just for me—of what actually makes this season feel like Home. In case you're new here, we don't have one at the moment.) And then I painted it into a single illustration now living on my mother-in-laws fridge, a steady reminder each time I pass by or open it for butter 🧈😊🍪

A Simple List that Changed The Season

What Makes The Season Feel Like Home This Year

• bake at least one old family recipe to remember my mom or grandma

• cooking beside my daughter and laughing

   because it’s better than crying, but tears are okay too.

• slowing down enough to notice this brief and beautiful life

• wandering outside and noticing birds and nature with my little dog     

   Nori

• holding space for those whose basic needs aren’t being met, who are   

   worse off then us.

• giving to the charities that help carry others home this season

• making room for rest (and a little dancing) in the middle of it all

A Reminder I Could See Every Day

A soft whisper to myself, taped in place:

Choose a gentler celebration this year.

In my head I have to keep whispering it’s okay.

I know this year has been tough and life

is a struggle right now but celebrating

different is still honoring the spirit of the season.

A Free Quiet-Season List For You

Turning Reflection Into An Illustration

How To Use The Printable

Print this tiny page, tape it to your fridge, and fill it with the small, steady things that make this season feel like home for you.

Download your free list →

A gentle reminder to celebrate differently this year.

Celebrate differently Free PDF

Here’s to slow moments, warm hands, dancing in the kitchen, and noticing the tiny things that make your heart say, “ This feels like home.”

A festive moose, adorned with colorful lights and a cheerful bird on its antlers, spreads holiday joy by sharing treats with its bird friends. The cozy setting displays a Christmas tree, stockings, and the warm message, "’Tis the Season to Share.”

Download Here

With the Solstice coming up, here is a beautiful idea to make some colorful winter decorations from a great little blog I found called mudandbloom. This creative project utilizes simple materials, like tissue paper or wax paper. The vibrant hues of tissue paper can transform the often gray and dreary winter landscape into a delightful display of color and warmth. As the light filters through, the colors will dance and shift, creating a warm feeling of HOME that can uplift your spirits even on the coldest days.

If you happen to do the project tag me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/marvill_illustrations/

I would love to have us light up the World with Color

https://www.mudandbloom.com/blog/window-stars

Here is a look at some beautiful Colorado clouds from the other night and one of my favorite traditions hanging paper lights in the window throughout the winter

🎄May this season offer you pockets of quiet, invitations to rest, and reminders that home is not a place we rush toward, but a feeling we return to again and again.

What are your favorite winter traditions? Let me know down below in the comments.